Ultimate Guide to Maternity Leave in Spain: Eligibility & Process

Table of Contents

Description

What is it?

Maternity leave is a legal right for pregnant women to take off a certain amount of weeks from work before and after the birth of their child. In Spain, this duration is typically 16 weeks, which can be extended under certain conditions.

Who needs it?

Any working woman who is expecting a child and wishes to take time off from work for the birth and care of her child needs to apply for maternity leave.

Procedure

  1. Determine your eligibility for maternity leave by checking with your employer or the employment guidelines in Spain.
  2. Consult your doctor to determine the expected due date of your child. The doctor’s note will be necessary when applying.
  3. Fill out the application for maternity leave through the Spanish Social Security website.
  4. Submit the completed application along with all required documentation to your employer and to the Spanish Social Security.
  5. Await the decision on your application. If approved, you’ll receive an official letter stating the start and end dates of your leave.

Required Documents

  • Proof of pregnancy from a healthcare provider
  • Identification document
  • Employment contract
  • Social Security affiliations

Providers that can do it for you

(We are currently curating the best providers. If you are or know a provider, please contact us or edit the page directly)

ProviderWebsiteTimelinesCost

Additional details

  • Maternity leave can be taken in a continuous manner or in separate periods, with the agreement of the employer.
  • Spain also provides paternity leave for fathers. The duration and process for applying can be found on the Spanish Social Security website.
  • Besides maternity leave, you may also be eligible for maternity allowance. Consult your employer or the Spanish Social Security for more information on how to apply.
  • Any changes in circumstances (such as health condition, employment situation) must be promptly reported to the Social Security.

Contribute

Improve this article by using the contact form or editing it through our open-source GitHub repository: tramitit/guides