France establishes birth leave compensation for self-employed workers

A decree issued on May 30, 2026, has established the application methods for additional birth leave for self-employed workers in France. Unlike salaried employees, who receive compensation based on a percentage of their net salary, self-employed individuals will receive a flat-rate indemnity.

For 2026, the daily rate is calculated by dividing the annual Social Security ceiling of 48,060 euros by 730 days, resulting in 65.84 euros per day. During the first month, the worker receives 70% of this amount (approximately 43 euros net per day), and during the second month, they receive 60% (approximately 36.85 euros net per day).

To qualify for the full indemnity, a worker's average annual business income (RAAM) must be at least 4,582 euros. This figure is based on the average of the three previous years of contributions. If the RAAM is below this threshold, the indemnity is reduced to a flat 10% of the full daily amount, which is approximately 6.14 euros net per day.