A discussion in the Spanish parliament has concluded with significant changes to parental leave policies. Each parent is now entitled to 17 weeks of paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child, which can be used during the child’s first year. In addition, an extra two weeks have been added for caring for children aged one to eight. This brings the total to 19 weeks, and if infant care leave is included, the sum reaches 22 weeks.
Special attention has been given to single-parent families. They are now entitled to 32 weeks of paid leave: 28 weeks can be used in the first year, and an additional four weeks later. The new extended leave also applies to those who become parents after August 2, 2024, increasing the number of families able to benefit from these changes.
The reform affects not only biological parents, but also those who have adopted or taken a child into care. The law guarantees equal rights for all types of families, marking an important step toward social equity. Authorities emphasize that Spain now ranks among the European countries with the most progressive parental support measures.
However, not everyone was in agreement. Some deputies accused the government of trying to present old measures as new, and also pointed out that the promised eight additional weeks turned out to be only two. Meanwhile, supporters of the changes are confident that this is just the beginning and that the system will continue to improve in the future. According to estimates, nearly one million parents will be able to benefit from the new regulations this year alone.
An important point is that the new leaves are available not only to salaried workers, but also to civil servants and self-employed individuals. Each parent receives the right to leave individually, allowing them to keep both their salary and their job. Moreover, childcare leave for children up to eight years old can be requested even if the child is born after August 2, 2024, while the extended birth leave applies only to new cases.
The changes officially took effect on July 30, when they were published in the government bulletin. From that moment, the new rules have been in force, and after parliamentary approval, their effect is secured for the long term. Authorities believe this decision will help parents better balance work and childcare, as well as increase the level of social protection for families in Spain.
