Greece has introduced important changes to its maternity protection framework, expanding access to Greek special maternity leave and related benefits for a wider group of working mothers. The changes took effect on the 14th of August 2026 and are designed to provide greater support to employees whose working arrangements fall outside of the traditional full-time employment model.
The country already allows eligible private-sector employees to apply for a period of special maternity protection leave through the Public Employment Service (DYPA). The latest reforms build on this framework by extending eligibility to additional categories of mothers and clarifying how benefits apply in more complex employment situations.
More Support for Part-Time Workers in Greece
Under the revised rules, part-time employees will have any additional employment taken into account when determining entitlement to the full maternity subsidy. This helps ensure that mothers working across multiple roles are not disadvantaged compared to full-time employees.
The expansion also includes foster mothers who go on to complete an adoption. As a result, more adoptive families can access the same maternity protections available to biological parents.
Benefits Continue Alongside Employer-Paid Leave
The maternity protection benefit will remain payable – even when an employer continues to provide full salary during maternity and childbirth leave. This clarification ensures employees do not lose access to state support because their employer offers enhanced maternity pay.
Recognition of Multiple Jobs
Working mothers who hold more than one job may now be eligible for maternity protection benefits in relation to concurrent employment arrangements, subject to the applicable conditions. This reflects the growing number of employees who work for multiple employers at the same time.
Seasonal Employees Included
The reforms also extend eligibility to seasonal workers, provided their employment relationship remains active. This is particularly relevant for sectors where seasonal employment is common, such as:
- Tourism
- Hospitality
- Agriculture
Support for Employees with Self-Employed Income
Mothers who are employed while also carrying out self-employed work, such as freelance activities, can now access maternity benefits linked to their salaried employment – even if they have already received maternity payments through their self-employed insurance status.
New Greek Special Maternity Leave: Leap29’s Recommendations
These changes reflect a broader effort by Greece to modernise its maternity protection regime and better accommodate today’s workforce. By extending coverage to part-time workers, seasonal employees, adoptive parents and workers with multiple income sources, the reforms make maternity support more accessible and inclusive.
For employers, the update is a reminder to review maternity policies and ensure HR teams understand the expanded eligibility rules. Organisations with workers in non-standard employment arrangements may see more employees qualifying for these benefits going forward.
Leap29’s Perspective:
“I think Greece has recognised something many countries are still grappling with: the workforce has evolved far faster than employment protections. The expansion of maternity benefits to cover non-traditional working arrangements is a reminder that legislation needs to remain relevant to the people it serves. In my opinion, these reforms strike a sensible balance between strengthening social support and reflecting the realities of today’s labour market.” ~ Simon Duff, Director, Leap29.
