Labour Market

The minimum age for hiring is 16. Children under the age of 18 are protected by a number of special rules which, for example, regulate that they may not work overtime or work at night.

The minimum interprofessional wage is adjusted annually. In 2019, it amounts to 900 euros per month or 12,600 euros per year, in twelve monthly instalments and two extra payments. In 2019, it is expected to rise to 900 euros per month, 12,600 euros per year. In any case, it is the collective agreements that determine the minimum wages for each professional group, always equal to or higher than the previous one.

The maximum working day is 40 hours per week. As with wages, collective agreements or individual contracts of employment can modify it, but never exceed it.

Workers are entitled to a minimum of 30 calendar days of holiday per year. In addition, they may enjoy official holidays, which may not exceed 14 days a year.

As a general rule, all employers, their workers, self-employed workers, members of production cooperatives, among others, must register and are obliged to contribute to the Spanish Social Security System. Employers must pay their own contributions (29.9% under the general rule, 31.1% for temporary contracts) and deduct and pay their workers’ contributions (6.35% or 6.4%, respectively) as Social Security contributions.

Companies can agree on a trial period to test the skills of a new worker. During this period, contracts can be terminated freely.