Greece – Maternity and Giving Birth

What maternity care options are available in Greece?

Healthcare in Greece is structured across both public and private sectors. The state-run National Health System — ESY — draws its funding from general taxation, indirect levies, and social insurance contributions, delivering emergency, primary, and inpatient services through rural surgeries, community health centres, and public hospitals. Pregnant women can access antenatal consultations, ultrasound scans, and delivery itself through this public network.

Citizens and qualifying residents access the public system through EOPYY, the national health insurance body, which assigns each person a national insurance number referred to as an AMKA. Holding an AMKA enables enrolment in social insurance health programmes. For expats who are legally employed in Greece, securing an AMKA should be a top priority upon arrival, as it is the gateway to the full range of public health services, maternity care included.

Once a pregnancy is confirmed, the first step is to book an appointment with the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of a hospital. Initial screening will establish the expected due date and assess the wellbeing of both mother and baby. Subsequent consultations typically include an ultrasound scan, along with blood tests and routine health checks to screen for conditions such as HIV and hepatitis B.

The Greek health system operates on two levels: the national health service looks after all working residents regardless of how long they have been in the country, while private healthcare serves everyone else and bridges the gap for those awaiting completion of their public registration. This model contrasts with approaches seen elsewhere — in Germany, for instance, expats must choose and enrol with a statutory insurance fund (Krankenkasse) — whereas in Greece, registering with EOPYY serves as a single point of entry.

The approach to delivering babies in Greece differs from that in many other countries. Caesarean sections are the predominant mode of birth, partly because they allow busy hospitals to manage scheduling more efficiently, and partly because of a prevailing perception that they reduce clinical risk. Expectant mothers who wish to pursue a vaginal birth or a home birth should raise this early and clearly with their care team.

Home births are gradually becoming more common in Greece, though hospital delivery remains overwhelmingly the norm. Opting for a home birth means that costs must be met privately, as this is not covered under the public system. Mothers who give birth at home may claim a one-time childbirth allowance of €900 (as of 2025).

Even expats who qualify for free care through the public system frequently choose private medical insurance, as it opens up a broader selection of facilities and providers. The private maternity hospitals in Athens and Thessaloniki enjoy strong reputations relative to their public equivalents.

How much does it cost to give birth in Greece?

Expats who are employed in Greece or making the required tax contributions can access maternity care in public hospitals at no charge. Those without this status will need to pay for non-emergency maternity services, including prenatal appointments, delivery, and postnatal care. Emergency maternity care at public hospitals remains available to anyone who arrives via the public emergency number (112 or 166), regardless of insurance status.

For those using private facilities, the cost of giving birth typically falls somewhere between €3,000 and €7,000 (as of 2024–2025). The final figure depends on the city — Athens commands significantly higher prices than Thessaloniki, for example — and on whether a private room or a shared ward is selected.

At some private hospitals, a vaginal birth package covering obstetrician, anaesthesiologist and neonatologist fees, epidural anaesthesia, the hospital stay, and neonatal screening may be priced at around €4,660 (as of 2024–2025). These are indicative figures and actual costs can differ considerably based on the facility and individual clinical circumstances. It is strongly advisable to request a detailed, itemised quote before committing and to confirm precisely what is and is not included.

There are documented instances of patients being advised to undergo certain antenatal tests only to find later that those tests carry additional costs. It is worth asking upfront for a complete list of tests anticipated during your pregnancy, clarifying which are medically essential, and confirming that all included tests are covered within any quoted package price.

Over the past two decades, public sources have typically funded between 60 and 65% of total health expenditure in Greece, with around one third financed directly by households — one of the highest out-of-pocket rates across the EU. Even patients using the public system should therefore anticipate some personal expenditure.

International health insurance policies differ considerably in how they handle maternity coverage. Many impose waiting periods of ten to twelve months before maternity benefits activate, meaning expats who are planning a pregnancy should review their policy well in advance. It is worth confirming with your insurer whether coverage extends to both vaginal and caesarean births in Greek private hospitals, as well as to neonatal care in the event of complications. A birth allowance of €2,000 — or €4,000 for twin pregnancies — is available through the Greek government for eligible families (as of 2025).

What is the standard of maternity and neonatal care in Greece?

The private healthcare sector plays a substantial role in Greece’s overall health landscape. Much of it is funded through EOPYY, which contracts with private providers to meet the healthcare needs of its members. This sector encompasses general and maternity hospitals, a wide network of private diagnostic centres, and specialists who are either contracted by EOPYY or funded directly by patients.

Greece has one of the highest caesarean section rates in the world. Roughly six out of every ten births in the country are surgical deliveries. This figure considerably exceeds the WHO’s recommended range and is higher than virtually every other EU member state. Expats who prefer a vaginal birth should raise this preference explicitly and early with their care provider, and ensure their wishes are formally recorded.

Leading private maternity facilities in Greece hold recognised international accreditations including ISO 9001 and TEMOS, and maintain Level 3 NICUs (Neonatal Intensive Care Units) for the most vulnerable newborns. In Athens and Thessaloniki, private maternity clinics offer a high standard of specialist and neonatal care. Outside of major urban centres, the situation is more variable — smaller public facilities on islands and in rural areas may be less well-resourced, and some mothers choose to travel to a larger city for their delivery.

Athens offers the highest level of care, though at correspondingly higher costs. Expats living outside the main cities are advised to research the nearest maternity unit early in their pregnancy and to seek out first-hand accounts from other local expats. In cases of high-risk pregnancy, transferring care to a larger urban hospital is both common practice and medically advisable.

Language can be a practical barrier. Doctors working in private hospitals and clinics in Athens and Thessaloniki generally speak good English, and many have received part of their training overseas. In public hospitals and in more remote locations, finding English-speaking staff may be more challenging. It is sensible to bring a trusted interpreter or to enquire specifically about language support when registering with a facility. Greek medical professionals command considerable authority within the system and may not be accustomed to being questioned about their decisions or asked for second opinions. Communicating your wishes clearly, calmly, and respectfully will generally yield the best results.

What should expats know about maternity rights and leave in Greece?

Greek employment law on parental leave applies to all employees working under dependent employment contracts, whether in the private or public sector. It does not generally extend to freelancers or the self-employed unless specific contractual or legislative provisions apply. Both Greek nationals and foreign nationals working legally in the country are entitled to these protections.

Maternity leave in Greece is both legally protected and compulsory. It is structured to support pregnant employees throughout a critical period in their lives. The statutory entitlement is 17 weeks in total: eight weeks immediately before the expected delivery date and nine weeks following the birth. This period is intended to allow time for antenatal care, physical recovery, and early bonding with the newborn.

The cost of maternity leave is borne by the social security system (EFKA) and OAED, rather than by the employer directly. Employees on maternity leave are legally protected from dismissal and retain the right to return to the same or an equivalent role at the end of their leave.

Once statutory maternity leave concludes, working mothers have two further options: they may reduce their daily working hours by one hour for a period of up to 30 months, or they may take an additional six months of fully paid leave, funded by OAED, the Greek Public Employment Service. This additional entitlement is designed to help mothers balance the demands of employment with the needs of a young child.

Greek law provides for 14 days of paid paternity leave, introduced in accordance with EU Directive 2019/1158 on work-life balance (as of 2025). Both parents also have the right to parental leave until the child reaches the age of eight (as of 2025).

Maternity, paternity, and child-related benefits are administered by EFKA. Employed mothers may be entitled to 119 days of maternity leave, during which their employer pays a benefit equivalent to up to one month’s earnings, with EFKA supplementing this to a minimum of two-thirds of salary (as of 2025).

Self-employed individuals registered with EFKA do so under a separate contributions regime. While some maternity cash benefits may be accessible to them, the eligibility rules and benefit levels differ from those for employed workers. Anyone who is self-employed, working freelance, or engaged on a contract basis should consult the e-EFKA (Electronic National Social Security Fund) directly or seek guidance from a Greek employment law specialist to clarify their entitlements. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs is the principal authority on employment rights in Greece.

How do you register a birth in Greece?

Recording a birth with the authorities is a legal requirement in Greece. This responsibility falls to the local Civil Registry Office (Ληξιαρχείο — Lixiarcheio), and in many cases it is now possible to begin the process digitally while still at the hospital. The following is a step-by-step overview of how the procedure works:

1. At the hospital: A number of private clinics have adopted a digital birth declaration process, carried out on-site by authorised staff through the Citizen Registry Information System, with at least one parent present. Check with the hospital’s administrative team at the outset whether this option is offered.
2. Documents required: You will typically need valid identity documents for both parents (passports in the case of foreign nationals), proof of residence, and — for non-Greek parents — a valid residence permit along with a marriage certificate and civil status certificate, both translated into Greek. Exact requirements may differ between hospitals and registry offices, so it is wise to confirm what is needed in advance.
3. Register at the Civil Registry (Lixiarcheio): Where the birth declaration has not been completed at the hospital, parents are required to attend their local Civil Registry Office in person. The deadline for completing registration is ten days from the date of birth. The Gov.gr official portal provides current procedural details and updates to documentation requirements.
4. Obtain the birth certificate: Once registration is complete, an official Greek birth certificate (Πιστοποιητικό Γέννησης) is issued. This document is legally required for all subsequent steps, including applications for a passport and enrolment in school.
5. Register with your home country’s embassy or consulate: Expat parents should contact their home country’s diplomatic mission in Greece to register the birth and obtain confirmation of the child’s nationality. Many countries set a deadline by which this registration must be completed — contact your embassy promptly after delivery. Consular staff can also advise on applying for the child’s first passport.
6. Apply for a passport for the newborn: Most countries require children to hold their own passport for international travel from birth. Contact your embassy or consulate for the specific requirements, documentation, and fees involved. As processing times vary, it is advisable to begin this process as soon as possible.

Always verify the current documentation requirements directly with the relevant Civil Registry Office and your home country’s embassy or consulate in Greece, as requirements are subject to change. The Gov.gr portal is the official source of guidance on birth registration procedures in Greece.

What nationality will my child have if born in Greece?

Greek nationality law is founded on the principle of jus sanguinis — citizenship by descent. Greek law also permits dual nationality. This stands in marked contrast to countries such as the United States or Canada, which extend citizenship to virtually all children born within their borders under the principle of jus soli. Being born in Greece does not, on its own, confer Greek citizenship on a child.

A child born to a Greek citizen acquires Greek nationality automatically at birth. The same applies to children born in Greece to parents who have been legally and continuously resident in the country for five years (as of 2025). Beyond these circumstances, birth on Greek soil to foreign parents does not create an entitlement to Greek citizenship.

For the five-year residency route to citizenship, one of the two parents must hold a valid residence permit of a qualifying category. These include: long-term resident status, second generation status, indefinite or ten-year duration permits, a certificate of permanent residence for EU citizens, a permanent residence card for a family member of a Greek or EU citizen, or a residence permit held by a recognised refugee or beneficiary of subsidiary protection (as of 2025).

Where at least one parent holds Greek citizenship, the child acquires Greek nationality at birth through jus sanguinis. Although the process is automatic in principle, formal registration is required. At least one parent must be registered in a Greek municipal population register (dimotologio), and that parent’s Greek citizenship must have been established before the child’s birth. For children born abroad to Greek parents, registration with the Greek consular authorities in the country of birth is necessary to formalise citizenship and obtain the relevant documentation.

For expat parents who are neither Greek citizens nor long-term residents, their child will not automatically acquire Greek citizenship. The child will instead hold the nationality or nationalities of the parents, in accordance with each parent’s country of origin’s own nationality laws. Parents should contact their respective embassies or consulates in Greece without delay following the birth to register the child and obtain the appropriate paperwork.

Nationality law is a complex area, and individual situations can vary considerably. Always confirm your child’s specific position with the relevant embassy or consulate and, where necessary, seek advice from a qualified lawyer with expertise in both Greek and international family law.

What are the laws and attitudes around abortion in Greece?

Abortion is legal in Greece, and public hospitals are required to provide the procedure free of charge. In the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, a woman may choose to end a pregnancy without being required to give a medical or other specific reason (as of 2025). This places Greece broadly in line with the majority of EU countries, where abortion on request during the first trimester is the standard legal position.

After twelve weeks, termination remains possible but only on specific grounds — for instance, where the pregnancy presents a serious risk to the mother’s life or health, where foetal abnormality has been identified, or where the pregnancy is the result of a criminal act such as rape. The permissible gestational limits differ depending on the grounds invoked. For the most up-to-date information on time limits and applicable grounds, consult the Greek Ministry of Health or speak directly with a registered gynaecologist in Greece.

While abortion is legally available through the public health system, practical access can vary. Some public hospitals may face staffing or resource constraints that limit availability. In practice, many women in Greece access termination services through private gynaecology clinics, where fees apply and will depend on the gestational stage and the method used. Expats are advised to contact a private gynaecology clinic or their EOPYY-contracted doctor directly for current information on availability and associated costs.

Greece is a predominantly Greek Orthodox country, and in certain communities — particularly in rural areas — attitudes towards abortion may be more conservative. Nevertheless, the legal framework is unambiguous, and healthcare professionals are obliged to operate within it. If you encounter difficulty accessing services, or wish to understand your options fully, a private gynaecologist based in a major city is likely to be the most straightforward point of contact. Always verify current procedural requirements and any applicable waiting period rules directly with a registered medical professional or the Ministry of Health.

Frequently asked questions

Can I give birth in a Greek public hospital as a foreign national?

The national health service extends care to all working residents regardless of how long they have been in the country. If you are employed or making the required tax contributions, delivery and maternity care in public hospitals will be free of charge. Without this status, non-emergency maternity services — including antenatal appointments, birth, and postnatal care — must be paid for privately. Obtaining your AMKA number and registering with EOPYY as soon as you arrive in Greece is essential to unlock access to public maternity services.

Do I need private health insurance to give birth in Greece?

Private health insurance is not a legal requirement, but is strongly recommended for expats who want greater flexibility, a more comfortable birth environment, or access to leading private maternity hospitals. Even expats who are entitled to free care through the public system often opt for private insurance, as it broadens the range of facilities and providers available to them. The private maternity hospitals in Athens and Thessaloniki are widely regarded as superior to their public counterparts. Note that many insurers apply a waiting period of ten to twelve months before maternity benefits become available — plan accordingly.

How common are caesarean sections in Greece?

Greece has one of the highest caesarean section rates anywhere in the world. Approximately six in ten births are surgical deliveries, a figure well above the WHO’s recommended range and higher than in almost every other EU country. If a vaginal birth is your preference, it is essential to discuss this openly and early with your obstetrician and to have your birth plan formally documented.

What documents do I need to register my baby’s birth in Greece?

You will generally need passports for both parents, proof of residence such as a valid residence permit, and — for foreign parents — a marriage certificate and civil status certificate, each translated into Greek. Some hospitals now offer a digital birth declaration service on-site, completed through the Citizen Registry Information System with one parent present. Always confirm the precise documentation requirements with the hospital or your local Civil Registry Office (Lixiarcheio), and consult the Gov.gr portal for current guidance.

Will my child automatically be a Greek citizen if born in Greece?

No. Unlike countries such as the United States or Canada, which grant citizenship based on place of birth, Greece operates under the jus sanguinis principle, meaning citizenship is acquired through descent rather than birthplace. Children born in Greece to parents who have resided legally and continuously in the country for at least five years do qualify for Greek citizenship, but outside of this and other limited exceptions, children of foreign parents will not acquire Greek nationality at birth. Such parents must register their child with their home country’s embassy or consulate.

How long is maternity leave in Greece?

The statutory minimum maternity leave entitlement is 17 weeks: eight weeks before the anticipated due date and nine weeks following delivery (as of 2025). After this period, mothers have the option of either reducing their daily working hours by one hour for up to 30 months, or taking a further six months of fully paid leave funded by OAED. These entitlements apply to both Greek nationals and foreign nationals employed legally in Greece.

Is abortion available in Greece and can I access it as an expat?

Abortion is legal during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy without any requirement to provide a medical or other justification, and public hospitals are obliged to provide the procedure free of charge (as of 2025). Practical access through the public system can vary, and many women choose to use private gynaecology clinics instead. Expats should contact a registered gynaecologist directly to find out about current availability and costs.

What birth allowance or financial support is available in Greece?

A birth allowance of €2,000 (or €4,000 in the case of twin pregnancies) is available from the Greek government to qualifying families (as of 2025). Uninsured mothers are entitled to a benefit of €220.10 before the birth and a further €220.10 afterwards, claimable through their municipal welfare department approximately 9.5 months before the estimated delivery date. Consult the Gov.gr birth allowance page and contact e-EFKA for current eligibility criteria and details on how to apply.