Calculate Greek maternity benefit (epidoma maternity) from EFKA. Based on average daily earnings for the pre-maternity period, paid for 119 days total leave.
Enter your average daily gross earnings to estimate your EFKA maternity benefit over the full 119-day leave period in Greece.
Total Maternity Benefit (119 days)
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Pre-birth benefit (56 days)
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Post-birth benefit (63 days)
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Daily benefit
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Equivalent monthly salary
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Your breakdown
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How maternity benefit works in Greece
Greek working mothers receive EFKA maternity benefit for 119 calendar days of statutory leave. EFKA calculates the daily rate based on insured earnings. The benefit replaces the salary during leave; the employer does not pay salary during the EFKA benefit period (except where contractual arrangements require a top-up).
Example calculation
An employee earning 1,500 EUR gross per month has an average daily rate of 1,500 / 25 = 60 EUR per day. Pre-birth benefit (56 days): 56 x 60 = 3,360 EUR. Post-birth benefit (63 days): 63 x 60 = 3,780 EUR. Total maternity benefit: 7,140 EUR over 119 days, tax-free.
Tips and considerations
Apply to EFKA for the maternity benefit at least 2 months before the expected birth date. Check with your employer whether your contract includes any top-up above the EFKA benefit. The additional parental leave period (after the 119-day EFKA leave) is separate and handled differently; review DYPA and Law 4808/2021 for current entitlements.
Frequently asked questions
How long is maternity leave in Greece and what is the pay?
Greek working mothers are entitled to a total of 17 weeks (119 calendar days) of maternity leave, split as 8 weeks (56 days) before the expected birth date and 9 weeks (63 days) after birth. During this period, EFKA pays a maternity cash benefit (epidoma kyoforia-loheia) equal to the average daily earnings of the mother calculated over the 30 working days before the reference period (last 30 days before the pre-birth period starts). The benefit is paid at 100% of the calculated daily earnings. To qualify, the mother must have at least 200 days of EFKA insurance contributions in the previous 2 years.
Is Greek maternity benefit taxable?
No. Greek EFKA maternity benefit (loheia) is exempt from income tax. The full amount paid by EFKA during the 119-day leave period is received without any deduction for income tax or EFKA contributions. It must be declared in the annual tax return in the non-taxable income section but does not increase the taxable income base. The employer must also continue to pay any supplementary benefit amounts above the EFKA base where collective bargaining agreements or individual contracts require it, and the employer-topped-up amount may have different tax treatment.
What happens to maternity pay during the remaining employer leave period?
After the 17-week EFKA maternity benefit period, Greek mothers can take an additional period of special parental leave (eidiki gonike adia) of up to 4 months under the 2021 parental leave law (Law 4808/2021 implementing EU Directive 2019/1158). This additional leave is unpaid in terms of EFKA benefits, but the employer cannot dismiss the employee during or shortly after parental leave. The law also grants fathers up to 14 working days of paid paternity leave immediately after birth, paid by DYPA at the level of the minimum wage. Both parents also share entitlement to 4 months of paid parental leave financed by DYPA.
What benefits are available to mothers who are not employed?
Mothers who are not employed (or self-employed without sufficient EFKA contributions) can apply for the uninsured maternity benefit (anasfalistos) from DYPA. This is a flat grant rather than an earnings-related benefit, paid at a fixed amount set by ministerial decision (approximately 900 to 1,000 EUR as a one-time payment for births in 2025, subject to annual adjustment). Additionally, the national birth grant (epidoma gennisis) was reintroduced under law changes in recent years and provides a lump-sum payment to all mothers regardless of work status. Social criteria and income tests may apply; check OPEKA (the national social solidarity organisation) for current eligibility.