Sick pay in Czechia (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: The employer pays compensation of wages of 60% of average earnings for the first 14 days, then ČSSZ pays sickness benefit of 60%, 66% and 72% depending on the day of the illness, for up to 380 days. There is no waiting period and no certificate is handed to the employer, because the doctor reports electronically.

RuleWhat applies
Who pays sick payBeing ill and unable to workThe employer pays compensation of wages (náhrada mzdy) for the first 14 calendar days of temporary incapacity. From the 15th day the sickness insurance benefit (nemocenské) is paid through the Czech Social Security Administration (ČSSZ). [1]
Sick pay rateBeing ill and unable to workEmployer: 60% of the average earnings, adjusted in a similar way to the reduced daily assessment base for sickness benefit. Sickness benefit: 60% of the reduced daily assessment base up to day 30, 66% from day 31 to day 60 and 72% from day 61. [2]
Maximum durationBeing ill and unable to workThe employer pays for the first 14 calendar days. The sickness benefit period starts on the 15th calendar day and lasts at most 380 calendar days from the day the incapacity began, unless otherwise provided. [3]
Waiting daysBeing ill and unable to workThere is no waiting period: the rule of not paying compensation of wages for the first three working days (karenční doba) was abolished from 1 July 2019. [1]
Medical certificateBeing ill and unable to workEmployees do not hand any certificate to the employer. The doctor sends an electronic report (eNeschopenka) and the employer gets the information from ČSSZ. The employee must tell the employer without delay about the incapacity and its continuation. [4]

Sources

  1. Česká správa sociálního zabezpečení (ČSSZ): Nemocenské - Česká správa sociálního zabezpečení (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. e-Sbírka (Ministerstvo vnitra) - open data: Zákon č. 262/2006 Sb., zákoník práce, znění od 29. 8. 2026, § 192 (odst. 1-4) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. e-Sbírka (Ministerstvo vnitra) - open data: Zákon č. 187/2006 Sb., o nemocenském pojištění, znění od 1. 7. 2026, § 26 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  4. Česká správa sociálního zabezpečení (ČSSZ): Základní informace pro zaměstnance a OSVČ - eNeschopenka - Česká správa sociálního zabezpečení (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.