Paid leave in Spain 2026: the days you are entitled to by law
Paid leave (permisos retribuidos) lets you be absent from work without losing pay. You must give notice and justify the reason. The days set by law are a minimum: your collective agreement may improve them.
Leave under the Workers' Statute
| Reason | Duration |
|---|---|
| Marriage or registration as a civil partnership | 15 calendar days |
| Accident, serious illness, hospitalisation or surgery requiring rest of your spouse or partner, relatives up to the second degree, or someone living with you who needs your care | 5 working days |
| Death of a spouse, civil partner or relative up to the second degree | 2 days (4 if you need to travel) |
| Moving your main home | 1 day |
| Unavoidable public duty (for example, serving at a polling station or appearing as a witness in court) | The time required |
| Prenatal examinations and childbirth preparation, if they must take place during working hours | The time required |
Relatives up to the second degree are parents, children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren, both yours and your spouse's or partner's.
Absence for force majeure
You can be absent for urgent, unforeseeable family reasons (for example, an accident or sudden illness of a relative) that make your presence essential. Up to 4 days a year are paid, and they can be taken by the hour.
Breastfeeding / infant care
Until your child is 9 months old, you are entitled to one hour of absence a day, which you can split into two half-hours, take as a half-hour reduction in your working day, or accumulate into full days if your agreement allows it or you agree it with your employer.
What about birth leave?
Birth and childcare leave (formerly maternity or paternity leave) is not paid by the employer but by Social Security, through a benefit of 100% of your regulatory base. You apply to Social Security, not to your employer.
How to request it
- Tell your employer as soon as you know the reason and, if possible, in writing.
- Keep the supporting document: medical certificate, family book, certificate of registration, etc.
- Check your collective agreement: many add days or types of leave not covered by law.