Sick pay in Spain (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: Sick pay is a Social Security subsidy paid from the fourth day, with the employer paying days 4 to 15. Sick leave lasts 365 days, extendable by 180, and the subsidy ends after 545 days at most. A doctor's report starts the process.

RuleWhat applies
Who pays sick payBeing ill and unable to workSick leave pay is a Social Security subsidy. For ordinary illness or a non-work accident, the subsidy is paid from the fourth day, and the employer pays it for days 4 to 15 inclusive. [1]
Sick pay rateBeing ill and unable to work⚠ Not yet verified
Maximum durationBeing ill and unable to workTemporary incapacity lasts at most 365 days, extendable by 180 days if recovery is expected. The right to the subsidy ends after 545 calendar days at most. [1]
Waiting daysBeing ill and unable to workFor ordinary illness or a non-work accident, the subsidy is paid from the fourth day of sick leave, so there are 3 waiting days. For a work accident or occupational disease it is paid from the day after the leave begins. [1]
Medical certificateBeing ill and unable to workA medical sick-leave report (parte de baja) issued by the public health service doctor after a medical examination starts the process. The doctor gives a copy to the employee. [2]

Notes

  • A Royal Decree-law of 20 October 2026 changes the special situations of temporary incapacity (for example secondary menopause disorder and injuries from gender violence) from 1 December 2026. The general rules shown here for ordinary illness are not changed.
  • The percentage of the base for ordinary illness is set in secondary rules that were not confirmed in a source read for this page.

Sources

  1. Boletín Oficial del Estado: Real Decreto Legislativo 8/2015, de 30 de octubre, por el que se aprueba el texto refundido de la Ley General de la Seguridad Social (texto consolidado) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Boletín Oficial del Estado: Real Decreto 625/2014, de 18 de julio, por el que se regulan determinados aspectos de la gestión y control de los procesos por incapacidad temporal en los primeros trescientos sesenta y cinco días de su duración (texto consolidado) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.