How many weeks of parental leave do I get in Spain?

As of 1 January 2026, each parent is entitled to 19 weeks, fully paid by Social Security — 6 mandatory weeks immediately after birth, 11 flexible weeks usable before the child turns 1, and 2 further weeks usable until the child turns 8. Single-parent families receive 32 weeks in total.

Employment Contracts

Maternity and paternity leave in Spain

How birth and childcare leave works in Spain, including the extended entitlement effective from 2026.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-15Total entitlement is 19 weeks per parent as of 2026, up from 16 weeks previously; single-parent (monoparental) families receive 32 weeks in total, since one parent covers both shares.

This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.

Overview

Spain gives both parents an equal, individual and non-transferable right to paid leave around the birth or adoption of a child, fully paid by Social Security. Entitlements were extended from 1 January 2026 under Real Decreto-ley 9/2025.

Requirements

You must be registered with, and contributing to, Social Security to qualify for the paid benefit (a minimum contribution period applies for workers over 26)
Applies equally to birth, adoption, foster care and guardianship situations

Step-by-step process

Each parent takes 6 weeks immediately following birth or adoption, which is mandatory and must be taken full-time and consecutively
Each parent then has 11 further weeks that can be used flexibly (full-time or part-time) any time before the child turns 12 months old
From 2026, each parent also has 2 additional weeks that can be used at any point until the child turns 8 years old
Notify your employer of your planned leave dates in advance, as required by your contract

Required documents

Birth certificate or adoption/guardianship documentation
Application submitted through Social Security's electronic office (Sede Electrónica)

Common mistakes

Assuming leave must be used all at once — 11 of the 19 weeks (plus the new 2) can be spread out rather than taken consecutively
Not realising the benefit is paid 100% by Social Security, not by your employer directly, though your employer manages the paperwork

Practical tips

Both parents' leave is separate and non-transferable — one parent can't give their weeks to the other
If you're a single parent by choice or circumstance, confirm your monoparental status is registered correctly, since it doubles your total entitlement

How Tuchati can help

If you're planning parental leave and want to understand how to structure your weeks or what to submit, Tuchati can walk you through the process.