Spain: Changes to Paternity Leave

March 16, 2017:

The following information was provided by Asinta Partner in Spain, SARE.

Parental Leave in Spain

Maternity leave in Spain is currently at 16 weeks; 6 compulsory weeks to be taken after childbirth and 10 optional weeks which can be shared with the father.  All 16 weeks will be paid in full. She has the right to take additional unpaid time off and/or to reduce her working hours (and pay) up until her child is six years old.

Paternal leave, on the other hand, has consisted thus far of only 2 weeks of full paid time off. The Spanish Parliament has decided to begin increasing the amount of paternal leave, in an effort to provide equal parenting benefits to both men and women. The first step up took place on January 1, 2017, when paternal leave increased from the previous 2 weeks of paid time off to four weeks total of paid time off for fathers.

The first step up took place on January 1, 2017, when paternal leave increased from the previous 2 weeks of paid time off to four weeks total of paid time off for fathers. These 4 weeks need to be taken consecutively and can be used for a child’s birth, adoption or fostering. The four weeks can also be extended in the case of multiples, such as twins or triplets.

 

If you have questions regarding employee benefits in Spain, please get in contact with Asinta Partner, SARE, via their contact page.