Employment
Maternity leave in Kosovo: length and pay
Maternity leave under Kosovo's Law on Labour: 12 months, 70% paid by the employer, 50% by the state, paternity leave and protection from dismissal.
Andi B. · · 3 min read
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Maternity leave is one of the most common questions from employees and one of the costs small employers most often fail to plan for. Below are the rules of the Law on Labour in force, explained for both sides.
How long it lasts and how it's paid
The Law on Labour gives an employee the right to up to 12 months of maternity leave, in three parts:
| Period | Who pays | How much |
|---|---|---|
| Months 1 to 6 | The employer | 70% of base pay |
| Months 7 to 9 | The state | 50% of the average wage in Kosovo |
| Months 10 to 12 | Optional | Unpaid |
The employee decides when leave starts, usually a few weeks before the expected birth date, based on a doctor's report. The state-paid part is claimed through the ministry responsible for labour and social welfare.
The cost for the employer
For a small business, six months at 70% of pay, without the employee's work, is a real cost. A replacement's wage is often added on top. Some advice:
- Plan early. Pregnancy is usually announced months before leave; use that time for cover and training.
- A fixed-term contract for cover. The law allows it for exactly this case. See The employment contract.
- EDI filing continues. The employer's payment during maternity leave is declared as salary, with the related tax and contributions. See Payroll tax and pension contributions.
Paternity leave
A father is entitled to:
- two days of paid leave at the birth or adoption of a child;
- two weeks of unpaid leave, which can be taken until the child turns three.
In some cases, for example when the mother dies or abandons the child, the rest of the maternity leave can pass to the father.
Protection for the employee
- Dismissal is prohibited because of pregnancy, maternity leave or childcare.
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding, an employee can't be required to work nights or overtime if it endangers her or the child's health.
- After leave, the employee has the right to return to the same job or an equivalent one, at the same pay.
- An employee who breastfeeds is entitled to extra breaks during working hours, under the law.
A fixed-term contract that expires during maternity leave is a sensitive case. Not renewing a contract only because of pregnancy is treated as discrimination.
The new labour law
A new labour law has been discussed for several years. It would split maternity leave into maternity, paternity and parental leave, and shift more of the cost from employers to the state. Until a new law is passed and in force, the rules above apply. Check for changes before you plan.
Short checklist
For the employee: notify the employer in writing with a medical report; keep a copy of every document; apply for the state-paid part on time.
For the employer: confirm the leave dates in writing; plan cover; keep filing pay in EDI; don't end the contract for this reason.
For other leave rules, see Sick leave and Public holidays in Kosovo 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How long is maternity leave in Kosovo?
Under the Law on Labour in force, an employee is entitled to up to 12 months of maternity leave.
Who pays for maternity leave?
The employer pays the first six months at 70% of base pay. The state pays the next three months at 50% of the average wage in Kosovo. The last three months are optional and unpaid.
How much leave does a father get when a child is born?
A father is entitled to two days of paid leave at the birth of a child and two weeks of unpaid leave until the child turns three.
Can a pregnant employee be dismissed?
Not because of pregnancy or maternity leave. Dismissal for these reasons is discrimination and prohibited by law.
This article is for information only and is not legal advice. The rules are based on the Law on Labour in force; a new labour law has been discussed for years and could change them, so check the current rules.
- Employment
