Sick pay in Finland: how long does the employer pay?

Short answer: check the Employment Contracts Act and the applicable collective agreement for the amount and duration of sick pay. The statutory starting point depends on employment length. Collective agreements can contain different provisions, and an employer may pay beyond the statutory period.

The statutory starting point

Chapter 2, section 11 of the Employment Contracts Act concerns employees unable to work because of illness or an accident. The table summarises the basic rule; check the applicable collective agreement separately. Verified on 11 November 2026.

Source: Employment Contracts Act.

This period does not automatically mean ten of your own scheduled shifts. Ask payroll to explain the calculation for your working pattern.

Report the absence promptly

InfoFinland’s guidance advises notifying your supervisor immediately. Establish the reporting channel and evidence required. Do not assume every workplace permits the same period of self-certified absence.

Keep a record of when you notified the employer and provide the requested certificate through the agreed channel. Ask whom to contact if incapacity continues. The scope of occupational healthcare depends on the employer’s arrangements.

Where Kela fits in

Kela sickness allowance compensates for loss of earnings caused by incapacity for work. The usual waiting period is the day of falling ill and the following nine working days. The allowance is distinct from employer-paid wages.

If the employer continues paying wages after the waiting period, the allowance may be paid to the employer. Otherwise it may be paid to the employee when conditions are met. Kela assesses entitlement separately; a medical certificate alone is not a benefit decision.

When absence continues

Ask payroll for the date employer-paid sick pay ends. Check with Kela whether an application and attachments are needed and which deadline applies. Keep decisions, certificates and payslips together so you can identify the period covered by each payment.

For starting employment, see the job-search guide. If you work independently, also read the freelancing guide: a self-employed person’s position differs from employer-paid sick pay.

Official sources

Checked on 11 November 2026.

• Finlex: Employment Contracts Act, chapter 2, section 11
• InfoFinland: occupational health and illness
• Kela: sickness allowance