Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
New Sick Note Regulations Aim to Reduce Absenteeism in Germany
The German coalition government has agreed on a reform targeting the rules around sick leave certification, aiming to lower the country’s high absenteeism rates. The key change is the abolition of telephone-based sick notes, with employees now required to present a medical certificate from the very first day of illness. Previously, this certificate was only required from the fourth day of absence onwards. The government argues this measure will strengthen the economy by tackling presumed non-genuine sick leaves and improving workforce attendance.
Union parliamentary leader Jens Spahn described the reform as a return to the pre-pandemic standards, referencing employees who ‘‘sit on the edge of the bed and consider whether they should go to work or not’’. The coalition framing sees the stricter rules as a tool to prevent such borderline sickness claims and reduce Germany’s considerable absence rates. However, medical professionals, health insurers, and even some Social Democrats have expressed reservations about the reform’s expected benefits and practical implications [Source 1].
Details and Criticism of the Reform on Sick Leave Rules
The reform means employees must now visit a doctor on the first day of illness to obtain an Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung, or certificate of incapacity to work. The end of the telephone certification option is expected to result in longer wait times at medical practices, which has raised concerns among patient representatives and healthcare providers. This increased demand might affect the availability of timely medical care, particularly in busy urban areas with high numbers of employees [Source 3].
While the coalition parties—the CDU/CSU and SPD—frame the policy as a necessary step to reduce economic losses caused by sick leave, critics within the healthcare sector question whether these restrictions will truly curb absenteeism or merely increase the burden on both patients and doctors. Some SPD members and health insurance representatives also doubt the effectiveness of forcing patients to see a doctor for every short illness [Source 1][Source 2].
What the New Sick Note Rules Mean for Expats and International Workers
For expats, international students, and foreign workers living in Germany, these new regulations mean that any illness requiring absence from work now mandates an immediate visit to a doctor to secure a sick note. This change could increase medical consultation costs and require a better understanding of how to navigate the German healthcare system, which varies significantly by region and insurance status.
With phone consultations no longer valid for sick leave certification, individuals may face longer wait times at doctors’ offices, potentially complicating adherence to employer sick leave policies. Those unfamiliar with German medical bureaucracy should take care to obtain a valid Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung promptly to avoid issues with employers or insurance providers. Expats should also verify whether their health insurance covers these doctor visits and whether telemedicine services are still available for other health consultations, even if not for sick leave certification [Source 3][Source 6].
The official announcement and details about these changes were first reported by Tagesschau and other German media on July 2, 2026, as part of a broader reform package including tax, pension, and labor market provisions [Source 1].
For more information, visit the original report on Tagesschau: https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/krankschreibung-reformen-koalition-100.html
