Czech Republic’s sick leave law provides employees with compensation for loss of earnings (náhrada mzdy) from the employer for the first 14 calendar days of illness, after which the Czech Social Security Administration (ČSSZ) pays sickness insurance benefit (nemocenské). The system is governed by the Labour Code and the Act on Social Security.
Key Takeaways
- Employers pay compensation at 60% of salary for the first 14 calendar days
- ČSSZ pays sickness benefit at 60% of the assessment basis from day 15
- A medical certificate is required from day 4 of absence
- The first 3 days of the ČSSZ period are a waiting period (karenční doba) — unpaid
- For workplace accidents, compensation is 100% from day 1
Czech Republic’s Sick Leave Entitlement
Czech sick leave operates under the Labour Code (Zákoník práce) and Act No. 187/2006 on Social Security. When an employee falls ill, the employer pays compensation for loss of earnings (náhrada mzdy) for the first 14 calendar days. From day 15, the ČSSZ pays sickness insurance benefit.
The compensation rate is set at 60% of the employee’s assessment basis for ordinary illness. For workplace accidents and occupational diseases, the rate is 100% of the assessment basis from day 1.
The first 3 days after the employer’s 14-day period are a statutory waiting period during which no benefit is paid. This waiting period was reintroduced in 2010 after being temporarily abolished.
Who Pays for Sick Leave?
| Period | Pay Rate | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–14 | 60% of salary | Employer |
| Days 15–17 | Unpaid (waiting period) | Neither |
| Days 18+ | 60% of assessment basis | ČSSZ |
| Workplace accident (all days) | 100% | Employer (days 1–14) / ČSSZ (day 15+) |
Sick Leave Pay Rates
| Period | Pay Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Employer compensation (days 1–14) | 60% of assessment basis | Labour Code §207 |
| ČSSZ waiting period (days 15–17) | Unpaid | Social Security Act |
| ČSSZ benefit (days 18+) | 60% of assessment basis | Social Security Act |
| Workplace accident | 100% from day 1 | Social Security Act |
The daily assessment basis is capped at a maximum set by ČSSZ annually. In 2025, the maximum daily assessment was approximately CZK 2,171, meaning the maximum daily sickness benefit was approximately CZK 1,303.
Medical Certificate Requirements
Czech law requires a medical certificate from the fourth day of illness. The doctor issues the certificate (potvrzení o dočasné pracovní neschopnosti) and sends it electronically to ČSSZ.
The employee must inform the employer of the illness and provide the certificate number. The employer can verify the certificate through the ČSSZ portal.
For the first 3 days, the employee may self-certify, but the employer can require a certificate from day 1 if stated in the employment contract or internal regulations.
How to Calculate Sick Pay in Czechia
Example: An employee earning CZK 45,000/month is off sick for 30 calendar days.
- Employer period (days 1–14): CZK 45,000 × 0.60 = CZK 27,000
- Waiting period (days 15–17): CZK 0
- ČSSZ benefit (days 18–30): 13 days
- Daily ČSSZ benefit: CZK 45,000 × 0.60 ÷ 30 = CZK 900/day
- ČSSZ payment: CZK 900 × 13 = CZK 11,700
Total paid to employee: CZK 27,000 (employer) + CZK 11,700 (ČSSZ) = CZK 38,700
Waiting Period (Karenční doba)
The 3-day waiting period (days 15–17) is a cost-saving measure that was reintroduced in 2010. During this period:
- No sickness benefit is paid by ČSSZ
- The employee receives no income
- The waiting period applies to each new spell of illness
- It does not apply to workplace accidents or occupational diseases
The waiting period is controversial and has been subject to legal challenges, but it remains in force.
Employer Obligations and Penalties
Czech employers must:
- Pay compensation at 60% for the first 14 calendar days
- Verify the employee’s sickness through the ČSSZ portal
- Report the end of the sickness to ČSSZ when the employee returns
- Maintain records for at least 30 years (social security records)
- Cooperate with the employer’s designated doctor (smluvní lékař)
Non-compliance can result in fines from the Czech Labour Inspectorate (Česká inspekce práce) and potential claims from ČSSZ for incorrectly paid benefits.
Comparison With Other Countries
| Country | Sick Days | Pay | Certificate Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Czech Republic | 14 days employer + ČSSZ | 60% | Day 4 (or day 1 if agreed) |
| UK | 28 weeks SSP | £116.75/week | Day 7 |
| Australia | 10 days personal/carer’s leave | Full rate | 2+ consecutive days |
| US | Varies by state | Varies | Employer policy |
FAQ
Why is Czech sick pay only 60%?
The 60% rate was introduced as a cost-saving measure in 2010 during the financial crisis. Before that, the rate was 65%. The Czech government has not restored the higher rate. The 60% applies to both the employer’s compensation period and the ČSSZ benefit, with the exception of workplace accidents (100%).
Can the waiting period be avoided?
The statutory waiting period cannot be waived by contract. However, some employers voluntarily compensate employees for the waiting period as part of their company benefits. Collective agreements may also provide additional compensation during the waiting period.
How long can ČSSZ sickness benefit last?
ČSSZ sickness benefit is paid for the duration of the temporary incapacity, up to a maximum of 380 calendar days (including the 14-day employer period and the 3-day waiting period). After 380 days, the employee may be assessed for long-term incapacity or invalidity benefits.
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