From 2026, the exemption from social security contributions that self-employed women benefit from after giving birth will be extended from one to two quarters, with no impact on pension rights.
When giving birth, a self-employed woman not only receives paid maternity leave, but also automatically benefits from an exemption from social security contributions for the quarter following her delivery.
On the proposal of the Minister for the Self-Employed, SMEs and Middle Classes, Eléonore SIMONET, the federal government has decided to extend the exemption from social security contributions after childbirth from one to two quarters, starting on 1st January 2026.
This contribution exemption will have no impact on the social rights of the mothers who benefit from it. This means, in particular, that the two exempted quarters will still be taken into account when calculating the pension.
Eléonore SIMONET: “The aim of this measure is to further promote and support female entrepreneurship. After giving birth, self-employed women often temporarily suspend or reduce their activities to care for their child, which leads to a loss of income. Even after maternity leave, their income can remain lower due to a reduced workload. The temporary exemption from social security contributions therefore allows self-employed women to support their financial stability and facilitate their return to work.”