A Guide to Sick Leave in Portugal

Welcome to PortugalSolved, where we tackle the nitty-gritty of sick leave in Portugal.

Feeling under the weather can be a bummer, but fear not! In this article, we’ll unravel the ins and outs of sick leave entitlements, helping you navigate the Portuguese healthcare system like a pro.

So, grab a cup of tea, snuggle up, and let’s dive into the world of sick leave and its quirks in sunny Portugal.

Does Portugal Have Paid Sick Leave?

In Portugal, workers who cannot work due to illness or injury are entitled to paid sick leave. Employees in Portugal are granted a minimum of 30 days of sick time per year.

Employees are entitled to total compensation for the first 30 days of sick leave and 70% of their regular pay for the remaining time off during this period.

Employees must provide a medical certificate from a physician or hospital and give it to their employer within three days of the start of the sick leave period to be eligible for it.

As long as a proper medical certificate is given, employers must pay their workers’ salaries while on sick leave.

How Much Is Sick Pay In Portugal?

In Portugal, the length of the employee’s sick leave and income determine how much sick pay they will receive.

Employees are entitled to total compensation for the first 30 days of their sick leave. Employees can earn 70% of their wage for the remainder of their sick leave after the first 30 days.

It’s essential to remember that some collective bargaining agreements or employment contracts may include sick leave benefits that go above and beyond the bare minimum required by law.

Some firms could also provide their workers with more sick leave benefits. To ascertain their rights, employees should thus review their contracts or collective bargaining agreements.

How Many Sick Days Do You Get A Year In Portugal?

The quantity of sick days to which an employee is entitled in Portugal is determined by their employment contract and the relevant collective bargaining agreement.

Under Portuguese Labor Law, employees are entitled to 30 days of paid sick leave per year, with a maximum of 90 days over a rolling two-year period. However, the entitlements to sick leave in some collective bargaining agreements may be more favorable.

You should check your employment contract or speak with your employer to determine how much sick time you are entitled to.

How Many Days Can You Be Sick Without A Doctor’s Note?

If an employee is away for three or more days due to illness in Portugal, the law requires them to present a medical certificate or doctor’s letter. As a result, you might only need to give your employer a doctor’s letter if you are well for two days or less.

The best action is to consult with your employer to clarify their special sick leave and medical certificate regulations because individual employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements may have varying requirements.

Steps To Call In Sick In Portugal

There are a few measures you should take to be sure you are following the correct rules if you need to call in sick in Portugal:

Contact Your Employer

In Portugal, it is common to practice telling your employer of your illness and anticipated absence period by calling them on the first day of your leave.

Also, regardless of the length of your absence due to sickness, certain employers may ask you for a doctor’s certificate. Hence, becoming aware of and adhering to your company’s unique sick leave regulations is always a good idea.

Provide Medical Certificate

You must give your employer a medical certificate signed by a doctor if your absence lasts longer than three days in a row. The medical certificate should include the following:

The examination date.
The diagnosis.
The anticipated length of your sickness.
Any particular medical limitations or recommendations.
The examination date.

It’s crucial to remember that unless the firm has a formal arrangement with the healthcare provider, the expense of the medical certificate is often the employee’s responsibility.

Follow Your Company’s Procedures

While reporting for sick leave in Portugal, following your company’s policies is essential.

Employees may be required to take specific actions when reporting for sick leave, such as alerting a specific person or department, filling out a sick leave form, or producing a medical certificate, depending on the rules and procedures their employers have in place.

If these processes are not followed, it may cause misunderstandings or result in disciplinary measures like salary loss or even work termination. Because of this, it’s critical to understand your company’s sick leave policy and follow it when reporting for work unwell.

Keep Your Employer Updated

If your illness lasts longer than anticipated, keeping your employer informed about your condition, and the anticipated return date is crucial.

When an employee is off work due to illness in Portugal, the employer can request frequent reports, particularly if the absence is extended.

Informing your company will enable them to manage workloads and appropriately prepare for your absence.

Moreover, it’s a good idea to inform your employer if your illness worsens, if you require an extension of your sick leave, or if you can start working again sooner than anticipated.

This can lessen any disturbance to the workplace and guarantee a seamless transition to return to work.

Respect Your Privacy

Remembering that privacy should be respected on both sides, employees should refrain from sharing unneeded or private medical information with their employer or coworkers.

It’s crucial to remember that you should only report absenteeism when you are genuinely unable to work due to illness. You risk receiving disciplinary action or losing your job if you violate this policy.

What Am I Allowed To Do During A Sick Leave In Portugal?

In Portugal, workers on sick leave must prioritize rest and recovery to return to work as soon as possible. Certain activities are permitted, and others are prohibited when an employee is on sick leave.

Here are some activities that are generally allowed during sick leave in Portugal:

Rest and recovery: Rest is the number one priority during this period because the primary goal of sick leave is to provide workers the chance to recuperate from their illnesses.
Medical appointments: Workers can attend any doctor’s appointments or physical therapy sessions necessary for their ailment.
Activities that don’t interfere with recovery: Reading, watching TV, or modest exercise are often acceptable activities that don’t hinder healing or exacerbate the disease.

Yet, in Portugal, several activities are prohibited while on sick leave:

Work: Employees cannot work from home while on sick leave.
Other activities that can interfere with recovery: Avoid engaging in hard lifting, travel, or athletic endeavors that can hinder recovery or exacerbate the disease.
Leaving the country: As it might be interpreted as a misuse of the sick leave policy, employees are often not permitted to go abroad while on sick leave.

As a result, it’s always a good idea to verify with your employer and follow their instructions. It’s crucial to remember that these guidelines may change based on the individual circumstances of each instance.

How Much Is Annual Leave In Portugal?

According to Portuguese Labor Law, employees in Portugal are granted at least 22 working days of paid yearly leave each year. This entitlement is based on a five-day workweek; if the employee works more than five days a week, the entitlement rises proportionately.

Workers are allowed to take their yearly leave in one long period, two or three shorter periods as long as at least one is ten days long. Annual leave must be used during the calendar year it is due, and its timing is often agreed upon between the company and the employee.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to remember that some collective bargaining agreements, employment contracts, or corporate policies could grant employees more generous yearly leave entitlements than necessary to comply with the law.

Employees may also be eligible for supplementary leave in specific circumstances, such as marriage or childbirth.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this sick leave saga, we hope you’re feeling more informed and at ease with Portugal’s sick leave policies. Remember, your well-being matters, and understanding your rights is the first step to a smoother recovery journey.

Whether it’s a pesky flu or a short–term ailment, PortugalSolved is always here to guide you through the maze of expat challenges. Stay healthy, stay happy, and embrace the wonders of living in Portugal!

Happy Living!

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