Annual Leave
In Spain, holidays may be agreed individually or collectively and may not be less than 30 calendar days. Holidays cannot be replaced by financial compensation.
Sick Leave
In Spain, eligible employees are entitled to a maximum of 18 months’ sick leave in the case of illness or injury, which can be extended in some cases.
During sick leave, the employee will receive a sickness payment from the employer, which is approximately 60% of the employee’s salary, from day four to day 20 of the sick leave.
From day 21 onwards, the employee will receive 75% of their salary, but this is paid directly by the Social Security Department.
Some collective agreements establish a supplemental payment so that employees receive 100% of their salary.
If Social Security declares the employee as permanently ill the employment contract is terminated. The employee will receive a social security pension.
Parental Leave
Employees can take a maximum of 16 weeks’ maternity leave. At least six weeks must be taken immediately after the birth. Social security pays employees while they are on maternity leave.
The father of a newborn child can take up to 16 weeks of paid absence in the first year of the child’s life. An employee on paternity leave in Spain is paid 100% of their salary as long as they have made the appropriate contributions to the social security agency.
