Sick Leave in Cyprus: 3-Day Waiting Period, Social Insurance Pay and Rules

Sick leave in Cyprus is covered by the Social Insurance Fund from the fourth day of illness. The first three days of any sick leave period are an unpaid waiting period unless the employment contract provides otherwise. There is no fixed annual quota of sick days - the statutory entitlement is up to 156 days per sick leave episode.

How Many Sick Days Are Employees Entitled To

Cyprus does not have a fixed number of annual sick days. Instead, employees can receive Social Insurance sickness benefit for up to 156 consecutive days per illness episode. After 156 days, long-term illness provisions may apply under separate Social Insurance rules.

The 3-Day Waiting Period

The first three calendar days of sick leave are unpaid under statute. Social Insurance sickness benefit begins from the fourth day of illness. These three waiting days may be paid by the employer if the employment contract or collective agreement includes such a provision, but there is no statutory obligation on the employer to pay during this period.

Self-employed contributors face a longer waiting period: Social Insurance sickness benefit for the self-employed starts from the ninth day of illness.

How Much Is Paid During Sick Leave

From day four onwards, the Social Insurance Fund pays the sickness benefit at approximately 60% of the employee's insured earnings. The exact amount depends on the employee's contribution history and the Social Insurance calculation formula applied at the time of the claim.

The employer has no statutory obligation to top up the Social Insurance benefit to full salary during sick leave, though many employment contracts include such provisions.

Required Documentation

To claim sickness benefit, the employee must:

• Obtain a medical certificate from a registered doctor confirming the illness and the period of incapacity.
• Submit the certificate to the local Social Insurance Services office within 48 hours of the start of sick leave.
• Notify the employer as soon as reasonably possible.

Failure to submit the certificate within 48 hours may result in loss of benefit for the uncertified period.

Sick Leave and Social Insurance Contributions

Social Insurance contributions continue to be credited to the employee's record during sick leave, ensuring that pension entitlements are not affected. The Social Insurance Fund treats sick days as credited contribution weeks for pension calculation purposes.

Employer Obligations During Sick Leave

Employers may not dismiss an employee solely for being on sick leave. Dismissal during sick leave is generally considered unfair under the Termination of Employment Law, and the employee retains the right to return to the same or equivalent role after recovery.

Sources: Cyprus Social Insurance Services. CXC Global Hiring Guide Cyprus. Playroll Cyprus Employer Guide.