Hiring in France comes with unique compliance requirements, and one of the most important is understanding parental leave. For employers, staying compliant with maternity leave in France isn't just about following the law—it's about supporting your team through one of life's biggest transitions.
As a direct Employer of Record (EOR), Atlas HXM helps companies with international expansion and hiring. We handle payroll, benefits, and compliance while you focus on growing your business.
Maternity Leave in France
Maternity leave is the legally protected time off that mothers take before and after giving birth. The standard leave is 16 weeks—six weeks before the expected birth date (prenatal leave) and ten weeks after (postnatal leave).
The French law makes adjustments depending on the family situation:
Third child or more: 26 weeks (8 before, 18 after)
Twins: 34 weeks (12 before, 22 after)
Triplets or more: 46 weeks (24 before, 22 after)
Medical complications: Extra 2 weeks before birth and 4 weeks after
Maternity Leave Eligibility
To qualify for French maternity leave, employees must:
Be registered with the French Social Security system.
Have worked the required hours or earned the minimum salary in recent months.
Submit a pregnancy declaration to CPAM or MSA by the end of the first trimester.
How Long Is Paid Maternity Leave in France?
French maternity leave is fully paid through the French Social Security system, not directly by the employer. Payments are calculated using the employee's average salary from the three months before leave begins.
Most employees receive nearly full wage replacement, though benefits are capped at a maximum daily rate set by Social Security.
Daily allowances are paid every 14 days.
Taxes and social contributions are deducted (around 21%).
France Maternity Leave Protections
French labor law goes beyond pay and duration. French maternity leave comes with strong job protections:
An employee’s contract is suspended during leave but remains active.
Employers cannot dismiss an employee during maternity leave, even for misconduct.
Employees must be reinstated in the same or an equivalent role with the same pay and benefits.
Pay raises given during the employee’s absence must also apply when they return.
In addition to maternity benefits in France, eligible families may also receive extra financial support such as family allowances or the prime à la naissance (birth allowance), which helps cover the initial costs of welcoming a child.
French Paternity Leave
Alongside maternity leave, employers must also manage French paternity leave. Paternity leave is the equivalent of maternity leave for fathers or second parents.
Duration: 3 employer-paid “birth leave” days + 25 Social Security–funded days (or 32 days for multiple births).
Pay: As with maternity leave, French Social Security covers wages during paternity leave. Payments are typically based on the employee’s average salary from the last three months before leave begins — or, in some cases, on average daily earnings. Both calculation methods are accepted under French Social Security rules. Employers may also choose to top up pay.
Notice: Employees must inform employers at least one month in advance.
Understanding paternity leave rules and regulations in France is just as important, since both parents may request time away from work around the same period.
French Parental Leave
After maternity or paternity leave ends, employees in France may choose to take French parental leave (congé parental d'éducation).
This leave is unpaid but can last until the child turns three years old.
Employees can choose part-time work arrangements or full leave.
Both parents can share the time, either alternating or overlapping.
Eligibility requires at least one year of service with the employer before the child’s birth or adoption.
For global companies, this is a critical compliance area—employees may be gone for extended periods, and employers must be prepared for coverage and long-term planning. Try the Atlas Global Employee Cost Calculator to estimate per-employee costs across 160+ countries.
Adoption and Caregiver Leave in France
Parental protections in France extend beyond birth parents.
Adoptive leave:
10 weeks for one child
22 weeks for multiple children
Applies only when the child is placed through an authorized French body (ASE, AFA, or an approved international authority).
If parents already have two or more children, single-child adoption leave increases to 18 weeks
Adoptive leave is paid by Social Security using the same formula as maternity leave.
Employer Responsibilities During French Maternity Leave
Employers hiring in France should keep a clear checklist:
Confirm notice and documentation from the employee (usually medical proof and leave dates).
File paperwork with Social Security to ensure employees receive benefits.
Protect the employee’s job and benefits during leave.
Plan coverage—hire temporary replacements or redistribute responsibilities.
Support reintegration—offer flexible hours or return-to-work programs.
By treating this as more than just a compliance step, employers can strengthen employee retention and demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee well-being.
Comparing Maternity Leave in France with Other Countries
Globally, France maternity leave is considered generous—but not the longest.
France: 16–46 weeks, depending on circumstances, strong pay protections.
Germany: 14 weeks minimum.
Spain: 16 weeks (similar to France).
Sweden: Up to 480 days shared between parents (much longer, but with reduced pay after a period).
U.S.: No federally mandated paid maternity leave.
This comparison highlights why global employers must pay close attention: with different laws on parental leave for each country, things can get complex. That's where an Employer of Record like Atlas HXM becomes a strategic and cost-effective partner.
The Atlas Advantage: Simplifying Global Compliance
Managing maternity leave is just one part of a complex compliance landscape. From payroll to benefits, global companies face constant challenges in keeping up with evolving leave regulations.
That's where Atlas HXM makes a difference. As a direct EOR service provider, Atlas owns compliance risk while you stay focused on building your team. We handle payroll, compliance, benefits, and other HR obligations across more than 160 countries—so you don't have to.
If you're expanding into France or already employing talent there, Atlas gives you peace of mind knowing every detail—from leave regulations to tax compliance—is fully managed. Hire anyone, anywhere, with simple EOR pricing.
Partner with Atlas Today
France is a leader in family-first workplace protections, offering strong support through maternity, paternity, and parental leave. For employers, this means striking a balance between compliance and compassion. By understanding maternity leave, what benefits employees receive, and how to manage French parental leave, you can build stronger teams and reduce compliance risks.
Contact Atlas HXM today. Partnering with us means global compliance for all employees, regardless of their location.
FAQs
How long is maternity leave in France?
The standard leave is 16 weeks (6 before, 10 after). It increases for twins, triplets, or a third child. It also increases in special cases like premature or hospitalized babies.
How long is the maternity leave in France for multiple births?
Twins get 34 weeks, while triplets or more get 46 weeks.
How long is paid maternity leave in France?
Social Security pays maternity benefits for the full maternity leave period, but capped at a maximum allowance. Parental leave is unpaid in France.
Who pays maternity benefits in France?
Payments are handled by the French Social Security system, not directly by employers.