Maternity leave in Luxembourg

What is maternity leave and how to apply

Maternity leave is a period of time off from work for pregnant women or mothers who have just given birth. In Luxembourg, maternity leave is regulated by the Labour Code which outlines the responsibilities of employers and the rights and protections for pregnant and nursing women in the workplace.

Luxembourg's all-encompassing social security system covers employees, providing benefits for illness, and workplace accidents, as well as maternity, old age, disability, unemployment, early retirement, and family benefits. The system is overseen by the Ministry of Social Security and the Inspectorate General of Social Security, with contributions from insured individuals and public authorities coming through the CCSS (Centre Commun de la Sécurité Sociale).

To qualify for benefits, pregnant women must be

covered by the social insurance system

working as an employee or self-employed worker

not eligible for more advantageous legal conditions

How to apply for maternity leave in Luxembourg?

Applying for maternity leave is a common and widely supported process. It can be completed by following a few simple steps.

How the law protects pregnant women?

The law prohibits any form of discrimination against pregnant women and new mothers in the workplace. This includes protection against dismissal during pregnancy and for 12 weeks following the end of maternity leave.

Pregnant women also have the right to take time off work for antenatal appointments without loss of pay. This includes medical examinations, tests, and ultrasound scans related to pregnancy and childbirth.

Employers are also required to ensure that pregnant women are not exposed to any hazardous substances or activities in the workplace that could harm their health or that of their unborn child.

What needs to be done before giving birth

There are several steps that a pregnant woman should take before the birth of her child. Overall, they consist of undergoing several medical examinations during the whole pregnancy, going through theoretical and practical courses for young parents and, of course, planning the birth and first few months of life with a newborn.

And if the last one is usually a pleasant time, like shopping for cute tiny socks, or choosing the name, other parts can bring some questions. Let's answer them.

Pregnancy and necessary medical examinations

It is recommended that pregnant women attend the following examinations with a specialist. We have previously covered the topics of Healthcare in the Grand Duchy and options for choosing a professional in Luxembourg.

Theoretical and practical courses for pregnant women in Luxembourg

Pregnant women are encouraged to attend various courses and educational programs to ensure a healthy pregnancy, prepare for childbirth, and acquire knowledge and skills related to caring for their newborn. Pregnancy courses offer essential information about prenatal care, proper nutrition, exercise, and self-care during pregnancy, information about the stages of labor, pain management techniques, breathing and relaxation techniques, and newborn care.

There are several approaches to education for expecting parents. Typically, these courses can be offered in various formats, such as group classes, private sessions, online courses, or a combination of in-person and virtual instruction. 

Some might find this practices useful during pregnancy

Haptonomy

Practice focuses on the emotional and physical bond between people. It is often used during pregnancy and childbirth to strengthen the bond between parents and their child and to help ease the transition into parenthood.

Hypnosis

Can be helpful for pregnant women for deep relaxation, focused attention, and the reduction of anxiety and fear associated with childbirth. It can also be used to help manage pain during labor and delivery.

Sports

Physical activity is beneficial for pregnant women if done in moderation and with the healthcare provider. Exercise during pregnancy can improve physical and mental health, help prepare the body.

Organisations that help expecting mothers

There are a lot of services, that support motherhood in Luxembourg. The main governmental structures, that cover the family and motherhood are the Ministry of Family Affairs, Integration and the Greater Region and the Ministry of Equality between Women and Men.

Initiativ Liewensufank

Photo by Initiativ Liewensufank on Google Maps

The Initiativ Liewensufank is a counseling center for expectant and new parents. They can answer any questions people may have about pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and parenthood in general. They also provide free information and consultations (by phone or email) on all issues related to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, life with babies, and so on.

Web-site

20 Rue de Contern, 5955 Itzig Hesperange, Luxembourg

+352 36 05 97

MON — FRI

8:00 –12:00

SAT — SUN

Closed

FitParents

Photo by FitParents on Google Maps

The organization aims to promote health and fitness for expectant and new parents. FitParents offers a range of fitness and wellness classes for pregnant women, new mothers, and fathers. Their programs include prenatal yoga, postnatal fitness classes, and educational workshops.

Web-site

5 Av. Marie-Thérèse, 2132 Hollerich, Luxembourg

—

MON — SUN

7:00 – 22:00

You can choose a trial or a one-time class attendance!

What happens after the birth of a child in Luxembourg?

After giving birth in Luxembourg, there are several standard procedures and services that are typically provided to new mothers and their babies.

Of course, first of all, if you decide to give birth at the hospital, you will have a hospital stay. In Luxembourg, the average hospital stay after a delivery is around 3 to 4 days. For c-sections or if there have been any complications, the hospital stay may be longer to ensure proper recovery and monitoring.

Luxembourg encourages and promotes breastfeeding. Therefore, new mothers are typically offered assistance and support with breastfeeding during their first days of motherhood.

Registration of the newborn

In Luxembourg, it is a legal requirement to declare all births to the civil registrar of the commune where the birth occurred. This declaration must be made within 10 days following the birth, excluding the day of the birth itself.

It is important for parents to promptly complete the necessary paperwork and provide the required documentation to register their child's birth.

Paperwork to be done

After the delivery, a copy of the newborn's birth certificate must be submitted to various places. The birth registry office will give you 8 copies.

You typically must bring them to 

• the employer,
• commune office,
• CAE along with allowance application,
• CNS to the Service Indemnités Pécuniaires.

Other copies might be submitted depending on the case: for example, to the embassy, insurance company, housing authorities for benefits, etc.

Postpartum medical appointments

Postpartum medical appointments are an essential part of ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and baby after delivery. In Luxembourg, new mothers have access to several medical appointments as part of the postpartum care process.

A home visit by a midwife

This visit takes place within the first few days after returning home from the hospital. It is designed to check on the health of the mother and baby, as well as to offer support and guidance on breastfeeding and caring for a newborn. These visits are covered by health insurance companies.

A postpartum visit to a gynaecologist

This appointment typically takes place six weeks after delivery. The doctor will check on the mother's physical recovery after childbirth and for any signs of infection or complications, as well as discuss any concerns or issues related to the postpartum period.

Maternity and parental leave

Luxembourg has generous parental leave policies. Mothers are entitled to a mandatory maternity leave period of at least 8 weeks before the expected due date and up to 16 weeks after giving birth. Fathers can also take paternity leave, and both parents have the option to take additional parental leave for an extended period to care for their newborn.

Both parents can take parental leave, which can be taken in a flexible manner until the child reaches the age of five. During parental leave, employees are not paid by their employer but can receive financial support from the government. Father is equally eligible for a parental leave, depending on the circumstances of the working contract and collective agreement.

To be eligible for parental leave, employees must have been employed for at least 12 months and must have worked for their current employer for at least 6 months.

Pregnancy and work in the Grand Duchy

Balancing pregnancy and work in Luxembourg is facilitated by the country's supportive policies and regulations. By understanding your rights, communicating with your employer, and accessing available resources, you can navigate this journey with confidence and peace of mind. Remember to prioritise your health and well-being while preparing for the exciting adventure of motherhood.

Looking for a job while pregnant

In Luxembourg, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against job applicants based on pregnancy or maternity-related reasons. The law prohibits employers from denying employment opportunities, refusing to hire, or treating candidates unfavourably due to their pregnancy status.

Maintaining the employment relationship

When a woman gets pregnant and takes a maternity leave her employment contract is maintained and maternity leave is considered as a period of actual work.

After the maternity leave, workers have the right to request a gradual return to work or flexible work arrangements. This may include options such as part-time work, telecommuting, or adjusted work hours. Yet there are many options.

Termination of the employment

Return to work after maternity leave

Discuss these possibilities with your employer to find a mutually beneficial arrangement that allows for a smooth transition while maintaining a work-life balance.

Maternity leave benefits in Luxembourg

During maternity leave, mothers are entitled to receive a benefit to ensure financial support for the time, when they will be taking care of a newborn in Luxembourg. This benefit is based on the woman's salary and is paid for a maximum of 16 weeks. Employers are required to maintain the woman's social security and health insurance during her absence.

The calculation of maternity benefits is based on a few factors for women who are salaried workers:

• The highest salary received in the three months preceding the start of maternity leave.
• Additionally and if applicable, the average amount of complementary and accessory benefits received in the 12 months preceding the month before the start of maternity leave.

For women who are self-employed, the benefit is calculated on the contribution base in force at the time maternity leave is announced. In the case of part-time work, the threshold for calculating benefits is based on the hourly social minimum wage.

There are still certain limitations to the financial part of maternity benefits

they cannot be less than the social minimum wage

they cannot exceed five times the social minimum wage

How to receive maternity benefits?

To get maternity benefits women must submit a medical certificate and a statement from their employer confirming their employment and the expected start and end dates of their leave to the National Health Fund (CNS).

In order to receive maternity allowances, you will also need to send the special form to the CAE (Children's Future Fund) within 2 weeks of notifying the employer. You can download the example of this application below.

Documents

PDF

Application for parental leave allowance

FR

Application for parental leave allowance

Download

The maternity allowance in Luxembourg is 1740 euros and is paid in three equal instalments of 580 euros. Criteria for eligibility for state aid for childbirth usually differ for expats and residents.