In today’s job market, sick leave (in Latvian: darba nespējas lapa, or DNL) is much more than a formal excuse for being absent from work. It is an important medical and social document that connects the healthcare system, your employer and the state social insurance system. Because the process can be confusing, misunderstandings are common — and they can lead to lost income or disputes with your employer.
What is sick leave?
Put simply, sick leave is your official “doctor’s note” and, at the same time, your “ticket” to sickness benefit. If your health does not allow you to do your job, this document confirms that you are not simply missing work, but are genuinely ill.
The role of the family doctor
Many patients believe that a family doctor’s job is to “give” sick leave on request. In fact, according to international medical ethics, the family doctor acts as a “gatekeeper”.
The family doctor does not only assess whether you are ill (for example, with a viral infection), but how the illness affects your ability to perform your specific work duties:
- Risk of infection – protecting public health (especially important for people working in food handling and education).
- Physical inability – acute pain or limited movement.
- Cognitive impairment – drowsiness caused by medication, difficulty concentrating.
How sick leave is opened
Under generally accepted healthcare standards, sick leave starts from the moment you contact a doctor. To open sick leave, the family doctor must carry out at least one of the following:
- In-person visit – a physical examination (the gold standard).
- Online consultation – the doctor assesses your symptoms and, if necessary, can open sick leave; if a physical examination is needed, you will have to come to the clinic.
At Republikas laukuma klīnika you can book an online consultation with a family doctor. The doctor decides whether to open sick leave after assessing your health.
Dr. Ruslans Mihailovskis
Family doctor, sleep specialist
E-health and electronic sick leave
Paper sick notes are a thing of the past. The digital system ensures that data is accurate and transparent. In Latvia, since 2018 all sick leave is electronic only — it is registered in the national E-veselība (E-health) system. You do not need to bring any paper to your employer.
All sick leave data is processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Your employer does not receive information about your diagnosis (this is sensitive medical data) — only the fact that you are unable to work. This separation is essential to prevent discrimination in the workplace, as the OECD emphasises in its employment policy reports.
Your obligations while on sick leave — what you must not do
Sick leave is not a holiday. It is time intended for treatment and recovery. International social insurance practice sets clear obligations for patients:
- Follow the prescribed regime – if your family doctor has prescribed home rest, you must not attend public events or travel (unless agreed with the doctor).
- Follow the treatment plan – you are required to follow the treatment plan. Refusing treatment may be grounds for closing your sick leave or refusing the benefit.
- Inform your employer – let your employer know immediately so the company can keep its work running smoothly.
Types of sick leave and how long they last
In Latvia, sick leave is divided into two stages, with day 10 being the main dividing line.
Sick leave A — paid by the employer
This type is for short-term illness or the first stage of an illness.
- Duration – from day 1 to day 9 of illness.
- Who pays – your employer.
- Amount paid:
- Day 1 – not paid (unless your employer decides otherwise).
- Days 2 and 3 – at least 75% of your average earnings.
- Days 4 to 9 – at least 80% of your average earnings.
Sick leave B — paid by the state
This type is issued if the illness lasts longer, or in special cases.
- Duration – starts from day 10 of illness.
- Who pays – the state (VSAA – State Social Insurance Agency).
- Amount paid – 80% of your average insured earnings.
- Maximum period – sick leave B can be paid for up to 26 weeks (six months) if the illness is continuous, or up to 52 weeks within a three-year period if the illness recurs with breaks.
- VDEĀVK – if you are unable to work for longer than 26 weeks, the family doctor refers you to VDEĀVK (the State Medical Commission for the Assessment of Health Condition and Working Ability), which decides on disability status or extending the sick leave.
| Criterion | Sick leave A (employer) | Sick leave B (state/VSAA) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Days 1 to 9 of illness. | From day 10 until you recover (or until a VDEĀVK decision). |
| Amount paid | • Day 1: 0% • Days 2–3: at least 75% • Days 4–9: at least 80% | 80% of your average insured earnings (based on the last 12 months). |
| Caring for a sick child | Not issued. | Issued from day 1 (if the child is under 14). Paid by the state (80%). |
| Maximum duration | 9 calendar days. | Up to 26 weeks (continuous) or 52 weeks (within 3 years, with breaks). |
| How to apply | No application needed. Your employer sees the data automatically in the VID EDS system (State Revenue Service). | You must submit an application to VSAA (via Latvija.gov.lv or in person) within 6 months. |
When does sick leave B start from day 1?
In some situations sick leave A is not issued at all, and the state pays from the very first day:
- Caring for a sick child (under 14 years of age) – the state pays from day 1 to day 14 (and up to day 21 if the child is treated in hospital).
- Maternity leave (pregnancy and childbirth) – sick leave B only.
- Occupational diseases or accidents at work – a special payment procedure applies after a set procedure.
Remember: To receive the sick leave B benefit, you must submit an application to VSAA yourself (the easiest way is via the Latvija.gov.lv portal). Unlike sick leave A, the B benefit is not paid automatically together with your salary.
Recommendations for patients:
- Contact your family doctor within the first hours of feeling ill.
- Be ready to describe your symptoms (rather than demanding sick leave).
- Check your data in E-veselība to make sure it is correct.
Need sick leave in Riga?
Book an appointment with our family doctor → In person at Republikas laukuma klīnika in central Riga, or as an online consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. If, after examining you, the doctor finds no functional impairment that prevents you from working, the doctor has an ethical and legal duty to refuse to issue sick leave.
Yes, if you feel you have recovered and the doctor confirms it. However, returning to work on your own without closing your sick leave may create legal risks for your employer.
In this case, sick leave B is opened. Caring for a child during illness is crucial for their long-term health, so the state provides similar support as in the case of your own illness.
It depends on the type. Sick leave A (paid by the employer) covers days 1–9 of illness. If you are unable to work for longer, sick leave B starts from day 10; it is paid by the state and can continue without interruption for up to 26 weeks.
A family doctor can issue and extend sick leave A for up to 9 days. If more time is needed, the doctor switches to sick leave B, which can be continued without interruption for up to 26 weeks, with regular assessment of your condition.
Questions about your health?
Specialist doctors see patients at Republikas laukuma klīnika in central Riga. Our reception will help you choose the right specialist and time.
