For HR teams in multinational corporations, understanding and complying with Spain’s maternity and paternity leave laws is not just a legal requirement—it’s a strategic move. These policies rank among the most generous in Europe. They provide substantial support to new parents, improving employee satisfaction and strengthening your company’s employer brand, especially in a competitive global market.

Understanding the Unified Birth and Care of a Minor Benefit

In 2019, Spain introduced the Royal Decree-Law 6/2019. This law combined maternity and paternity benefits into one, known as Birth and Care of a Minor. The goal was to ensure equal treatment and opportunities for men and women in the workplace.

Key Components of the Benefit

Protected Situations: The Birth and Care of a Minor benefit covers various situations, including the birth of a child, adoption, custody for adoption, and foster care. It ensures that both mothers and fathers receive support during these significant life events.

Eligibility: Both employed and self-employed workers qualify. Workers must register with Spain’s Social Security system. The required contribution periods vary based on age. Workers under 21 years old face no contribution period requirement. Older workers must meet specific contribution requirements.

Duration of Leave: The leave duration matches the rest periods or leave taken, as outlined in the Workers' Statute and the Basic Statute of Public Employees (EBEP).For childbirth, leave can start on the delivery date or earlier, depending on the mother's choice.

Economic Benefit: The benefit provides a subsidy equivalent to 100% of the regulatory base. This subsidy ensures full financial support during the leave period. Special provisions exist for multiple births or adoptions, offering additional subsidies.

Management and Payment: The National Social Security Institute (INSS) manages the benefit and pays workers electronically, ensuring efficiency and security.

Global HR teams often struggle with managing leave for expats and remote workers. Spain’s Birth and Care of a Minor benefit applies equally to expats who register with the Spanish Social Security system. This aligns with European Commission directives, ensuring consistent protection across all EU member states.

For remote workers employed by Spanish entities but living outside of Spain, the situation becomes more complex. According to SHRM , HR teams must ensure compliance with both local laws and Spain’s labor regulations, especially in cross-border employment scenarios.

Understanding Spain’s unified leave benefit is the first step. To leverage these policies as a competitive advantage, HR teams should consider how these regulations fit into the broader context of global HR management.

A Competitive Edge in Talent Acquisition

Spain’s Birth and Care of a Minor benefit, which exceeds the ILO’s global standards of 14 weeks of leave, can be a key selling point when attracting talent, especially in sectors where work-life balance is valued. The OECD emphasizes the importance of family-friendly policies in promoting gender equality and improving employee satisfaction. By ensuring that your company’s leave policies comply and support employees, particularly through Spain’s maternity leave and paternity leave, you can enhance your employer brand.

Customizing Leave Policies for International Teams

Companies with a global presence must harmonize leave policies across countries while staying compliant with local laws. SHRM recommends developing robust internal processes that support employees throughout their leave, ensuring smooth transitions and clear communication. This approach helps maintain consistency and fairness across your organization, regardless of employee location.

When comparing Spain’s leave policies with those of other countries, it’s clear that Spain offers some of the most generous provisions. According to the ILO, Spain’s leave period and 100% salary coverage place it at the forefront of global standards for maternity leave and paternity leave. The OECD Family Database further supports this by highlighting Spain as a leader in family-friendly policies within the European Union.

For multinational companies, understanding these global comparisons is crucial for customizing HR policies that align with both local and international standards. This ensures your company remains competitive and compliant across all regions.

Actionable Steps for Compliance

Now that you understand the importance of complying with Spain’s maternity leave and paternity leave laws, here’s how to get started:

• Download Our Compliance Checklist: Ensure your HR team has the necessary documentation and processes in place to support employees before, during, and after their maternity or paternity leave in Spain. Our checklist is designed to help you hit the ground running and stay compliant with Spain’s labor laws.
• Review and Update Policies: Regularly review your leave policies to ensure they align with Spanish laws and broader EU directives. Consult with legal experts or use resources like those provided by SHRM and the OECD to stay informed about best practices.
• Communicate with Employees: Clear communication is key. Ensure all employees, especially expats and remote workers, understand their rights and the procedures to apply for maternity or paternity leave in Spain. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures a smooth process for everyone involved.