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- How to request sick leave in Spain through the Social Security system? - March 1, 2026
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To request sick leave in Spain with Social Security, you need a doctor from the Public Health Service, or the mutual insurance company for work-related contingencies, to issue the sick leave certificate after assessing you.
Since 2023, you no longer normally have to take the report in person to your company because the process is electronic.
What exactly is a temporary disability medical leave?
Sick leave falls under the category of temporary disability, a process in which the initial sick leave certificate, subsequent confirmation certificates, and the final discharge certificate mark the beginning and duration of the leave. The physician estimates the duration based on the patient's clinical progress and may adjust it during follow-up appointments.
Who can issue the sick leave certificate for social security medical leave?
Generally, the sick leave certificate is issued immediately after a medical examination by a doctor in the public health service. If it results from a work-related accident or occupational disease covered by a mutual insurance company or collaborating company, it is issued by their medical service, also after an examination.
Do I have to submit the report to the company or to the INSS (National Social Security Institute)?
In the most common setup, the public health service, the mutual insurer or a collaborating company sends sick-leave data to the INSS electronically, as explained by Spainโs Social Security. Thatโs why many regions say workers no longer have to hand a paper copy to their employer, although you should still follow your workplace reporting process.
What should you be clear about before requesting to be discharged?
Sick leave is based on a medical assessment, so it helps to bring relevant clinical information and explain how your symptoms affect your ability to work, without overstating or downplaying them. If you are a foreigner, it also helps to make sure your healthcare paperwork is in order, for example the health card in Spain, so you understand your route into the system.
When is it a good idea to ask for job or health help?
If you have questions about who should issue the medical report, whether your case is work-related, or if you have disagreements with your employer, it may be helpful to seek guidance from your healthcare provider, your mutual insurance company (if applicable), or an employment advisor. In medical emergencies, the priority is medical attention, not paperwork.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. For your specific situation, consult your healthcare professional and verify the information with official sources (Health Service, National Social Security Institute/Social Security) or an employment advisor.
