Guide · Sick leave
Returning to work after sick leave in France: visits and steps
The short answer
After sick leave (not work-related) of at least 60 days, a return-to-work visit with the occupational doctor is compulsory, within 8 days of going back. From 30 days off, you can ask for a pre-return visit to plan adjustments.
Three meetings not to confuse
| Meeting | When | Compulsory? | With whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liaison meeting (rendez-vous de liaison) | During sick leave of more than 30 days | No, and you can refuse it | Employer and occupational health service |
| Pre-return visit (visite de pré-reprise) | During sick leave of more than 30 days | No, but very useful | Occupational doctor |
| Return-to-work visit (visite de reprise) | When you go back, after at least 60 days of sick leave | Yes | Occupational doctor |
The liaison meeting
It is possible for sick leave of more than 30 days, in one go or not. You or your employer can ask for it. It is not a medical appointment: it keeps the link with work and presents what can help your return (pre-return visit, adjusting your job or working hours) (Service-Public).
It is optional: you can refuse to attend (APAS-BTP).
The pre-return visit
It takes place during your sick leave, if it lasts more than 30 days. You can ask for it yourself; so can your GP, the health insurance’s medical adviser or the occupational doctor. Your employer is told about it, unless you object (Code du travail numérique).
The occupational doctor can recommend:
- adjustments to your job or workstation;
- adjusted working hours;
- training or redeployment.
It is the best time to plan a return that lasts.
The return-to-work visit
It is compulsory after (Code du travail numérique):
- an illness or accident not related to work, with at least 60 days off;
- a work accident with at least 30 days off;
- an occupational disease, whatever the length;
- maternity leave.
Your employer organises it within 8 days of your return. It takes place during working hours. The occupational doctor checks that the job is compatible with your health, and can suggest adjustments or, if needed, find you unfit for the job.
For sick leave prescribed since 15 June 2026, the return-to-work visit is no longer required if a pre-return visit took place in the 30 days before your return and concluded that no adjustment was needed. You, your employer or the doctor can still ask for it.
Getting your job back
When you return, you normally get your job back. If it no longer exists, your employer must offer you a similar job with equivalent pay (Service-Public).
Going back gradually
If going back full time is too soon, your doctor can prescribe therapeutic part-time work.
Before talking about your return with your doctor
Write down what your job requires (lifting, standing, driving, screen work, hours), what you can do today, and what worries you. Your doctor, then the occupational doctor, decide on your return and its conditions.
Say clearly what you can do today
DossierMalin helps you describe, in English, what your job requires and what you can do right now, with a French summary for your doctor before you talk about going back.