Türkiye: Durations of Maternity and Paternity Leaves have been Increased

Authors: Ipek Unlu Tik and A. Kaan Baser

The Law Amending the Social Services Law and Certain Other Laws (“Amendment Law”), published in the Official Gazette dated 1 May 2026 and numbered 33240, entered into force on the date of its publication. The Amendment Law has introduced changes to various laws, including the extension of maternity and paternity leave durations.

The Amendment Law has revised some of the provisions set out in the Employment Code, as well as the Code on Social Insurance and General Health Insurance.

Accordingly:

• The leave period of mothers following the childbirth has been increased from 8 weeks to 16 weeks.
• The leave period of 8 weeks prior to the childbirth remains unchanged.
• The total leave period has been set at 24 weeks, consisting of 8 weeks before birth and 16 weeks after birth.
• Paternity leave period has been increased from 5 days to 10 days.
• Individuals whose maternity leave period had ended under the previous legislation as of the effective date of the Amendment Law, but who had not yet completed the 24-week period from the date of childbirth as of April 1^st, 2026 can also benefit from an additional 8 weeks of maternity leave, on the condition that they submit a written request within 10 business days starting from the effective date.

Key Points

• The total leave period concerning maternity leaves has been increased to 24 weeks, consisting of 8 weeks before birth and 16 weeks after birth.
• Paternity leave has been increased to 10 days.
• Individuals whose maternity leave period had ended under the previous legislation, but not yet completed the 24-week period can also benefit from an additional 8 weeks of maternity leave upon their written request.