How long is sick leave in Portugal?

In Portugal, employees can receive sick leave benefits paid by the Social Security system for up to 3 years. The pay rates during this leave vary depending on the duration the employee has been on leave.

What are the eligibility rules for sick leave in Portugal?

In Portugal, employees become eligible for sick leave if they meet the following conditions:

• The employee must have contributed to the Social Security system for at least 6 months.
• The employee must have worked for a minimum of 12 days in the 4 months preceding the illness.

What is the process for applying for sick leave in Portugal?

To apply for sick leave in Portugal, a supported employee must follow these steps:

• Visit a hospital or a doctor's office, either private or public. As of March 1, 2024, emergency services, private, and social sectors can issue temporary incapacity certificates, eliminating the need for an appointment at a health center.
• Report the sickness via telephone or email before 9:30 AM or as soon as possible to both the supported employee's manager and the Human Resources representative.
• Submit a copy of the medical certificate to the Human Resources Department within 24 hours from the day it is granted.
• Inform their superiors of the estimated duration of their absence.

For absences longer than 4 days, a Certification of a Temporary Incapacity for Work is required, issued by competent health service doctors. This document is electronically sent to Social Security services, which verify entitlement conditions for the benefit and proceed with payment if all criteria are met.