Germany implements new sick leave rules requiring doctor’s note on first day of illness

A significant change in Germany's sick leave policy was announced on July 3, 2026, requiring employees to provide a doctor’s note on the first day of illness. This decision, made by the coalition government, aims to address the high number of sick days reported in the country. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the number of sick days in Germany is "too high" and emphasized the need for reforms.

Details of the New Sick Leave Regulations

The new regulations stipulate that workers must obtain a doctor’s note on the first day of their illness, a shift from the previous rule where a note was necessary only after three days of absence. The government has also scrapped the option for employees to obtain this note via phone, a temporary measure introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chancellor Merz commented, "This is a tough decision, but we can no longer afford this competitive disadvantage caused by long periods of absence from work." He highlighted that the government is returning to pre-pandemic sick leave arrangements and urged individual businesses to establish different agreements if necessary.

Reactions from Medical Associations and Politicians

Medical groups have voiced strong opposition to the new sick leave requirements. The national association representing health insurance physicians, KBV, described the changes as "bordered on madness," arguing that it is unreasonable to force sick individuals to visit crowded medical facilities simply to fill out forms.

The Association of General Practitioners echoed these concerns, warning that the new rules could lead to overcrowded waiting rooms filled with patients who only require short-term care. Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil attempted to mitigate the backlash by stating he is seeking "workable solutions" and that sensible arrangements must be made following these proposals.

Government's Position and Economic Context

Despite the criticism, some government officials defend the new policy. Jens Spahn, leader of the CDU’s parliamentary group, pointed out that Germany has one of the highest rates of sick leave in the European Union, averaging around 18 sick days per year per employee. He acknowledged that while genuinely ill workers should remain at home, the government aims to tackle what he described as "exorbitant" levels of sick leave.

The changes to the sick leave policy are part of broader reforms in tax, labor, and pension systems aimed at reviving Germany's economy. As the nation navigates the post-pandemic landscape, the government is under pressure to balance health concerns with economic productivity.