Äitiysloma: maternity leave

Detailed explanation

Finland's parental leave system was significantly reformed in 2022, creating one of the most equal parental leave systems in the world. The new system uses gender-neutral terms and divides leave more equally between parents. However, the traditional terms äitiysloma (maternity leave) and isyysloma (paternity leave) are still commonly used.

Under the reformed system (for children born August 2022 or later):

Raskausvapaa (pregnancy leave): 40 days available only to the birth mother, starting 14-30 days before the due date. This cannot be transferred to the other parent. Vanhempainvapaa (parental leave): Each parent receives 160 days of parental leave. Up to 63 days can be transferred to the other parent. Single parents receive all 320 days.

During these leaves, Kela pays äitiysraha (maternity allowance) and vanhempainraha (parental allowance), which are calculated based on your income. The benefit is approximately 70% of your salary, with higher replacement rates for lower incomes and caps for very high earners.

How it affects expats

• •Residency requirement: You must be covered by Finnish social security (typically requires 180 days of residence or employment)

• •Apply early: Submit your Kela application 2-3 months before your due date

• •Employer notification: Inform your employer at least 2 months before starting leave

• •Job protection: Your employer cannot terminate you due to pregnancy or parental leave

• •Return rights: You're entitled to return to your same or equivalent position

• •Language support: Kela provides services in Finnish, Swedish, and English

Parental leave timeline

Before birth:

• •Notify employer of pregnancy when convenient (legally protected from day one)

• •Apply to Kela for maternity benefit 2-3 months before due date

• •Start pregnancy leave 14-30 days before due date

After birth:

• •Continue on parental leave as planned

• •Register the child's birth with DVV

• •Apply for child benefit (lapsilisä) from Kela

Returning to work:

• •Can use parental leave days flexibly until child turns 2

• •Many parents combine leaves with home care allowance (kotihoidon tuki)

• •Childcare options include municipal daycare or private alternatives

Benefit amounts

Calculation basis:

• •Based on your annual income from the previous calendar year

• •Self-employed income calculated differently

• •Minimum benefit available even without prior income

Approximate amounts (2026):

• •Minimum daily allowance: approximately 31.99 EUR

• •If your annual income is 30,000 EUR: approximately 80 EUR/day

• •If your annual income is 50,000 EUR: approximately 100 EUR/day

• •Higher incomes are capped; very high earners receive proportionally less

Employer supplement:

• •Many collective agreements require employers to pay the difference between Kela's benefit and full salary for a period

• •Check your employment contract and TES for details

How to apply

• Register pregnancy with healthcare: Book your first appointment at neuvola (maternity clinic)

• Get certificate: The neuvola provides documentation of your pregnancy

• Apply to Kela: Use the OmaKela online service 2-3 months before due date

• Provide income information: Kela accesses tax data automatically, but self-employed may need additional documentation

• Inform employer: Give written notice of your planned leave dates

• Receive benefits: Payments begin when your leave starts

Related terms

• •Isyysloma (Paternity Leave) — Parental leave for fathers and non-birth parents in Finland, part of the reformed equal parental leave system

• •Neuvola (Child Health Clinic) — Free Finnish municipal health clinics providing prenatal care, child health checkups, and family support services

• •Kela — Finland's Social Insurance Institution

• •Päiväkoti (Daycare) — Finnish early childhood education and care centers for children before school age, with income-based fees