Sick leave in France: your key dates.

The rules behind the dates

• Send the sick note within 48 hours. If the doctor files it online, it goes to the Assurance maladie automatically. On paper, parts 1 and 2 go to the CPAM and part 3 to your employer (Ameli).
• A first sick note of 31 days at most, extensions of 62 days at most. This is the rule for sick leave prescribed since 1 September 2026. The doctor can go further in the cases set by the decree, with a justification (decree of 13 June 2026). Our guide to the time limits covers the exceptions.
• 3 waiting days, then sick pay. Daily sick pay starts on day 4. Your employer tops it up from day 8 if you have at least one year of service (Service-Public). For the amounts, see the sick pay calculator.
• After 30 days, a liaison meeting with your employer and a pre-return visit with the occupational doctor become possible. Both are optional.
• After at least 60 days of sick leave, a return-to-work visit with the occupational doctor is compulsory, within 8 days of going back (Service-Public). See returning to work.
• At 6 months, new conditions apply to keep being paid: 12 months of insurance and 600 hours of work in the previous 12 months. Except for a long-term condition, daily sick pay is paid for 360 days at most over 3 years (Ameli).

Good to know

The calculator counts calendar days, the first day of sick leave being day 1. It applies to private-sector employees on sick leave, not to work accidents or occupational diseases.

The 360 days are counted over 3 years, earlier sick leave included: if you have been off before, the limit comes sooner. The sick pay already paid shows in your ameli account.

Your doctor always decides how long the sick leave lasts and whether to extend it, based on your health. For long sick leave, prepare each appointment: our guide to extending sick leave explains what to note.