Sick leave rules in Iceland at a glance
Statutory rules for Iceland, checked against official government guidance on 15 October 2026.
| Tell your employer | As soon as possible |
|---|---|
| Self certification | No fixed period in law |
| Doctor's certificate needed from | Whenever the employer requests it |
| Certificate deadline | Ask your employer |
| Waiting days | Check with your insurer |
| Employer pays | At least 2 days per month worked |
| State sickness benefit | From day 15, if off 21 days or more |
| Maximum duration | 52 weeks in 24 months |
| Last checked |
Who pays sick pay in Iceland?
In Iceland, employer pay: at least 2 days per month worked. State sickness benefit: from day 15, if off 21 days or more.
- EmployerAt least 2 days per month worked
- State sickness benefitFrom day 15, if off 21 days or more
- Official body
- Icelandic Health Insurance
Work out your own figures with the sick pay calculator.
When do you need a doctor's note in Iceland?
In Iceland, a doctor's certificate is needed: whenever the employer requests it.
Self certification. No fixed period in law
Certificate deadline. Ask your employer
Telling your employer. As soon as possible
Check your own dates with the "do I need a note" tool, or see how to get a doctor's note in Iceland.
Worked example: 10 days off sick in Iceland
How a 10 day absence runs in Iceland, step by step. No money is worked out here.
| When | What happens | The rule |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tell your employer | As soon as possible |
| During the absence | Employer | At least 2 days per month worked |
| During the absence | State sickness benefit | From day 15, if off 21 days or more |
Maximum duration: 52 weeks in 24 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 Iceland?
Most practical cover comes from collective agreements and union sickness funds, which vary by union.
What if you work in Iceland but live in another country?
If you work in Iceland 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 in Iceland (as soon as possible), and send any certificate to the body that pays you (Icelandic Health Insurance).
If your doctor is in another country, ask the paying body (Icelandic Health Insurance) 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 Iceland: as soon as possible.
The maximum duration of sick pay in Iceland: 52 weeks in 24 months.
Self certification in Iceland: no fixed period in law.
Official guidance we checked does not yet confirm a certificate deadline in Iceland. Ask your employer.
Sick leave rules in neighbouring countries
Compare Iceland with Norway and Denmark, or see all 42 countries side by side.
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