Recent developments in Spain
Employment law is always changing, and keeping up with it is a lot of work. Thankfully, our team is always working to stay abreast of the latest changes, so you don’t have to. Here are some of the newest developments in Spain
Standard Working Hours (2026)
Spain’s standard full-time workweek remains 40 hours in 2026. The proposed reduction to 37.5 hours continues to be discussed, but it is not a universally effective statutory change for all employers. Overtime rules continue to apply when employees work beyond agreed hours and legal limits.
Minimum Wage Outlook (2026)
Spain’s minimum wage continues to be reviewed and updated through government decisions. For 2026 workforce planning, many employers use an estimated monthly SMI of ~EUR 1,260 (gross, 14 payments) as a budgeting assumption, pending final official confirmation.
Parental Leave Framework (2026)
Spain’s parental leave framework remains a key compliance area in 2026. Entitlements continue to support shared caregiving and gender equality, with paid leave provisions applying to both parents under the statutory system. Employers should ensure HR and payroll processes reflect current entitlement rules and social security coordination.
Remote Work Protections and Right to Disconnect (2026)
Remote work rules remain in force in 2026. Employers must ensure remote workers have appropriate health and safety protections, clarify equipment and cost responsibilities, and respect the right to disconnect, meaning employees should not be expected to remain available outside working time except where agreed or genuinely necessary.
Social Security Contribution Bases (2026)
Spain’s social security contribution system continues to evolve. Employers must apply the current minimum and maximum contribution bases applicable in 2026 and ensure payroll is updated accordingly, as these thresholds directly affect both employer costs and employee deductions.
