Sick Leave in Luxembourg: Rights, Procedures, and Compensation

Are you an employee in Luxembourg who is sick or unable to work? If you take sick leave, specific rules must be followed starting on the first day of your absence. Notifying your employer, submitting a medical certificate, adhering to the required reporting times, and understanding your rights to compensation are essential to staying in compliance.

Whether you’re a resident, an expatriate, a newcomer, or a cross-border worker,sick leave in Luxembourg is governed by labor law and the rules of the National Health Fund. Forgetting to take the necessary steps or delaying them can have significant consequences for your relationship with your employer.

This page explains what to do if you take sick leave in Luxembourg, what deadlines to meet, how to submit a medical certificate, what the rules for returning to work are, how compensation works, and what specific provisions apply to cross-border workers.

Summary

• What to Do on the First Day of Sick Leave?
• Medical Certificate: Deadlines and Submission
• Electronic certificate of incapacity for work
• Extension of sick leave
• Authorized Absences and Checks During Sick Leave
• Sick pay and continued salary
• Protection against dismissal during sick leave
• Sick Leave for Cross-Border Workers
• Illness During Vacation
• Stress, occupational exhaustion, and burnout
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Key Points for Expatriates and Cross-Border Workers
• FAQ: Sick Leave in Luxembourg

What should you do on the first day of sick leave?

If you are sick and unable to go to work, you must act quickly. In Luxembourg, employees are required to notify their employer on the first day of absence.

Notify Your Employer Immediately

As soon as you know you cannot work, notify your employer as soon as possible. You can do this by phone, email, text message, or according to your company’s established procedure.

In the event of a dispute, it’s best to be able to prove that you did indeed notify your employer. A written message, even a brief one, can therefore be helpful.

If you cannot notify your employer yourself

If your health prevents you from notifying your employer, someone else can do so on your behalf. The key is that the information is communicated promptly.

First Steps to Take

1. Notify your employer as soon as possible.
2. See a doctor if your condition requires you to take time off work.
3. Check whether your employerrequires a medical certificate starting on the first day.
4. Submit the certificate to your employer and the CNS by the deadline.
5. Keep proof of the steps you’ve taken.

To better understand the general framework, visit our page on Labor Law in Luxembourg: Employees’ Rights and Obligations.

Medical Certificate: Deadlines and Submission

A medical certificate, also known as a certificate of incapacity for work, is the document that justifies your absence for medical reasons. It specifies the duration of your incapacity and serves to officially notify your employer and the National Health Fund (CNS).

When must you provide a medical certificate?

In principle, the medical certificate must be submitted no later than the third day of absence. However, the employer may require a certificate as early as the first day, particularly if company policy, the employment contract, the collective bargaining agreement, or a specific situation so requires.

Situation	Deadline	Procedure
Sick leave starting on the first day	Immediately	Notify your employer as soon as possible.
Sick leave lasting several days	No later than the third day	Submit the medical certificate to the employer and the CNS.
If the employer requests a certificate starting on the first day	On the first day	Comply with the employer’s request or internal policies.
Serious hospitalization or emergency	Specific timeframe may apply	Notify as soon as possible and submit supporting documentation.

To whom should the certificate be submitted?

The medical certificate must be submitted:

• to your employer;
• to the National Health Insurance Fund;
• in accordance with the instructions provided by the doctor or via the electronic procedure, if applicable.

To better understand social security and health insurance funds, visit our page on Health Insurance Funds, Social Security, and Supplemental Health Insurance in Luxembourg.

Electronic Certificate of Incapacity for Work

The certificate of incapacity for work can now be submitted electronically when the doctor, employer, and relevant systems are equipped to handle it. This change simplifies the process, reduces the risk of document loss, and speeds up administrative processing.

How does the eCIT work?

With the electronic certificate, the doctor issues the sick leave notice electronically. The employee can then access the information in their personal account, according to the established procedures, and submit it to the relevant agencies.

This procedure applies to sick leave, family leave, and maternity leave.

To use certain online services, it is helpful to have a personal account on MyGuichet.lu.

Is a paper copy still an option?

Yes. If the electronic procedure is not available or if you prefer to request a printed version, the paper format may still be an option depending on the situation. In any case, submission deadlines must be met.

Extension of Sick Leave

If your health does not allow you to return to work on the originally scheduled date, you must obtain a new medical certificate for an extension.

When should you submit the extension certificate?

In the event of an extension, the new certificate must be submitted promptly to your employer and the CNS. It is recommended that you take action before the scheduled return-to-work date to avoid any unnecessary interruption in your sick leave.

Why is this important?

A sick leave extension that is not submitted on time may result in an unauthorized absence. It may also complicate follow-up by your employer, the CNS, and healthcare providers.

If you have any doubts, contact your employer, your doctor, or the CNS to verify the correct procedure to follow.

The rest of this page explains the rules for leaving your home during sick leave, possible checks, compensation, specific provisions for cross-border workers, and what you need to know if you get sick while on vacation.

Permitted Outings and Checks During Sick Leave

Being on sick leave does not necessarily mean you are absolutely prohibited from leaving your home. However, Luxembourg enforces strict rules designed to ensure that your inability to work is properly observed.

The First 5 Days of Sick Leave

During the first five days of incapacity for work, the employee must, in principle, remain at home or at the place of residence reported to the CNS.

There are, however, certain exceptions:

• prescribed medical appointments and examinations;
• summonses from health authorities;
• food-related needs on the first day, under certain conditions;
• other situations expressly authorized.

Starting on the 6th day of sick leave

Starting on the sixth day of incapacity for work, employees are permitted to leave the premises during certain time periods, provided they comply with applicable rules.

However, the employee must remain reachable and be able to justify their presence or movements in the event of an inspection.

CNS Inspections

The National Health Fund (CNS) may conduct inspections at the employee’s home or at the declared place of residence during a sick leave period.

These inspections may be conducted:

• at the CNS’s initiative;
• following a report;
• as part of random inspections;
• at the employer’s request in certain situations.

The employee must be able to justify their absence if an inspection is conducted while they are not at the declared location.

Checks for Cross-Border Workers

Checks may also apply to cross-border workers. Residing in France, Belgium, or Germany does not exempt workers from complying with Luxembourg’s rules regarding incapacity for work.

For more information, visit our page dedicated to the health of cross-border workers in Luxembourg.

Can you travel abroad while on sick leave?

In principle, being on sick leave does not allow you to travel freely abroad. However, certain exceptions may be granted in specific situations:

• a serious illness requiring a specific environment;
• medical treatment abroad;
• palliative care;
• the death of a close relative;
• other exceptional circumstances.

Before traveling, it is strongly recommended that you check the applicable conditions with the CNS.

Sick Leave Benefits and Continued Pay

A sick leave does not automatically result in a loss of income. The Luxembourg system provides for continued pay under certain conditions.

Who pays the sick employee?

During the initial periods of incapacity for work, it is generally the employer who continues to pay the employee’s salary.

Beyond a certain legal threshold, the National Health Fund takes over in the form of cash sickness benefits.

Period	Paying Agency	Comments
Start of sick leave	Employer	Salary continued in accordance with legal requirements.
After the continuation period	CNS	Payment of sick leave benefits subject to certain conditions.

How much is paid?

The employee generally continues to receive compensation close to what they were earning before their leave, provided that the necessary administrative procedures are followed and applicable limits are not exceeded.

The specific terms may depend on:

• salary;
• length of service;
• collective bargaining agreements;
• the duration of the incapacity;
• the employee’s personal circumstances.

To better understand your compensation, see also:

• Salaries in Luxembourg
• Benefits in Kind and Total Compensation Package

Protection Against Dismissal During Sick Leave

Provided they meet the legal requirements, employees are protected against dismissal fora specified period.

How can you benefit from this protection?

To be protected, an employee must:

• notify their employer on the first day of absence;
• submit a medical certificate in a timely manner;
• comply with the rules regarding inability to work.

This protection is not unlimited in duration. It is subject to specific conditions and certain exceptions provided for by law.

Failure to comply with these obligations may result in the loss of this protection.

To understand the consequences of a prolonged absence or termination of employment, please also see our page:

Termination of an Employment Contract in Luxembourg: Resignation, Dismissal, and Notice Period.

Sick Leave for Cross-Border Workers

Cross-border workers are subject to the same obligations as resident employees when they are employed in Luxembourg.

They must:

• notify their employer on the first day;
• submit their medical certificate in a timely manner;
• comply with applicable rules regarding returning to work;
• undergo any required checks;
• notify the relevant authorities based on their situation.

Procedures may vary depending on the country of residence

Cross-border workers may need to complete additional formalities with their national health insurance provider or other agencies in their country of residence.

The rules may vary depending on whether the employee resides:

• in France;
• in Belgium;
• in Germany;
• in another European Union country.

It is therefore important to check the specific procedures that apply to your personal situation.

Getting sick while on vacation: what happens?

Getting sick while on vacation doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll lose your vacation days. In Luxembourg, if a doctor certifies that you’re unable to work during your annual leave, the days covered by the medical certificate can be made up later.

What steps should you take if you get sick while on vacation?

The employee must:

• see a doctor and obtain a medical certificate;
• notify their employer as soon as possible;
• submit the necessary supporting documents;
• agree on a new vacation period with their employer.

The days covered by sick leave are then no longer deducted from the employee’s annual leave balance.

To learn more about leave, see our guide: Working Hours and Leave in Luxembourg.

Stress, Occupational Exhaustion, and Burnout in Luxembourg

Work-related stress is now one of the leading causes of absenteeism and work disability. Pressure, overload , lack of recognition, conflicts, isolation, or a loss of purpose can gradually lead to a state of professional exhaustion.

Although burnout is not officially recognized as an occupational disease in Luxembourg, it is a reality taken very seriously by healthcare professionals, employers, and specialized organizations.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Burnout

The symptoms of burnout can develop gradually and are sometimes difficult to identify.

• persistent fatigue despite rest;
• difficulty concentrating;
• loss of motivation;
• feelings of failure or incompetence;
• irritability or anxiety;
• sleep disturbances;
• headaches or muscle pain;
• gradual disengagement from work;
• social isolation.

When these symptoms appear, it’s importantto act quickly and consult a healthcare professional.

Who Should You Consult If You’re Struggling at Work?

If you’re struggling at work or suspect you’re experiencing burnout, there are several people who can support you:

• your primary care physician;
• a psychiatrist or psychologist;
• the occupational health physician;
• specialized stress prevention services;
• burnout support organizations.

To find a healthcare professional, see our page on medical consultations in Luxembourg.

Useful Organizations for Stress or Burnout

Stressberodung – Chamber of Employees

In partnership with the Luxembourg Mental Health League, the Chamber of Employees offers a support service for employees dealing with work-related stress.

Individual consultations are available in French, English, German, or Luxembourgish.

Association for Stress Prevention and Management (APGS)

The APGS supports people facing difficulties related to stress, anxiety, depression, or burnout through tailored therapeutic activities.

Center for Burnout Prevention and Support (CPA Burnout)

CPA Burnout offers individual support, support groups, workshops, and programs for both individuals and businesses.

Cap Prevent Burnout

This organization brings together various professionals specializing in the prevention, treatment, and support of people experiencing burnout.

Wellbeing at Work

Wellbeing at Work supports companies in their efforts to improve workplace quality of life, prevent psychosocial risks, and promote employee well-being.

Mistakes to Avoid When on Sick Leave

Mistake	Possible Consequence
Failing to notify your employer on the first day	Loss of legal protection and difficulties with the employer.
Submitting the medical certificate late	Disputes, disciplinary action, or loss of rights.
Leaving your home without complying with applicable rules	Fine or problems during a CNS inspection.
Failing to notify the CNS of a change of residence	Risk during an administrative inspection.
Failure to submit an extension certificate	Absence may be considered unexcused.

What to Do If You Take Sick Leave

1. Day 1: Notify your employer immediately.
2. See a doctor: obtain a medical certificate if necessary.
3. ByDay 3 at the latest: Submit the required documents.
4. During sick leave: Follow the rules for returning to work and fulfill all administrative obligations.
5. If the sick leave is extended: submit a new medical certificate.
6. Before returning to work: Check whether any additional formalities are required.
7. If you encounter difficulties: contact the relevant agencies or healthcare professionals.

Learn more on Just Arrived

• Labor Law in Luxembourg
• Working Hours and Vacation Time in Luxembourg
• Termination of an employment contract
• Health of cross-border workers
• CNS and Social Security
• Medical Appointments in Luxembourg
• Salaries in Luxembourg

FAQ: Sick Leave in Luxembourg

Taking sick leave in Luxembourg entails both rights and obligations. By adhering to deadlines, administrative procedures, and applicable rules, you protect your employment status and facilitate your care.