Friends who have just started working in Spain might have this question: What if I feel unwell and need to rest for several days? How do I request leave from my company? Is it like in some other countries, where you just need to inform your manager? The answer is: It’s completely different
! In Spain, the official sick leave process revolves around a key document—the Baja Médica.
Today, let’s break down what this “Baja,” which often puzzles newcomers to the workforce, really is, and how we, as employees, should handle it correctly.
What is a Baja Médica?
Simply put, a Baja Médica is an official medical certificate issued by a doctor, confirming that you are temporarily unable to work for health reasons. Only with this certificate will your absence be considered legitimate sick leave, and your company will pay you sick pay according to the law. Don’t think you can just tough out a minor illness or give your boss a verbal notice and be done with it; without this paper, your absence could be considered unauthorized! Remember, getting the right paperwork is a crucial part of the process, just as important as knowing how to handle things like booking a doctor’s appointment in Spain
!
How to apply for a Baja Médica?
The process is actually quite straightforward:
- Book an appointment with your family doctor (médico de cabecera): If you feel unwell, the first step is to see the family doctor at your designated community health center (centro de salud). You can usually book an appointment via an app or by phone.
- Have the consultation and explain your situation: The doctor will assess your condition to determine if you need time off work. If so, they will issue the Baja certificate on the spot.
- Submit the certificate to your company: You must provide a copy of the Baja certificate to your company within 3 days. Many companies now accept digital copies (a photo or scan is fine), but it’s best to confirm the specific requirements with your HR department beforehand.
- Attend follow-up appointments and end your leave: The Baja certificate will state the date of your next follow-up appointment. You must attend this appointment on time. The doctor will evaluate your recovery and decide whether to extend your leave or clear you to return to work. Once you have recovered, the doctor will issue an Alta Médica (a certificate declaring you fit for work), which you also need to submit to your company promptly.
How is salary calculated during sick leave?
This is a question on everyone’s mind. During sick leave, your salary is not paid in full by the company. Instead, by law, it is covered jointly by the company and the Social Security system (Seguridad Social). The specific payment standards are as follows:
| Days of Leave | Pay Rate | Payer |
|---|
| Days 1 - 3 | 0% | - |
| Days 4 - 20 | 60% of the base salary | Company, Social Security |
| Day 21 onwards | 75% of the base salary | Social Security |
Note: The above are the legal minimums. Some collective agreements (convenios colectivos) may offer better benefits, such as topping up your salary to 100% from the first day. This depends on your company’s specific policy. My previous company paid full salary from day one, which was amazing! However, some of my friends’ companies stick strictly to the law, meaning there’s no pay for the first three days, so be prepared for that possibility.
When working in Spain, understanding the Baja Médica process is crucial. It not only protects your right to rest when you’re ill but also standardizes the entire leave procedure. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your company’s collective agreement to see if there are more favorable sick leave benefits. I hope everyone stays healthy and never needs to use a Baja certificate!
