Sick pay in Italy (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: INPS pays the sickness allowance from the fourth day, usually advanced by the employer. It is 50% of pay for days 4 to 20 and 66.66% from day 21, for up to 180 days a year for most private-sector workers.

RuleWhat applies
Who pays sick payBeing ill and unable to workINPS pays the sickness allowance, but the employer usually advances it with the pay and offsets it later. The first three days are at the employer's cost if the employment contract provides for it. This is for most private-sector employees. [1]
Sick pay rateBeing ill and unable to workThe allowance is 50% of the average daily pay from the 4th to the 20th day, and 66.66% from the 21st to the 180th day. Some groups differ (80% for bar, restaurant and pastry-shop staff). [1]
Maximum durationBeing ill and unable to workFor most private-sector workers on permanent contracts the right lasts at most 180 days in a calendar year. For fixed-term contracts the limit depends on days worked in the previous 12 months (minimum 30, maximum 180). [1]
Waiting daysBeing ill and unable to workThe right to the allowance starts on the fourth day. The first three days are at the employer's cost if the employment contract provides for it. [1]
Medical certificateBeing ill and unable to workThe employee gets a sickness certificate from their doctor, who sends it electronically to INPS. The employer can view it through INPS services. Only if electronic sending is impossible must the employee submit the paper certificate to INPS and the attestation to the employer within two days of issue. [1]

Notes

  • The INPS allowance covers most private-sector employees. It is not available to, for example, managers and domestic workers.

Sources

  1. INPS: Indennità di malattia/degenza ospedaliera e visite mediche di controllo (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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