Maternity/paternity leave and financial help

Living in Barcelona and about to have a baby? Read on to find out about your rights regarding maternity and paternity leave, and the financial benefits available to families and working mothers

Maternity leave

Maternity leave in Spain is 16 weeks leave at full pay. Six of the weeks must be taken after the birth. The other ten can be distributed as the mother wishes. In the case of a multiple birth, this period is extended by two weeks for every additional child.

To qualify for maternity leave the woman must have been registered with the social security and have made contributions for at least 180 days within the five years before the child's birth.

The woman has the right to take one year of unpaid leave after maternity leave and the company must reserve her position.

The woman has the right to reduce her working day by one third to a half until her child is six years old. In this case her salary decreases accordingly.

Paternity leave

Paternity leave in Spain is 15 days.

Breastfeeding

Working mothers who are breastfeeding have the right to a reduction of one hour (or two half hours) each day until the baby is nine months old. This is called the "hora de lactancia".

Financial help

Spanish Tax Agency

Every working woman who has contributed to Social Security receives financial support from the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) of €100 per month for each child under the age of three. This support is given by way of a reduction of tax payable according to the annual tax declaration, although it can be claimed beforehand, by presenting Form 140. You can download an information leaflet on maternity benefits and Form 140 from this section of the web page of the Spanish tax agency.

Generalitat

The Generalitat gives a payment for multiple births and multiple adoptions. See here for more information (in Catalan).