Understanding Employee Leave Entitlements in Spain

Navigating Spain's leave policies is essential for any business operating in the country. Employees are entitled to various types of leave, including statutory holidays and employer-approved time off, which are governed by Spanish labor law and collective bargaining agreements.

Annual Leave in Spain

Spanish employees are granted a minimum of 30 calendar days of paid annual leave per year, equating to 22 working days. Collective agreements may provide additional leave benefits, enhancing work-life balance for staff.

Sick Leave Regulations

While there is no standard sick leave duration defined by law, employees can receive up to 365 days of paid sick leave, with possible extensions. Payment structures vary: no pay for the first 3 days, 60% of base salary from days 4-15 (paid by employer), 60% from days 16-20 (paid by social security), and 75% from day 21 onward. For work-related injuries, employers cover 75% of wages, reimbursable through social security.

Maternity and Paternity Leave

Maternity leave spans 16 weeks, extendable to 18 for multiple births or complications. It includes 6 mandatory weeks post-delivery, with flexibility for the remaining time. Paternity leave also offers 16 weeks, with similar extensions, requiring social security contributions. Both are fully paid at 100% of base salary via social security.

Other Key Leave Types

Additional leaves include unpaid parental leave (up to 8 weeks until child turns 8), adoption leave (16 weeks per parent), marriage leave (up to 15 days), bereavement leave (2-4 days), and short/long-term care leave. Employers like SailGlobal can assist in managing these complexities to ensure compliance.

National Holidays in Spain for 2025

Holiday Name	Date
New Year's Day	January 1
Epiphany	January 6
Good Friday	April 18
Labor Day	May 1
Assumption of Mary	August 15
National Day of Spain	October 12
All Saints' Day	November 1
Constitution Day	December 6
Immaculate Conception	December 8
Christmas Day	December 25

These holidays are observed nationwide, with regional variations. Proper management by services such as SailGlobal helps avoid legal pitfalls and supports employee well-being.

Spain Employee Leave Guide: Annual, Sick, Maternity & Holiday Policies