GUIDE IN ENGLISH · SPAIN 2026
Birth and childcare leave in Spain, explained in English
When a baby is born or adopted, each parent in Spain is entitled to paid leave from Social Security, at 100% of their salary base and tax-free.
How long it lasts
For births from 31 July 2025, each parent has 19 weeks:
- 6 compulsory weeks, in a row and full-time, right after the birth.
- 11 weeks to use by weeks, in a row or not, until the baby is 12 months old.
- 2 weeks of care that can be used until the child is 8.
Single-parent families have 32 weeks. Weeks cannot be transferred to the other parent.
How much you get
100% of your salary base (base reguladora): your contribution base for the month before the leave divided by the days contributed. It is free of income tax and you keep contributing. Self-employed workers get the same, based on their last 6 months.
Contribution requirements
- Under 21: no minimum.
- 21 to 26: 90 days in the last 7 years or 180 days in your working life.
- Over 26: 180 days in the last 7 years or 360 days in your working life.
How to apply
Tell your employer 15 days in advance how you will use the flexible weeks. Your employer reports the leave, and you apply on the Social Security website (also without a digital certificate), with an appointment at a CAISS office or by post. Social Security pays you directly.
Spanish words you will see
Frequently asked questions
Are the first 6 weeks compulsory?+
Yes, for both parents: in a row, full-time and right after the birth.
Who pays me during the leave?+
Social Security, directly into your bank account. Your employer does not pay your salary during the leave.
Do I pay tax on it?+
No. It is exempt from income tax.
Official source: www.seg-social.es. Information checked in November 2026. Amounts and deadlines can change: the official call always prevails. The application itself is in Spanish.