Permanent seasonal contracts in Spain (fijo discontinuo): pay, benefits and seniority
The fijo discontinuo contract is a permanent contract for work that recurs every year but does not last all year: summer seasons, fruit picking, school terms or peaks in activity. Since the 2022 labour reform it has become much more common, as it replaces many temporary contracts.
How call-ups work
The employer notifies you (the «llamamiento» or call-up) when each work period begins, in writing and with the notice and order set by the collective agreement. If they fail to call you when they should, you can challenge it as a dismissal.
How you are paid
- You are only paid for the months you work, at the salary set by your agreement.
- Holidays: you accrue them in proportion to the time worked.
- Extra payments: also in proportion to time worked; many companies spread them across each payslip.
- IRPF: as it is a permanent contract, the 2% minimum withholding for temporary contracts does not apply. The employer calculates withholding on what it expects to pay you during the year.
To estimate your monthly net pay while working, use the net salary calculator with the equivalent annual salary.
Can I claim unemployment benefit between seasons?
Yes. Periods of inactivity count as legal unemployment, so you can claim benefit if you meet the contribution requirements (at least 360 days in the last 6 years). If you don't, you may be entitled to an allowance (subsidio). We explain it in unemployment benefit in Spain.
Seniority and severance
Since 2022, seniority is calculated for the whole duration of the employment relationship, not just the months worked. This affects seniority supplements and severance pay.