Spain
Complete guide to Spanish employee leave entitlements including 22+ days annual leave, sick pay, and generous parental leave.
22
Annual leave
14
Public holidays
country
Location type
2025-01-15
Reviewed
Legal framework
Primary legislation
Governing body
Last updated
Official source
Entitlements overview
Annual leave
Statutory entitlement: 22
Calculation: 30 calendar days (22 working days) per year
Pro-rata: Pro-rata based on service
Carryover: Must be taken within the year (some flexibility allowed)
Sick leave
Statutory: Yes
Paid days: Varies
Statutory pay: Days 4-15: 60%, Days 16-20: 60%, Day 21+: 75% of base
Eligibility: 180 days of contributions in prior 5 years
Parental leave
Maternity: 16 weeks
Paternity: 16 weeks
Adoption: 16 weeks each parent
Shared leave: First 6 weeks mandatory for each parent
Additional leave and compliance
Other leave types
Marriage Leave: 15 days (paid)
Death/Illness of Relative: 2-4 days (paid)
Moving House: 1 day (paid)
Record keeping and notice
Records: Maintain employee records
Penalties: Labor inspectorate fines
Public holiday sample
Año Nuevo (New Year): 2025-01-01
Epifanía (Epiphany): 2025-01-06
Viernes Santo (Good Friday): 2025-04-18
Día del Trabajo (Labour Day): 2025-05-01
Asunción (Assumption): 2025-08-15
Fiesta Nacional (National Day): 2025-10-12
Frequently asked questions
How much annual leave do Spanish employees get?
Spanish employees are entitled to 30 calendar days (22 working days) of paid annual leave. This cannot be replaced by payment except on termination.
Is paternity leave equal to maternity leave in Spain?
Yes, since 2021 both parents get 16 weeks of fully paid leave. The first 6 weeks are mandatory and must be taken immediately after birth.