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Spain – Employment Terms and Conditions

Working Hours in Spain

In Spain, the standard working week is 40 hours, which is usually spread over five days. The number of working hours per day should not exceed nine hours, except for certain industries such as healthcare and hospitality.

Overtime work is allowed in Spain, and employees who work beyond their normal working hours are entitled to overtime pay. The rate of overtime pay is usually 1.25 times the normal hourly rate for the first eight hours and 1.5 times the normal hourly rate for additional hours.

Employment Rights and Benefits in Spain

Spain has a range of employment rights and benefits in place to ensure that workers are treated fairly and with respect. Some of the key employment rights and benefits in Spain include:

Paid annual leave

Employees in Spain are entitled to at least 30 calendar days of paid annual leave per year. This entitlement can be increased by collective bargaining agreements or employment contracts.

Sick leave


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Employees in Spain are entitled to paid sick leave if they are unable to work due to illness or injury. The duration of the sick leave entitlement depends on the length of service and the nature of the illness or injury.

Maternity and paternity leave

Female employees in Spain are entitled to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, while male employees are entitled to two weeks of paid paternity leave. This entitlement can be increased by collective bargaining agreements or employment contracts.

End-of-service benefits

End-of-service benefits are payments made to employees at the end of their employment contract. The amount of the payment is usually based on the length of service and the employee’s salary.

Pensions

Pensions are mandatory in Spain, and employers are required to provide their employees with a pension scheme. The schemes are usually based on a defined contribution plan, where the employee and employer make contributions to a pension fund. The amount of the pension is based on the amount of contributions made and the investment returns generated.

Pensions for Expats in Spain

Expats who work in Spain are entitled to the same pension benefits as Spanish nationals. The pension system in Spain is based on a defined contribution plan, where the employee and employer make contributions to a pension fund. The amount of the pension is based on the amount of contributions made and the investment returns generated.

Expats may also be entitled to a pension from their home country if there is a social security agreement in place between Spain and their home country.

Retirement Age in Spain

The retirement age in Spain is currently 66 years and 10 months, and it is set to increase gradually to 67 years by 2027. However, there are exceptions for certain professions such as miners, artists, and dancers, who are entitled to retire earlier.

Spain offers a range of employment terms and conditions in place to ensure that workers are treated fairly and with respect. From annual leave to sick leave and pensions, Spanish law ensures that employees are provided with adequate benefits.

Expats who work in Spain are entitled to the same pension benefits as Spanish nationals, and it is important for them to understand their entitlements and obligations under Spanish employment law to ensure that they are receiving the benefits they are entitled to and complying with their legal requirements as employees or self-employed workers.

The retirement age in Spain may change in the future, and it is important for individuals to plan for their retirement accordingly, whether through a pension scheme provided by their employer or a private pension scheme.

Overall, Spain offers a range of employment terms and conditions that are designed to protect workers and ensure that they are treated fairly. Expats who work in Spain can expect to receive similar benefits to Spanish nationals, and it is important for them to understand their entitlements and obligations under Spanish employment law.