I recently started working in Spain and unfortunately came down with the flu a few days ago, complete with a terrible fever. It was my first time taking sick leave here, and I was completely clueless, asking friends for advice. Now that I’ve gone through the entire process, I’m writing this post to share my experience with anyone who might need it, hoping it helps you avoid some confusion.
Step 1: Book an Appointment with Your Family Doctor
When you feel unwell, do not force yourself to go to work. Also, don’t just rush to the emergency room unless it’s a truly critical situation. The correct first step is to book an appointment with your family doctor. Nowadays, most public health systems allow you to book online via an app or website, which is very convenient. When booking, briefly describe your symptoms, such as fever, cough, or headache. If you can’t get a same-day appointment for seeing a doctor in Spain, you can call your local health center (centro de salud) to explain the situation. They can usually arrange an urgent slot for you.
Step 2: See the Doctor and Get the Sick Note
When you see the doctor, describe your condition in detail. While the process is usually smooth, it’s also helpful to know your rights, such as how to go about complaining about a Spanish hospital if needed. The doctor will diagnose you and, if they determine you are unfit for work, they will issue a document called a ‘Parte de Baja’ or ‘Baja por Incapacidad Temporal’—this is the official sick note. This document is crucial and will list your personal details, diagnosis, and the expected leave duration. This medical certification process is quite different from internal administrative tasks like nurse transfers. Doctors typically grant leave for just a few days at a time, requiring a follow-up appointment to decide on an extension.
Submitting the Sick Note to Your Company
After receiving the Baja Médica, you must submit it to your company’s HR department within the specified time frame. Many companies now accept digital copies, so you can simply take a photo or scan it and send it via email. This step is necessary for your company to legally record your absence and initiate the social security procedures. Don’t just give verbal notice for what seems like a minor illness; taking leave without a Baja Médica can be considered an unauthorized absence.
Step 3: Follow-up Appointment and Returning to Work
As your sick leave period ends, you need to attend a follow-up appointment as instructed by your doctor. They will re-evaluate your condition. If you have recovered, they will issue a ‘Parte de Alta Médica,’ which is the fit-to-work certificate. Upon receiving this, you must also submit it to your company promptly, usually within 24 hours of returning to work. If you haven’t fully recovered, the doctor will extend your leave by issuing a ‘Parte de Confirmación,’ and you’ll need to submit this new note to your company.
| Document Type | Main Purpose | Submit to |
|---|
| Parte de Baja | To apply for sick leave, proves inability to work | Company HR Department |
| Parte de Confirmación | To extend sick leave | Company HR Department |
| Parte de Alta | To end sick leave, proves fitness to return to work | Company HR Department |
