If you’re an employee in Ireland who’s fallen ill, understanding sick leave certificates and your rights under Irish employment law is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know in 2026.
Understanding Sick Leave Certificates in Ireland
A sick leave certificate is an official document from a registered medical practitioner confirming you’re unfit for work. Required by employers after certain periods of absence.
Legal Requirements
- Self-Certification: First 2 consecutive days
- Medical Certificate: From day 3 onwards
- Statutory Sick Pay: Entitled with proper certification
- 2026 Entitlement: 10 days per year at 70% wages
For a deep dive into when each applies, read our guide on self-certification vs medical certificate in Ireland.
For a plain-English explanation of when a doctor’s note for work in Ireland is legally required, see our standalone guide.
Ireland’s Sick Leave Legislation 2026
| Year | Days | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 70% (€110 max/day) |
| 2024 | 5 | 70% (€110 max/day) |
| 2025 | 7 | 70% (€110 max/day) |
| 2026 | 10 | 70% (€110 max/day) |
How to Get a Sick Leave Certificate
Option 1: Traditional GP
- Cost: €50–€70
- Wait: 3–14 days
- Time: Half day
Option 2: Online Certificate (Recommended)
Consulting an online doctor in Ireland is the fastest route to getting your cert issued without taking time off to travel.
- Cost: €34.99
- Wait: 1–2 hours
- Time: 10 minutes
Get Your Certificate in 2 Hours – €34.99
Order your fast online sick leave certificate before your shift starts tomorrow.
- ✓ Irish-registered doctors
- ✓ Valid for statutory sick pay
- ✓ Accepted by all employers
Online Process: Step-by-Step Explanation
You can obtain your Medical certificate through our online service. Our process has been designed to ensure you receive a comprehensive medical evaluation while accommodating your busy schedule.
Our Professional Process:
- Step 1: Fill up the form on the link to complete the health assessment
- Step 2: Upload the custom format for the Medical certificate on the form too. If you do not have the template, you can download them from here.
- Step 3: Upload your vitals and other related health measurements on the secure link provided on email.
- Step 4: A licensed medical practitioner will review your case and share the signed note within 120 minutes*.
Required Information on Certificates
To ensure that your certificate is accepted, it must have the following on it:
- Doctor’s name and IMC registration
- Patient details
- Date of issue
- Period of incapacity
- Medical opinion
- Doctor’s signature
Employee Rights
- 10 days statutory sick pay by 2026
- Protection from unfair dismissal
- Privacy regarding diagnosis
- Choice of medical practitioner
When you’re ready to return, a Fit to Work Certificate Ireland can close out the absence.
Some employers use the term Return to Work Certificate Ireland for the same document
Cost Comparison
| Method | Total Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Private GP | €180+ | Half day |
| Online | €34.99 | 10 min |
Our Sick Leave Certificate Ireland service is delivered by Irish-registered GPs and accepted by Revenue and Irish employers.’
FAQs
Can I get a certificate for 1 day?
Self-certify for 1–2 days. Certificate required from day 3.
Are online certificates legal?
Yes, fully legal and valid from Irish-registered doctors.
Our broader Medical Certificate Ireland service covers gym, sport, travel and visa needs from the same Irish-registered doctors
Can certificates be backdated?
No, medical ethics prohibit backdating.
Save €145+ Per Certificate
- ✓ 2 hour delivery
- ✓ Valid for statutory sick pay
- ✓ Only €34.99