DigiKitMaternity Leave Calculator (Turkey)
Choose the expected due date to see when leave starts, when it ends and when you return to work.
How is maternity leave calculated?
Under Turkey's Labour Law no. 4857, female employees take 8 weeks before and 8 weeks after birth, 16 weeks in total. For multiple pregnancies 2 weeks are added before birth, making 18 weeks. The tool builds the leave calendar from your expected due date.
Worked example
| Item | Date |
|---|---|
| Expected due date | March 10, 2027 |
| Leave starts (8 weeks before) | January 13, 2027 |
| Postnatal leave ends | May 4, 2027 |
| Return to work | May 5, 2027 |
Leave periods
| Case | Before birth | After birth | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single baby | 8 weeks | 8 weeks | 16 weeks |
| Multiple pregnancy | 10 weeks | 8 weeks | 18 weeks |
Situations that change the period
- Working with a doctor's approval: If your health allows, you can work up to 3 weeks before the birth; the time worked is added to postnatal leave.
- Early birth: Unused prenatal days are added to postnatal leave.
- Late birth: The 8 postnatal weeks are not reduced.
- Unpaid leave: After the 16 weeks (18 for multiples) you may request up to six months of unpaid leave.
Who does it apply to?
This calculation follows Law no. 4857 for women employed under an employment contract. Civil servants, contract staff, the self-employed and extra payments (such as maternity allowance) may follow different rules. For exact rights and periods ask your employer's HR department and SGK. This tool gives general information and is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
How many weeks is maternity leave?
Under the Labour Law it is 8 weeks before and 8 weeks after birth, 16 weeks in total, for female employees. For multiple pregnancies 2 weeks are added before birth, making 18 weeks.
Can I keep working before the birth?
If your health allows it and a doctor approves, you can work up to 3 weeks before the birth. The time worked before the birth is then added to postnatal leave.
What if the baby arrives early or late?
If early, the unused prenatal days are added to postnatal leave. If late, nothing is deducted from the 8 postnatal weeks.
Is there unpaid leave after birth?
Yes. If she wishes, a female employee can take up to six months of unpaid leave after the 16 weeks (18 for multiple pregnancies). Civil servants have different rules and periods.