What are the Sick Leave regulations in Finland?



Modified on: Tue, 4 Nov, 2025 at 6:27 PM

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:

  • Statutory Waiting Period (First Day + 9 Working Days):
    • 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.
    •  Companies may choose to pay full salary to employees employed less than one month; this depends on internal company policies.

After the Waiting Period

  • If the employer continues to pay salary, the employee may receive sickness allowance from Kela for additional days.


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.
  • No reimbursement to employers during the first 10 days, as this is the responsibility of the employer.
  • Employers who voluntarily pay full salary beyond 10 days can be reimbursed by Kela.


3. Medical Certificate Requirement

To ensure that sick leave is valid and appropriately compensated:

  • A medical certificate is typically required for absences longer than 10 working days.
  • Some employers may request medical documentation even earlier, per internal policy.

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