What are the sick leave rules in Romania?

Modified on: Thu, 29 Jan, 2026 at 1:06 PM

In Romania, employees are legally entitled to sick leave when they are unable to work due to illness. Sick leave entitlements and payment rules are governed by the Romanian Labour Code and health insurance legislation.

Important update effective 1 February 2026

From this date, the first day of any sick leave is unpaid. This is a temporary legal measure currently applicable until 31 December 2027.

Minimum Sick Leave Entitlement

Employees are entitled to sick leave when medically certified as temporarily unable to work.

Payment rules for sick leave

From 1 February 2026 onwards:

Day 1 of sick leave:
- Unpaid (not covered by the employer or the public health system)
Days 2–6 of sick leave:
- Paid by the employer
From day 7 onward:
- Paid by the National Health Insurance Fund (Casa Națională de Asigurări de Sănătate – CNAS)

Sick leave allowance amounts

For paid sick leave days (starting from day 2), employees receive an allowance for temporary incapacity for work, calculated based on the duration of the medical leave:

55% of the calculation base for up to 7 days of medical leave
65% of the calculation base for 8–14 days
75% of the calculation base for more than 15 days

These calculation rates apply starting 1 August 2025 and are specific to medical leave for temporary incapacity for work and non–work-related accidents.

Some collective agreements or employer policies may provide higher compensation.

Extended Sick Leave and Social Security Benefits

If an illness extends beyond the employer-paid period:

From day 7 up to day 183, sick leave is paid by the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAS).
The allowance is generally at least 75% of the calculation base, depending on the type of illness and the employee’s insurance status.

Horizons coordinates with local authorities to ensure all required documentation is submitted so employees receive their entitled benefits without delay.

Medical Certificate Requirement

Employees must provide a medical certificate starting from the first day of absence, even though the first day is unpaid.

The certificate must be:

Issued by an authorized physician
Submitted promptly to the employer

This documentation is mandatory to justify the absence and to initiate sick leave payments for eligible days.

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