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November 2026

Sick note from a doctor abroad: the ZUS rules in force from 24 October 2026

Profi Hand editorial team · employment agency, KRAZ certificate 32053

Sick note from a doctor abroad: the ZUS rules in force from 24 October 2026

In short: since 24 October 2026 a new regulation on the documents for ZUS sickness benefit is in force (Dz.U. 2026 poz. 1316). If you fall ill abroad, for example at home in Ukraine or Moldova, a sick note from a local doctor is accepted. It must show the clinic's name or the doctor's name, the date of issue, a signature, and the first and last day of the illness. New: the signature may be electronic. You do not need a Polish translation if the note is in the official language of an EU or EFTA country, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or a country that has a social security agreement with Poland, including Ukraine and Moldova.

What a sick note from abroad must show

  1. Who issued itThe name of the foreign clinic or hospital, or the doctor's first and last name.
  2. Date and signatureThe date of issue and the doctor's signature. Since 24.10.2026 an electronic signature also counts, or any other means that identifies who issued the document and lets its authenticity be checked.
  3. Period of illnessThe first and last day you were unable to work.

Do you need a Polish translation

Where the note was issuedPolish translation
Ukraine, Moldova (agreement with Poland), in the country's official languageNot needed
EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, United Kingdom, in the country's official languageNot needed
Countries without an agreement with Poland (for example Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, India)Needed

What changed compared with the previous rules: the United Kingdom was added to the countries whose notes need no translation, and the doctor's electronic signature is now expressly allowed. For the EU, EFTA, Switzerland, the UK and agreement countries, a note issued under that country's law counts as properly signed.

A note in Ukrainian from Ukraine needs no translation. If a note from Ukraine or Moldova is written in another language than the official one, the no-translation rule does not cover it. The regulation only says translated into Polish and does not separately require a sworn translation. Ask your employer where and by when to hand the document in.

FAQ

I went home to Ukraine and fell ill. Will a note from a Ukrainian doctor be accepted?

Yes, if it shows the clinic or doctor's name, the date, a signature and the dates of the illness. A note in Ukrainian does not need a translation.

The doctor gave me an electronic sick note. Do I need to print and sign it?

Since 24.10.2026 the signature requirement is met if the document carries an electronic signature or another means that identifies the doctor and lets its authenticity be checked.

I am from Georgia. Do I need a translation?

Yes. Georgia is not on the list of Poland's social security agreements, so the note must be translated into Polish.

Do I pay the agency for help finding a job?

No. All our services are free for you.

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