What is the Maternity Leave Policy in the Czech Republic?

Modified on: Thu, 27 Nov, 2025 at 6:06 PM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Leave Entitlement
2. Required Documents
3. Pay During Leave
4. What Employers Should Expect
5. What Horizons Will Do
6. Quick Summary

When an employee notifies Horizons of a pregnancy, we take care of the entire process to ensure full compliance with Czech labor and social security regulations. Our goal is to make this transition smooth and stress-free for both employees and employers. Below is an overview of what to expect.

1. Leave Entitlement

In the Czech Republic, maternity leave (mateřská dovolená) is a statutory right designed to protect the health and well-being of both mother and child.

Standard entitlement:
- 28 weeks for a single birth
- 37 weeks for multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.)
Start date:
- Leave typically begins 6 to 8 weeks before the expected due date, based on the employee’s preference and medical advice.
- The total duration of maternity leave must be at least 14 weeks.
- A doctor’s certificate confirming the start date is required.

Eligibility for Paid Maternity Benefit (PPM):
To qualify for Peněžitá pomoc v mateřství (PPM), the employee must:

Have been covered by Czech sickness insurance for at least 270 days in the last 2 years before leave starts.
Be actively insured at the time leave begins (usually through employment).

If employment ends shortly before maternity leave, eligibility may still apply during the protection period.
Important: Even if the employee does not qualify for PPM, they are still entitled to statutory maternity leave.

2. Required Documents

Horizons will guide employees through the documentation process and ensure timely submission. Common documents include:

Official pregnancy confirmation from a medical provider
Expected due date certificate
Medical form for maternity leave commencement (issued by the doctor)
Any additional forms required by the Czech Social Security Administration (ČSSZ)

We will provide clear instructions on deadlines and where to send each document.

3. Pay During Leave

Maternity leave is generally supported by the statutory maternity benefit (PPM):

Paid by the Czech Social Security Administration (ČSSZ)
Calculated as 70% of the reduced daily assessment base, according to Czech social security rules
There is no mandatory employer-paid supplement unless agreed in the employment contract

If the employee does not meet PPM eligibility, other benefits such as parental allowance may apply after childbirth. Horizons will adjust payroll based on statutory requirements.

4. What Employers Should Expect

Employers play an important role in supporting employees during this time:

Acknowledge the pregnancy and upcoming leave
Respect job-protection requirements: pregnant employees and those on maternity leave have strong legal protections
Avoid any employment actions (termination, role changes, performance measures) without consulting Horizons
Plan for operational coverage during the employee’s absence
Ensure the employee can return to their role after leave, in line with Czech labor law

5. What Horizons Will Do

Horizons manages the entire process to ensure compliance and peace of mind:

Confirm maternity leave and benefit entitlements
Advise on documentation and guide the employee step by step
Validate medical certificates and leave forms
Communicate leave dates and entitlements to both employee and employer
Adjust payroll to reflect PPM eligibility
Ensure compliance with job protection and return-to-work obligations

We keep all parties informed throughout the process.

6. Quick Summary

Topic	Details
Maternity Leave Length	28 weeks (single birth), 37 weeks (multiple)
Earliest Start	8 weeks before due date
Latest Start	6 weeks before due date
Paid Benefit	Maternity benefit (PPM), paid by ČSSZ
Eligibility for PPM	270 days insured in last 2 years + active insurance
Rate of Pay	70% of reduced daily assessment base
Job Protection	Strong protection during pregnancy and leave

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Czech Republic