Annual Leave Rules in Spain

In Spain, most employees are entitled to a minimum of 30 calendar days of paid annual leave per year, which is equivalent to 22 working days. This right is established under Article 38 of the Workers' Statute (Estatuto de los Trabajadores), which outlines the regulations surrounding annual leave. Employees accrue their leave entitlement throughout the year, and it is typically taken in agreement with the employer, considering operational needs and employee preferences. Additionally, any unused leave must generally be taken within the following year, although specific collective agreements may provide different stipulations regarding the carryover of leave.

It is important to note that employees in Spain are also entitled to paid leave for public holidays, maternity leave, and other specific circumstances that may affect their right to annual leave. Employers are required to respect these rights and ensure that employees are informed about their leave entitlements. If disputes arise regarding annual leave, employees can seek resolution through the labor courts or relevant labor authorities. For more detailed information on employee rights in Spain, you can refer to the official government website: Ministerio de Transportes, Movilidad y Agenda Urbana.