Sick leave in Romania 2026: paid days, the percentage you get and who pays it
In short
From 1 February 2026, the first day of every sick leave is no longer paid (a measure in force until 31 December 2027). For ordinary illness, the indemnity is 55% of the calculation base for leave of up to 7 days, 65% for 8-14 days and 75% from 15 days upward. The employer covers the indemnity from day 2 through day 6, and from day 7 the FNUASS health fund pays. To be entitled to the indemnity you normally need a contribution period of 6 months within the last 12.
Updated on:
Sick leave looks simple until you hit the real questions: “How many days will I be paid for?”, “How much of my salary do I get?”, “Who pays me, the company or the state?” And from 2026 there are changes that alter the calculation. This guide settles all of it.
What changed in 2026: the first day is no longer paid
The most important novelty: between 1 February 2026 and 31 December 2027, the first day of every sick leave certificate is not paid. The day counts toward the length of the leave, but the indemnity is calculated reduced by one day.
In practice, if you stay home for 3 days, you are paid for 2. For a one-day leave, you get nothing. It is a temporary measure, but it runs for two years.
What percentage you get
For ordinary illness, the percentage rises with the length of the leave:
| Length of leave | Percentage of the calculation base |
|---|---|
| Up to 7 days | 55% |
| 8 – 14 days | 65% |
| From 15 days | 75% |
There are also situations paid in full. For medical-surgical emergencies, tuberculosis, group A infectious diseases, cancer and AIDS, the indemnity is 100% — and, on top of that, it is granted with no contribution requirement.
Who pays you: the employer or FNUASS
It does not all come from the same place. For temporary work incapacity:
- From day 2 through day 6 — the employer pays, from its own funds.
- From day 7 — the FNUASS (National Unique Health Insurance Fund) pays.
That is why, for short leave, the whole cost falls on the company; for long leave, the health fund steps in.
How much contribution period you need
To be entitled to the indemnity, you normally need a contribution period of at least 6 months within the 12 months preceding the month of leave.
The exceptions are the serious situations — emergencies, TB, group A diseases, cancer, AIDS and quarantine — which are granted with no contribution requirement. The law does not leave you uncovered precisely when you need it most.
How the base is calculated
The calculation base is the average of monthly incomes from the last 6 months for which the contribution was paid, out of the 12 months that make up the contribution period. The percentage (55/65/75 or 100%) is applied to this average, and then the unpaid first day is deducted.
The deadline to keep in mind
As an employee, you submit the certificate to your employer by the 5th of the following month after the one in which you were on leave. After this deadline, you risk the indemnity not being reflected in your pay on time.
For the other rights in the employment relationship, see the guides on the individual employment contract and on annual leave, which follow different rules from sick leave.
Steps to follow
- Get the sick leave certificate from a doctor. The certificate is issued by your family doctor or a specialist, depending on the condition. It sets the diagnosis, the indemnity code and the number of days — everything follows from it.
- Check which percentage applies to you. For ordinary illness the percentage rises with duration: 55% up to 7 days, 65% for 8 to 14 days, 75% from 15 days. Medical-surgical emergencies, TB, group A infectious diseases, cancer and AIDS are paid at 100%.
- Remember the first day is not paid. Between 1 February 2026 and 31 December 2027, the first day of every medical certificate is not paid. The day still counts as leave, but the indemnity is calculated reduced by one day.
- See who pays you. For temporary work incapacity, the employer covers the indemnity from day 2 through day 6 inclusive, and from day 7 the indemnity is paid from the FNUASS budget.
- Make sure you have the contribution period. You normally need a contribution period of at least 6 months within the last 12 months. Emergencies, TB, group A diseases, cancer, AIDS and quarantine are exceptions, granted with no contribution requirement.
- Submit the certificate on time. As an employee, you submit the certificate to your employer by the 5th of the month following the one in which you were on leave, so it can be reflected in your pay.
Required documents
- The sick leave certificate issued by the doctor
- Identity document
- A contribution-period certificate, if you change employer or are in a special situation
Costs
| What you pay | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First day of sick leave | Not paid | Temporary measure, 1 February 2026 – 31 December 2027 |
| Ordinary illness, up to 7 days | 55% of the calculation base | The percentage rises with the length of leave |
| Ordinary illness, 8–14 days | 65% of the calculation base | |
| Ordinary illness, from 15 days | 75% of the calculation base | |
| Emergencies, TB, cancer, AIDS, group A diseases | 100% of the calculation base | No contribution period required |
Fees change over time. Always check the current amounts on the official websites listed under “Official sources”.
How long it takes
Sick leave for ordinary illness can be granted for up to 183 days within one year, counted from the first day of illness; beyond certain thresholds it needs the approval of the social insurance expert doctor. The first day of each certificate is not paid between 1 February 2026 and 31 December 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Is the first day of sick leave paid in 2026?
No. From 1 February 2026 until 31 December 2027, the first day of every sick leave certificate is not paid. The day counts toward the length of the leave, but the indemnity is calculated reduced by one day.
What percentage of my salary do I get on sick leave?
For ordinary illness the percentage depends on the duration: 55% for leave up to 7 days, 65% for 8-14 days and 75% from 15 days upward. For medical-surgical emergencies, TB, group A infectious diseases, cancer and AIDS the indemnity is 100%.
Who pays sick leave, the employer or the state?
It depends on the day. For temporary work incapacity, the employer covers the indemnity from day 2 through day 6 inclusive, and from day 7 it is paid from the FNUASS budget (the National Unique Health Insurance Fund).
How much contribution period do I need?
As a rule, at least 6 months of contribution within the 12 months preceding the month of leave. Medical-surgical emergencies, TB, group A infectious diseases, cancer, AIDS and quarantine are exceptions, granted with no contribution requirement.
How is the indemnity base calculated?
The calculation base is the average of monthly incomes from the last 6 months for which the contribution was paid, out of the 12 months that make up the contribution period. The relevant percentage (55/65/75 or 100%) is applied to this base.
By when must I submit the medical certificate?
As an employee, you submit the certificate to your employer by the 5th of the month following the one in which you were on leave. After this deadline you risk it not being reflected in your pay on time.
How many sick days can I take in a year?
For ordinary illness, the maximum is generally 183 days within a one-year interval, counted from the first day of illness. Continuing beyond certain thresholds requires the approval of the social insurance expert doctor.