Question 1

How long is maternity leave in Malta?

Accepted Answer

Maternity leave in Malta is 18 weeks. The first 14 weeks are paid in full by the employer; the final 4 weeks are unpaid by the employer but covered by the government's Maternity Leave Benefit of €213.54 per week. At least 6 weeks must be taken after the birth.

Question 2

Who pays for maternity leave in Malta?

Accepted Answer

The employer pays the first 14 weeks at the employee's full salary. The remaining 4 weeks are paid by the government through the Maternity Leave Benefit (€213.54/week in 2026), which both employed and self-employed mothers can claim via mysocialsecurity.gov.mt.

Question 3

How much maternity benefit does a self-employed mother get in Malta?

Accepted Answer

Self-occupied mothers do not receive employer pay; instead they get the Maternity Benefit of €221.78 per week for 14 weeks, plus the 4-week Maternity Leave Benefit of €213.54 per week — a total of around €3,959 over 18 weeks in 2026.

Question 4

How long is paternity leave in Malta?

Accepted Answer

Fathers in Malta are entitled to 10 working days of paternity leave on full pay, funded by the employer, on the birth or adoption of their child. This applies equally to all employees regardless of length of service.

Question 5

Do I get maternity benefit if I am not employed in Malta?

Accepted Answer

Women who are not entitled to employer-paid maternity leave (for example those not in employment but satisfying social security conditions) may qualify for the flat-rate Maternity Benefit of €140.29 per week for 14 weeks in 2026.

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Malta Maternity Leave 2026: Complete Guide