Sick leave rules in Bosnia and Herzegovina at a glance
Statutory rules for Bosnia and Herzegovina, checked against official government guidance on 15 October 2026.
| Rule | Federation | Republika Srpska |
|---|---|---|
| Tell your employer | In writing within 3 days | Deliver the certificate within 3 days |
| Self certification | None found | None found |
| Doctor's certificate needed from | Day 1 | Day 1 |
| Certificate deadline | Ask your employer | Within 3 days of the start |
| Waiting days | None found | None found |
| Employer pays | The first 42 days, at least 80% | Up to 30 days, at 70% |
| State sickness benefit | Cantonal institute from day 43 | Health Insurance Fund from day 31 |
| Maximum duration | Check with your insurer | 12 months |
| Last checked |
Who pays sick pay in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, it depends on the entity. Federation: your employer pays the first 42 days, at least 80%, then the cantonal institute from day 43. Republika Srpska: your employer pays up to 30 days, at 70%, then the Health Insurance Fund from day 31.
Federation
- EmployerDays 1 to 42The first 42 days, at least 80%
- State sickness benefitFrom day 43Cantonal institute from day 43
Republika Srpska
- EmployerDays 1 to 30Up to 30 days, at 70%
- State sickness benefitFrom day 31Health Insurance Fund from day 31
- Official body
- Federation: cantonal institute. Republika Srpska: Health Insurance Fund
Work out your own figures with the sick pay calculator.
When do you need a doctor's note in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a doctor's certificate is needed: day 1.
Self certification. None found
Certificate deadline (Federation). Ask your employer
Certificate deadline (Republika Srpska). Within 3 days of the start
Telling your employer (Federation). In writing within 3 days
Telling your employer (Republika Srpska). Deliver the certificate within 3 days
Check your own dates with the "do I need a note" tool, or see how to get a doctor's note in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Worked example: 50 days off sick in Bosnia and Herzegovina
How a 50 day absence runs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, step by step. No money is worked out here.
Federation
| When | What happens | The rule |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tell your employer | In writing within 3 days |
| Days 1 to 42 | Employer | The first 42 days, at least 80% |
| From day 1 | A doctor's certificate is normally needed | Day 1 |
| Days 43 to 50 | State sickness benefit | Cantonal institute from day 43 |
Maximum duration (Federation): Check with your insurer
Republika Srpska
| When | What happens | The rule |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tell your employer | Deliver the certificate within 3 days |
| Days 1 to 30 | Employer | Up to 30 days, at 70% |
| From day 1 | A doctor's certificate is normally needed | Day 1 |
| Days 31 to 50 | State sickness benefit | Health Insurance Fund from day 31 |
Maximum duration (Republika Srpska): 12 months
For your own figures, use the sick pay calculator. It reads the same checked data as this page.
What is different about sick leave in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The Federation and Republika Srpska each have their own labour and health insurance laws.
In the Federation, tell your employer in writing within 3 days. In Republika Srpska, deliver the doctor's certificate within 3 days.
What if you work in Bosnia and Herzegovina but live in another country?
If you work in Bosnia and Herzegovina and live in another country, you are usually covered by the social security system where you work, so the rules on this page apply.
Report sick by the rule of your entity, and send any certificate to the body that pays you.
If your doctor is in another country, ask the paying body which format it accepts.
More on working in one country and living in another. Related tool: Fit to fly readiness checklist
Frequently asked questions
The rule for telling your employer in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Federation: in writing within 3 days. Republika Srpska: deliver the certificate within 3 days.
The certificate deadline in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Federation: ask your employer. Republika Srpska: within 3 days of the start.
Waiting days in Bosnia and Herzegovina: none found.
The maximum duration of sick pay in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Federation: check with your insurer. Republika Srpska: 12 months.
Self certification in Bosnia and Herzegovina: none found.
Sick leave rules in neighbouring countries
Compare Bosnia and Herzegovina with Croatia and Serbia, or see all 42 countries side by side.
Have a question we did not answer? Ask the assistant.