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Germany requires doctor certificate from first sick day
NDTV··3 Jul
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and coalition partners unveiled a 34-point reform package on July 2, 2026, including stricter sick leave rules requiring a doctor's certificate from the first day of absence. Employers can no longer accept up to three days without documentation or week-long phone certificates. The package also includes income tax cuts and pension system overhaul measures.
Prism
What It Means For You
- German workplace sick leave rules may affect employees of German firms globally.
- Tax and pension reforms could influence European economic recovery trends.
- Stricter certification rules aim to reduce absenteeism but add doctor visit burdens.
What's Happening
- Merz presented a 34-point reform package on July 2.
- Sick leave now requires a doctor certificate from day one.
- Income tax cuts and pension overhaul are included.
Economic Context
- Germany is Europe's largest economy with 83.5 million people.
- The coalition took office just over a year ago pledging turnaround.
- Growth forecasts were cut due to Middle East conflict fallout.
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