Leaves and time off in Russia

Russia offers a comprehensive system of protections for pregnant employees, new parents, and legal guardians. These leave entitlements form a major part of maternity, paternity, and parental in Russia, and they are established to support families financially and ensure parents can care for their children without fear of losing their jobs.

As an employer, understanding these rules helps you with workforce planning, risk management, and maintaining compliance during extended employee absences.

Maternity leave in Russia

Maternity leave begins before childbirth and continues afterward, giving mothers time to prepare for delivery and recover. The standard duration of maternity leave in Russia is 140 calendar days, divided into two equal parts:

• 70 days before childbirth.
• 70 days after childbirth.

The duration of maternity leave increases in specific circumstances. In the case of a complicated birth, maternity leave rises to 156 days. If the employee is expecting more than one child, the leave can extend to 194 days. These extended periods reflect the additional medical attention and recovery time needed in these situations.

How maternity allowance is calculated in Russia?

A key element of Russia maternity leave policy is the maternity allowance, which provides income while the employee is away from work. Maternity allowance is paid by the Social Insurance Fund, not the employer. The amount is based on:

• The employee’s average earnings for the two calendar years before the year maternity leave begins.
• The number of maternity leave days granted.
• The maximum annual and daily allowance limits set by law.

To calculate the maternity allowance, authorities determine the employee’s average daily earnings over the previous two years, subtracting any excluded periods such as previous sick leave. The figure is then multiplied by the number of maternity leave days.

Additional one-time maternity payments in Russia

Women who register with a medical provider before the 12th week of pregnancy may receive a small additional benefit. This payment encourages early prenatal care, which is important for the health of both the mother and the child.

Childbirth allowance in Russia

In addition to maternity allowance, employees are entitled to a one-time childbirth allowance equivalent to 18,886.32 RUB starting from 1 February 2021. This is also paid by the Social Insurance Fund and is granted after the child’s birth. Families often use this payment to cover early childcare expenses or hospital-related costs.

Childcare leave in Russia

After maternity leave ends, employees may take childcare leave until the child reaches three years old. Many people refer to this extended period informally as Russia’s maternity leave (3 years), but the law treats maternity leave and childcare leave as separate entitlements.

Childcare leave can be used by the mother, the father, or another legal guardian. It is flexible, and employees may return to work early if they choose.

Payment for childcare leave in Russia

Childcare leave is divided into two periods:

1. Birth to 18 months: During the first 18 months, the employee receives a monthly allowance from the Social Insurance Fund. The allowance amount is linked to the employee’s average earnings, but it is capped at a maximum amount set by law each year.
2. 18 months to three years: This second stage is unpaid, but the employee retains full job protection. Employers must keep the employee’s position available or offer a comparable one when the employee returns.

Work during childcare leave in Russia

Employees may return to work part-time while still receiving childcare leave allowance from the Social Insurance Fund. This arrangement helps parents’ transition back to employment while continuing to receive support for childcare.

Paternity leave in Russia

Although Russian labour law does not formally define a separate category for paternity leave, fathers still have several rights connected to the birth of a child.

Fathers may take up to five days of unpaid leave immediately following the birth of a child or take paid parental leave if they become the primary caregiver. The father of the child has the right to share parental leave with the mother.

In practice, some employers choose to offer paid paternity leave as part of their benefits package, but this is voluntary and not required by law.

Parental leave in Russia

Russia’s parental leave is available to either parent or to a legal guardian who is caring for the child. This leave begins after maternity leave ends and continues until the child reaches 18 months. During this time:

• The parent receives a monthly allowance from the Social Insurance Fund.
• The leave can be taken by either parent or shared between them.
• Parents may alternate who receives the allowance if their situation changes.

If the family decides that one parent will stay home longer, childcare leave can continue until the child turns three years old, though payments stop after 18 months.

Job protection during parental leave in Russia

One of the strongest elements of maternity, paternity and parental in Russia is job security. Employers are required to keep the employee’s position open or offer a role equivalent in duties and pay. Employees cannot be dismissed during maternity leave, parental leave, or childcare leave except in cases where the company is undergoing full liquidation.

Returning to work in Russia

Employees returning from leave have the right to resume their duties without any reduction in compensation. Employers may offer part-time or flexible working arrangements at the request of the returning parent, and many do so to support the transition back into the workplace.