Information

Finland has a generous and flexible family leave system. Parental leave lasts for a total of 320 working days. Each parent gets 160 days, half of the total. One parent can give up to 63 of their days to the other parent. Parental allowance days can be used until the child reaches the age of 2.

Who is eligible?

You can get parental allowance if you live in Finland permanently or work in Finland. If you are not a citizen of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland, you also need a residence permit. This means most Indian women living in Finland with a valid residence permit are entitled to these benefits.

Step 1 - Pregnancy Leave (Raskausvapaa)

You can go on pregnancy leave 14–30 working days before the estimated due date. Pregnancy allowance is paid to the parent giving birth for 40 working days.

You must notify your employer of your pregnancy leave at least two months before the intended start of the leave.

If your working conditions pose a risk to your pregnancy, you may be entitled to special pregnancy allowance (erityisraskausraha), contact Kela for more information.

Read More: During pregnancy | Our Services | Kela

Step 2 - Maternity Grant and the Maternity Package (Äitiyspakkaus)

Every parent residing in Finland is entitled to a maternity grant. You can choose between the maternity package or a cash benefit. The maternity grant has been raised to €210.

The maternity package is Finland's famous "baby box" — it contains clothing, bedding, and baby care essentials to get you started. The 2025 edition contains 38 different products. Apply for the package no later than 2 months before the expected due date.

You can get the maternity grant if you are permanently resident in Finland or work here. You cannot get the maternity grant if you came to Finland to study.

Read More: Maternity package or cash benefit | Our Services | Kela

Step 3 - Parental Leave (Vanhempainvapaa)

ither parent can take parental leave. The parents can also take the leave in turns. Leave days can be taken flexibly — not necessarily all at once — until the child turns 2.

The amount of parental allowance you receive is based on your annual income. If you have no working income, allowances are paid at a minimum level. Use Kela's calculator to estimate your benefit amount.

Read More: Families, Parental allowance and partial parental allowance | Our Services | Kela

Your Rights at Work During Pregnancy

Finland provides strong protections for employees during pregnancy and leave. Dismissals during this period are presumed unlawful unless the employer can prove otherwise.

According to the Employment Contracts Act, employees are entitled to take leave from work for the period in which they receive a pregnancy, special pregnancy or parental allowance.

Read More: Family leave - Tyosuojelu.fi - Occupational Safety and Health Administration

How To Apply

Important Tools and Links

All applications are submitted through Kela:

  • Apply for the maternity grant and maternity package at least 2 months before your due date
  • Apply for pregnancy allowance once you are 154 days into your pregnancy
  • You will need a pregnancy certificate from your maternity clinic (neuvola)
  • Applications can be submitted via OmaKela (available in Finnish and Swedish) or on paper forms available in English

 


 

This page was last reviewed June 2026. Kela benefits and eligibility rules can change — always verify current information at kela.fi and Home - Suomi.fi.