Spain
Governed by Estatuto de los Trabajadores. Statutory 40 h/wk (reform toward 37.5 h underway). Overtime capped at 80 h/year, premium-paid. 12 h daily rest, 36 h weekly. Time register MANDATORY since 2019 (RD-ley 8/2019).
Disclaimer: This country guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we update it regularly, it may not reflect ongoing regulatory changes. Illizeo SA accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.
Statutory working time
40 h/wk averaged annually (37.5 h reform in progress 2026)
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory | 40 h/wk avg/yr | ET Art. 34.1 | 37.5 h reform proposed |
| Max daily | 9 h/day | ET Art. 34.3 | CBA may extend |
| Irregular distribution | 10 % of working time | ET Art. 34.2 | Without agreement |
| Distribution notice | 5 days notice | ET Art. 34.2 | Written notification |
Overtime
80 h/year cap · premium OR mandatory time compensation
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| OT max | 80 h/year | ET Art. 35.2 | Excl. force majeure |
| Compensation | Pay OR rest | ET Art. 35.1 | CBA chooses |
| Pay premium | Not below ordinary | ET Art. 35.1 | Often +75 % |
| Comp rest | Within 4 months | ET Art. 35.1 | If not paid |
Rest & breaks
12 h daily rest · 1.5 d weekly rest · 15-min break if >6 h
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily rest | 12 h | ET Art. 34.3 | Between days |
| Weekly rest | 36 h (1.5 d) min | ET Art. 37.1 | Includes Sunday |
| Break | 15 min if >6 h | ET Art. 34.4 | Unpaid unless agreement |
| Minors | 30 min if >4.5 h | ET Art. 34.4 | 12 h rest |
Night / Sunday / holiday work
Night 10pm-6am premium 25 %+ · 14 holidays (8 nat + 4 reg + 2 local)
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night work | 10pm-6am | ET Art. 36.1 | 25 % min premium |
| Night worker | ≥3 h night regularly | ET Art. 36.1 | or 1/3 of year |
| Night cap | 8 h avg/15 d | ET Art. 36.1 | No OT at night |
| Holidays | 14 d/year total | ET Art. 37.2 | 8 nat + 4 reg + 2 local |
| Sunday | No restriction | ET | Retail: regional |
Time recording
Time register MANDATORY for all since 12/05/2019 (RD-ley 8/2019)
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Register obligation | All employees, daily | ET Art. 34.9 | Including executives |
| Form | Reliable, objective, tamper-proof | RD-ley 8/2019 | Digital recommended |
| Retention | 4 years | RD-ley 8/2019 | Available to employee + ITSS |
| Penalties | €625-6,250/employee | LISOS Art. 7 | Labour Inspector |
Remote & flex work
Law 10/2021 remote work · mandatory allowance · written agreement
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal framework | Law 10/2021 of 9 July | Law 10/2021 | If >30 % time over 3 months |
| Mandatory written agreement | Yes — equipment and expenses | Art. 7 | Mandatory template |
| Expense allowance | Mandatory by CBA | Art. 12 | Average €30-50/month |
| Right to disconnect | Statutory | LOPDGDD Art. 88 | Company policy |
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