What are the Sick Leave regulations in Finland?

In Finland, sick leave policies are designed to support employees while ensuring a fair and structured approach to absenteeism due to health issues. The regulations outlined in the Employment Contracts Act establish clear guidelines for sick leave, compensation, and requirements for both employees and employers.


1. Sick Leave Payment Structure

Under Finnish law, the payment structure for sick leave is as follows:

  • Days 0 to 9 of Sick Leave:
    • During the first 9 days of illness, sick leave is paid by the employer (ER).
    • If the employee is still within their first month of employment, they receive 50% of their salary during this period.
    • After completing one month of employment, employees are entitled to receive 100% of their salary for the sick leave taken.


2. Reimbursement from Kela

Employers can recover some of the costs associated with sick leave:

  • After the 9th day of sick leave, employees will receive salary compensation from Finland’s social security system, known as Kela. Kela provides compensation for up to 300 days of sick leave, ensuring that employees have financial support during prolonged illnesses.


3. Medical Certificate Requirement

To ensure that sick leave is valid and appropriately compensated:

  • A medical certificate is required after just one day of absence. This documentation helps verify the employee's condition and supports the sick leave process.

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