2026-08-09 · 5 min
Sick leave on green receipts: CIT for the self-employed
How the CIT works for self-employed workers, what to prepare (SNS + NISS) and differences from employees.
Self-employed workers on green receipts and others registered with Social Security can be assessed for a CIT (Certificate of Temporary Incapacity), like employees, with different benefit rules.
To submit the CIT you need an SNS number and NISS. Without these numbers the doctor cannot issue a CIT; the document that may justify absence can be a sick note.
Sickness benefit in the self-employed scheme follows Social Security’s own rules (including waiting periods different from the general scheme). The CIT justifies incapacity; payment depends on SS and your contributions.
In the consultation (€45), the doctor assesses whether incapacity is clinically justified and, if so, submits the CIT. You do not need a “company statement”. There is no employer in the same sense.
If leave continues, book an extension before the current CIT ends to avoid a gap between certificates.
Frequently asked questions
Can a freelancer / green-receipt worker have a CIT online?
Yes, if they have SNS + NISS and incapacity is clinically justified. The CIT is submitted to Social Security.
Is self-employed sickness benefit the same as for employees?
No. Waiting rules and duration differ. The doctor issues the CIT; Social Security applies the correct contribution scheme.
What if I do not have SNS?
Without SNS + NISS there is no CIT submission. Consider a sick note to justify absence, when clinically appropriate.