Attendance statements in Brazil: do they excuse an absence?

An attendance statement (declaração de comparecimento) proves you attended an appointment or test, but does not say you were unable to work. As a rule, it therefore covers only the time of the appointment and travel, not the whole day. Anyone unable to work needs a medical certificate, which covers the number of days stated.

Quick summary

• Attendance statement: proves presence at the appointment; covers the hours, not the day.
• Medical certificate: proves incapacity; covers the days stated.
• Collective agreement: may guarantee hours or the full day; check your category's agreement.
• Cases in the law: prenatal appointments, preventive cancer screening and accompanying a child are in the CLT (arts. 392 and 473).
• Deduction: if the employer does not accept it, it may deduct the hours, but not punish it as an unjustified absence if the absence was proven and agreed.

When the statement covers the whole day

1. When the collective agreement or company rules provide for it.
2. When the appointment and travel take up the whole workday.
3. In the cases set by the CLT, such as a pregnant worker's prenatal appointments (art. 392, § 4), up to 6 appointments to accompany a pregnant wife or partner (art. 473, X), 1 day a year to take a child up to age 6 to the doctor and up to 3 days every 12 months for preventive cancer screening.

Good practice

• Ask the doctor to write the arrival and departure times on the statement.
• Tell your manager in advance when the appointment is booked.
• If you were not fit to return to work, ask for a medical certificate, not a statement.

Frequently asked questions

Is an attendance statement the same as a medical certificate?

No. The statement proves presence; the certificate proves inability to work.

Can my employer deduct the day if I bring a statement?

It can deduct the period not covered, unless the agreement or the law guarantees it.

Does preventive cancer screening cover the day?

Yes. The CLT guarantees up to 3 days every 12 months for proven preventive cancer screening.

Read more in this series

• Medical certificates at work
• Justified absences under the CLT
• Paid weekly rest and absences
• Index: complete guide to labor rights

Topic: this guide is part of Health, safety and leave at work, with all the guides on the subject.