One of the most common questions among employees and employers lately is whether paper sick leave certificates and medical confirmations still need to be physically submitted to the employer.

Short answer: in principle – not as before.

Since January 1, 2026, a system of electronic data exchange regarding temporary incapacity for work (e-Sick Leave) has been implemented. This system enables digital data exchange between doctors, employers, and competent institutions, with the aim of modernizing the process and reducing administrative burden.

In practice, this means that doctors enter sick leave data into an electronic system, and this information is then exchanged between the healthcare system and employers through an official platform, without the need for employees to physically deliver documents as before.

✔ sick leave is recorded electronically by the doctor
✔ data is exchanged through the e-Sick Leave system
✔ employers use this information for record-keeping and payroll processing

For employees, this significantly simplifies the process as it reduces the need for physical document submission and visits to collect paperwork. For employers, it enables faster processing and less administration.

However, it is important to note that the system is being implemented in phases and through evolving digital infrastructure, so in practice, the exact workflow may vary depending on technical implementation and specific situations.

Conclusion: the trend is a clear shift towards digitalization of sick leave management, with communication between doctors and employers gradually moving to an electronic system, reducing the need for paper documentation compared to previous practice.