How to Calculate Maternity Leave Start and End Dates in Turkey (24 Weeks)

Published: October 12, 2026 · Last updated: October 12, 2026

Maternity leave in Turkey is now 24 weeks: 8 weeks before and 16 weeks after birth. How do you calculate the start and end dates?

Basic rule

For a single pregnancy leave starts 8 weeks (56 days) before the expected due date. The 16 weeks (112 days) after birth are counted from the actual birth date. The total is 168 days, or 24 weeks.

Step by step

1. Start: Count back 56 days from the expected due date.
2. End: Count 111 days forward from the actual birth date; this is the last day of leave.
3. Return to work: The day after the last day of leave.

Example

Due date 15 January 2027 and birth on that day: leave starts on 20 November 2026 and ends on 6 May 2027. Return to work is 7 May 2027.

Use the maternity leave calculator to see your own dates. If you work until close to birth the periods change; see the 2-week rule.

Source: Labour Law No. 4857 Article 74 (as amended, Official Gazette of 1 May 2026). For information only; check with your employer and SGK.