What other types of leaves exist apart from vacations in Mexico?



Modified on: Wed, 28 Jan, 2026 at 5:23 PM

Mexico’s Federal Labor Law (“LFT”) and the Mexican Social Security Institute (“IMSS”) provide several types of leave to protect employee health, family life, and financial stability. Many of these leaves are paid directly by IMSS, not by the employer.

This article explains your rights, your responsibilities, and how Horizons supports you in each process.

Sick Leave (Incapacidad por Enfermedad General)

Sick leave applies when an employee has a temporary health condition certified by IMSS.


When it applies

  • When IMSS issues an incapacity certificate due to illness
  • During certain public health emergencies where the government issues a sanitary contingency declaration

Documentation Required

  • IMSS-issued incapacity certificate (incapacidad temporal)

Payment

  • Paid directly by IMSS according to IMSS payment rules
  • Employer is not required to pay salary during certified incapacity


Disability Leave (Up to 52 Weeks)

Employees unable to work due to illness or injury may take up to 52 weeks of temporary disability leave through IMSS.


Type of disability

  • General illness
  • Occupational injuries
  • Work-related diseases
  • Industrial accidents

Payment During Disability

  • IMSS pays 60% of your registered salary (base salary for contributions)
  • Payment rules are the same whether the disability is general or work-related
  • Employer does not pay salary during disability and does not pay employer–employee IMSS contributions during the certified period

Documentation Required

  • IMSS incapacity certificate
  • Renewal certificates if the disability period is extended


Parental Leave (Maternity & Paternity Leave)

This is the most regulated type of leave in Mexico and requires strict documentation from IMSS.


Maternity Leave (84 Days – Paid 100% by IMSS)

Maternity leave in Mexico is one of the most protective benefits under federal law.


Duration

  • 84 calendar days total, fully paid by IMSS
  • Usually:
    • 42 days before birth
    • 42 days after birth

(IMSS may authorize a transfer of pre‑birth weeks to after birth upon medical determination.)


Payment

  • IMSS covers 100% of your registered salary
  • Employer is not required to pay salary or IMSS contributions during this period


Important: You MUST obtain the IMSS maternity disability certificate

To activate maternity leave and receive IMSS payment, employees must obtain the Incapacidad por Maternidad certificate directly from IMSS.


Required Steps (Employee)

  1. Visit your assigned IMSS clinic approximately 6 weeks before your due date
  2. Bring your:
    • ID
    • CURP
    • Social security number (NSS)
    • Medical documents confirming pregnancy
  3. Request issuance of your:
    • Pre‑natal Maternity Disability Certificate (42 days)
    • Post‑natal Certificate issued after birth (42 days)


Required Documentation for Horizons

Send the following to Support:

  • IMSS incapacity certificate(s)
  • Birth certificate (once available)
  • Any additional documents IMSS provides

Horizons will record these documents and update payroll so no salary deductions occur during maternity leave.


Why IMSS certification is essential

IMSS pays your maternity leave only if:

  • The official incapacity certificate is issued at the correct time
  • Horizons, as your legal employer, submits it properly in the system

Without this certificate, maternity leave cannot be paid through IMSS.


Optional Extended Maternity Leave (Unpaid)

Employees may take up to 4 additional weeks of unpaid leave before or after maternity leave.


Requirements:

  • Must be agreed with the employer company
  • Employee must clarify intended dates when requesting the extension
  • Horizons will adjust payroll accordingly


Paternity Leave (5 Days – Paid by IMSS)


Duration

  • 5 working days, following the child’s birth

Documentation Required

  • Copy of the birth certificate
  • Requested dates of leave

IMSS’s paid parental leave benefit may apply depending on eligibility.


Additional Statutory Leave Types in Mexico

Paid Leave

Marriage Leave

  • 3 days (if included in company or collective policies; not federally mandated for all employers)

Unpaid Leave Options

General Unpaid Leave (Permiso sin Goce de Sueldo)

Employees may request unpaid leave for personal reasons subject to employer approval.

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