If you’re planning a move to Spain — or already here — and thinking about growing your family, you’re in luck. Spain has just rolled out one of the most generous and progressive parental leave systems in Europe.
As of July 2025, the Spanish government has officially expanded and clarified the paid parental leave available to both parents under Royal Decree-Law 9/2025.
Here’s what’s new, how it compares to the US and UK, and what you need to do as an Expat to access the benefit.
The New Law: What Changed?
The new law, published in Spain’s Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE) on 30 July 2025, updates Spain’s parental leave rules to align with the European Directive (EU) 2019/1158 on work-life balance for parents and carers.
👉 Effective Date: Applies to births (or adoptions/fostering) from 2 August 2024 onward
👉 Implementation Timeline: Benefit applications can begin from 1 January 2026
See the official Spanish law in the BOE.
What Are Parents Now Entitled To?
Under the updated system, each parent is entitled to 19 weeks of fully paid leave, covered by the Spanish Social Security system (Seguridad Social). This applies to birth, adoption, and foster care.
Here’s how it breaks down:
✅ 6 weeks: Must be taken immediately after the birth or adoption (mandatory and uninterrupted)
✅ 11 weeks: Can be taken flexibly within the first 12 months
✅ 2 additional weeks: Can be used anytime until the child turns 8 years old
For single parents, the entitlement can be extended to 32 weeks.
The entire parental leave is paid at 100% of your salary base (as defined by Social Security regulations).
Important: The leave is non-transferable. This means each parent must take their own time, or it’s lost.
How Does Spain Compare to the US and UK?
This new system puts Spain ahead of many Western countries when it comes to parental support.
| Country | Maternity Leave | Paterntity Leave | Paid? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 19 weeks (per parent) | 19 weeks (per parent) | ✅ 100% of salary |
| UK | Up to 39 weeks (mothers) | 2 weeks | ⚠️ Mostly flat rate pay |
| US | Up to 12 weeks (unpaid, if eligible under FMLA) | 0–12 weeks unpaid (same) | ❌ No federal paid leave |
UK: While mothers can take up to 52 weeks, only the first 6 weeks are paid at 90%; the rest is paid at a low flat rate. Fathers get just 2 weeks of statutory paternity leave.
USA: There is no national paid parental leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows 12 weeks of unpaid leave, but only if you meet specific criteria (eg, working at a company with 50+ employees for 12 months).
Spain’s equal and generous leave for both parents promotes true co-parenting and flexibility for families — especially compared to the patchy or outdated systems elsewhere.
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What Do You Need to Apply?
To take advantage of this benefit as an expat in Spain, you’ll need to:
- ✅ Be legally working in Spain and contributing to Social Security (Seguridad Social)
- ✅ Inform your employer in writing with the expected dates of leave
- ✅ Provide documentation (birth/adoption certificate, residency documents if applicable)
- ✅ Apply through the Social Security portal or in person
Note: If you had a child born after 2 August 2024, you may qualify retroactively for the new extended leave — but applications open from 1 January 2026.
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Final Thoughts for Expats
This update is a significant win for families in Spain, especially for international residents who may not have had access to parental leave in their home countries. The benefit is straightforward, flexible, and equal for both parents — making Spain an even more attractive place to live and raise a family.
Whether you’re planning a move or already settled here, this is one of the clearest signals that Spain continues to prioritize family life, gender equality, and work-life balance.
