Guide · Sick leave
Extending sick leave in France: who can do it, when to go, what to send
The short answer
An extension should normally be prescribed by the doctor who signed the first sick note or by your registered GP (médecin traitant). Since 1 September 2026, it lasts two months at most, unless justified. See the doctor before your current sick note ends, and send the new one within 48 hours.
Who can extend your sick leave
As a rule, an extension (prolongation) is prescribed by one of two doctors (Juritravail, article L162-4-4 of the French Social Security Code):
- the doctor who prescribed the first sick note;
- your registered GP (médecin traitant).
There are exceptions: a locum standing in for either of them, a specialist you see at your GP’s request, or an extension given during a hospital stay.
By video consultation, sick leave or its extension is normally limited to 3 days. This limit does not apply if your registered GP (or your named midwife) prescribes it, or if you cannot see a doctor in person (Ameli).
For how long
Since 1 September 2026, an extension cannot exceed 62 days, and a first sick note 31 days. The doctor can go further by justifying the length on the note. See our guide on sick leave time limits.
For long sick leave, you will therefore see your doctor at least every two months.
Our sick leave dates calculator gives the latest end of the next extension and when to book your appointment.
When to see the doctor
Book the appointment before your current sick note ends, so there is no gap between the two.
An extension does not trigger a new 3-day waiting period, including after a return to work of 48 hours or less (Ameli). Beyond that, the next sick note may be treated as a new one.
What to send, and to whom
| Sick note | To the CPAM | To your employer |
|---|---|---|
| Issued online by the doctor | Nothing: it is sent automatically | The printed copy, within 48 hours |
| On paper | Parts 1 and 2, within 48 hours | Part 3, within 48 hours |
Since 1 July 2025, a paper sick note must be the secure official form: scans and photocopies are rejected (Ameli).
If you send it late, the CPAM warns you the first time. Another late sending within 24 months can halve your sick pay for the period between the prescription and the sending (Juritravail).
Preparing the appointment
Your doctor needs to know how your condition has changed since last time. Before you go, write down:
- Your symptoms: which ones, how often, how strong.
- What has changed: better, the same, worse, or very variable.
- Care and tests done in between, and their effect.
- What your job requires and what you cannot do at the moment.
- Your view on returning to work: as before, part time, with adjustments, or not yet.
Describe your situation as it is. Your doctor decides whether to extend, and for how long. If your French is limited, a written summary in French helps a lot in a short appointment.
If going back to work is getting closer, read returning to work after sick leave and therapeutic part-time work.
Arrive with the changes at a glance
DossierMalin helps you note your symptoms, your care and what you cannot do, in English, and shows what has changed since the last appointment, in French for your doctor. Your doctor decides on the extension.