As Christmas and New Year’s approach, many Spaniards can’t help but think about the extra spending these holidays entail. The season, filled with gift shopping and family feasts, has a significant impact on household budgets. That’s why the so-called “paga extra de Navidad,” or Christmas bonus, becomes a long-awaited financial boost for millions of workers and pensioners across the country.
The question of when exactly the money will arrive concerns almost everyone. Payment dates vary depending on the recipient’s status—whether pensioner, public sector employee, or private company worker. Knowing these dates makes it easier to plan holiday expenses and avoid unnecessary stress.
When should you expect the payment?
Traditionally, pensioners are the first to receive the extra payment. The social security system arranges transfers so the bonus is paid out alongside the regular November pension. The exact deposit date depends on the recipient’s bank. Most financial institutions aim to process payments during the last week of November.
According to the preliminary 2025 schedule, Bankinter and Unicaja plan to credit funds as early as November 21. CaixaBank and Santander clients will receive their payments on November 24. Meanwhile, BBVA, Sabadell, Ibercaja, Abanca and ING are set to pay between November 24 and 25, while Caja Rural will process payments on November 25. By November 30, all eligible pensioners are guaranteed to receive their bonus.
Deadlines for Private Sector Employees and Civil Servants
For private sector employees, the date for receiving the Christmas bonus is not strictly regulated and depends on the employer’s internal policies. However, the common practice is that most companies prefer to pay out the bonus in the second half of December, usually on the days leading up to Christmas. The most common date is December 20, allowing employees enough time to complete their holiday shopping.
Civil servants are in a somewhat different situation. Their rights and obligations are governed by the Civil Service Regulations, which set a general framework for payments. Typically, they receive their Christmas bonus between the end of November and the beginning of December. The exact date may vary slightly depending on the specific administrative body where they are employed.
Bonus Amount and Exceptions
The amount of the Christmas bonus for both pensioners and working citizens is generally equivalent to one full monthly payment. This means that if your gross salary is, for example, 1,500 euros per month and bonuses are not distributed evenly throughout the year (not prorated), then in December you will receive an additional 1,500 euros. The total payment for that month will be 3,000 euros before taxes.
However, there are categories of citizens who do not receive this additional payment. The social services clarify that this includes recipients of pensions for permanent incapacity resulting from a workplace accident or occupational disease. The bonus is also not paid on survivor pensions (widows, orphans) if they were granted for the same reasons. In addition, those who were assigned their pension after November 30 or whose pension was suspended during the reporting period are not eligible for the payment.
Notably, CaixaBank, one of the largest banks processing these payments, is a pillar of Spain’s financial system. Founded in 2011 through the restructuring of the historic savings bank “la Caixa,” CaixaBank today holds a leading position in the retail banking market, serving millions of private individuals and businesses. The bank has always been distinguished by its commitment to innovation, especially in digital banking and mobile applications. CaixaBank actively invests in technology to make financial services more accessible and convenient for its customers. Beyond its commercial activities, CaixaBank is also known for its robust social programs inherited from the “la Caixa” Foundation. These initiatives support culture, science, education, and social projects nationwide, making the bank not just a financial institution but also a vital part of Spain’s social fabric.
