How much you receive: the 2026 rates

The 55% and 60% rates are increased by 5 points (to 60% and 65%) when monthly reference pay does not exceed €500, among other reinforced-protection cases in the law.

The 3 unpaid waiting days

The benefit is due from the 4th day of incapacity: the first three days are not paid by Social Security, except in cases such as hospitalisation, where payment starts on day 1. The employer is not required to cover them either, though some collective agreements or company policies do.

How it is calculated: reference pay

Reference pay is, as a rule, the total remuneration of the 6 calendar months preceding the 2nd month before the leave, divided by 180 — the daily basis for the percentages.

Example: €1,200 salary, 15 days of leave

• Reference pay: (€1,200 × 6) ÷ 180 = €40/day
• Paid days: 4th to 15th = 12 days
• Benefit: 12 × €40 × 55% = €264

Who qualifies

• Qualifying period — 6 calendar months (consecutive or not) with registered earnings;
• Recent work test — for employees, 12 days with registered earnings in the 4 months before the leave;
• Medical certificate (CIT) — issued by the doctor and sent electronically to Social Security; inform your employer too;
• Self-employed — entitled with contributions up to date, but the waiting period is 10 days.

What employers must handle

During sick leave the employer pays no salary or benefit — Social Security bears it — but still has duties: report the absence in payroll, suspend the meal allowance (due only per day worked) and manage holiday/allowance pro-ratas. Errors in the monthly DMR create discrepancies with Social Security. HVR handles this in our clients' payroll processing — in English.

Frequently asked questions

How much is sick pay in Portugal in 2026?

55% of reference pay up to 30 days of leave, 60% from day 31 to 90, 70% from day 91 to 365 and 75% beyond one year — with a 5-point increase on the lower rates for reference pay up to €500.

Who pays sick leave: the employer or Social Security?

Social Security. The employer pays no salary during the leave, unless a collective agreement or company policy provides top-ups.

Are the first 3 days paid?

As a rule, no — that is the waiting period. Exceptions such as hospitalisation qualify for payment from day 1.

How long must I have contributed to qualify?

6 calendar months with registered earnings and, for employees, 12 days registered in the 4 months before the leave.

Are the self-employed covered?

Yes, with contributions up to date — but their waiting period is 10 days instead of 3.