Sick leave rules in Norway at a glance
Statutory rules for Norway, checked against official government guidance on 15 October 2026.
| Tell your employer | As soon as possible, verbally or in writing, following the employer's routine |
|---|---|
| Self certification | Egenmelding after 2 months of service: minimum scheme up to 3 calendar days at a time, 4 times in 12 months; employers can extend it up to 16 days |
| Doctor's certificate needed from | From day 4 if the employer requires it, or when self certification days run out |
| Certificate deadline | Ideally to the employer on the first day of absence; Nav claim within 3 months as a rule |
| Waiting days | None |
| Employer pays | The first 16 days |
| State sickness benefit | Nav from day 17, covering income up to 6G |
| Maximum duration | 52 weeks |
| Day count | Calendar days |
| Last checked |
Who pays sick pay in Norway?
In Norway, employer pay: the first 16 days. State sickness benefit: Nav from day 17, covering income up to 6G.
- EmployerDays 1 to 16The first 16 days
- State sickness benefitFrom day 17Nav from day 17, covering income up to 6G
- Official body
- Nav
- Certificate
- Egenmelding (self certification)
Work out your own figures with the sick pay calculator.
When do you need a doctor's note in Norway?
In Norway, a doctor's certificate is needed: from day 4 if the employer requires it, or when self certification days run out.
Self certification. Egenmelding after 2 months of service: minimum scheme up to 3 calendar days at a time, 4 times in 12 months; employers can extend it up to 16 days
Certificate deadline. Ideally to the employer on the first day of absence; Nav claim within 3 months as a rule
Telling your employer. As soon as possible, verbally or in writing, following the employer's routine
Check your own dates with the "do I need a note" tool, or see how to get a doctor's note in Norway.
Worked example: 25 days off sick in Norway
How a 25 day absence runs in Norway, step by step. No money is worked out here.
| When | What happens | The rule |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tell your employer | As soon as possible, verbally or in writing, following the employer's routine |
| Days 1 to 16 | Employer | The first 16 days |
| From day 4 | A doctor's certificate is normally needed | From day 4 if the employer requires it, or when self certification days run out |
| Days 17 to 25 | State sickness benefit | Nav from day 17, covering income up to 6G |
Maximum duration: 52 weeks
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 Norway?
Self certification (egenmelding) needs 2 months with your employer.
The minimum is 3 days at a time, 4 times in 12 months, and many employers allow more.
What if you work in Norway but live in another country?
If you work in Norway 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 Norway (as soon as possible, verbally or in writing, following the employer's routine), and send any certificate to the body that pays you (Nav).
If your doctor is in another country, ask the paying body (Nav) 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 Norway: as soon as possible, verbally or in writing, following the employer's routine.
The certificate deadline in Norway: ideally to the employer on the first day of absence; Nav claim within 3 months as a rule.
Waiting days in Norway: none.
The maximum duration of sick pay in Norway: 52 weeks.
Self certification in Norway: Egenmelding after 2 months of service: minimum scheme up to 3 calendar days at a time, 4 times in 12 months; employers can extend it up to 16 days.
Sick leave rules in neighbouring countries
Compare Norway with Sweden and Finland, or see all 42 countries side by side.
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