Can I get sick pay in Cyprus?
Yes — sickness benefit from Social Insurance, not general paid leave from the employer. It's paid to insured employees and self-employed persons who are incapable of work, aged 16 to pensionable age. There's a 3-day waiting period for employees (9 days for the self-employed). The basic rate is 60% of basic insurable earnings, with a 50% supplement on earnings above the basic level. The maximum duration is 156 days per claim, extendable by a further 156 — i.e. up to 312 days. In short: yes, with contribution conditions.
📋 The rules
- Benefit from Social Insurance
- Waiting period 3 days (9 self-employed)
- Rate 60% + 50% supplement on the excess
- Duration 156 days (up to 312 with extension)
- Depends on contribution conditions
🔓 Exceptions
- Self-employed: longer 9-day waiting period
- Extension to 312 days: only under specified conditions
- Can be reduced if contributions aren't met or with another benefit
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Key figures: 3 waiting days (9 self-employed); 60% basic rate (+50% supplement on the excess); 156 days maximum, up to 312 with extension; covered ages 16 to pensionable. Beware a myth: "my employer must pay my full salary while I'm off sick in Cyprus" is false — there's no general statutory employer paid-sick-leave entitlement; sick pay comes from Social Insurance sickness benefit unless your contract or collective agreement provides more. Tip: the exact earnings ceilings are uprated periodically — confirm with Social Insurance.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Am I entitled to sickness benefit?
Yes, if you're an insured employee or self-employed person incapable of work due to illness and you meet the contribution conditions. The benefit is paid by the Social Insurance Services, not generally by the employer.
Is there a waiting period?
Yes. For employees there's a three-day waiting period before benefit starts, while for the self-employed the wait is nine days. No sickness benefit is paid for that period.
How much is the benefit?
The basic sickness benefit is 60% of basic insurable earnings, with a 50% supplement on average weekly insurable earnings above the basic level. The exact ceilings are uprated periodically.
How long does it last?
The maximum duration is 156 days per claim, and it can be extended by a further 156 days under conditions, that is up to 312 days in total. Without the extension conditions, the 156-day cap applies.
Must my employer pay me?
There's no general statutory obligation for employer-paid sick leave in Cyprus. Pay during illness comes from the Social Insurance sickness benefit, unless your contract or collective agreement provides an additional benefit.
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