---
title: "Hiring in Spain"
description: "How to hire in Spain: employer costs, contracts, notice, leave and work permits, plus how Fronted employs your team or runs your own SL."
canonical: "https://fronted.com/countries/spain"
updated: "2026-11-09"
---

# Hiring in Spain

_How to hire in Spain: employer costs, contracts, notice, leave and work permits, plus how Fronted employs your team or runs your own SL._

To hire in Spain without your own company, use an Employer of Record. Fronted employs your people through our own Spanish entity for €390 per employee/month, with statutory costs passed through at cost. When you want your own SL, we set it up and run it, including accounting and payroll.

## Employer costs in Spain

The example assumes an indefinite contract. Employer contributions cover common contingencies (23.60%), unemployment (5.50%), FOGASA (0.20%), vocational training (0.60%) and MEI (0.75%), charged on a monthly base of up to €5,101.20 in 2026. Work accident cover comes on top, at a rate that depends on the activity. Fixed-term contracts carry a higher unemployment rate. Salaries in Spain are often paid in 14 payments a year, so check how the annual salary is split.

## Employment contracts in Spain

Since the 2021 labour reform, the default is an indefinite contract. Fixed-term contracts are only allowed for production needs (up to 6 months, extendable to 12 by sector agreement) or to replace an absent employee. Probation must be agreed in writing.

## Working hours

Ordinary working time averages at most 40 hours a week over the year, with at most 9 ordinary hours a day unless a collective agreement distributes hours differently. Employees get at least 12 hours' rest between working days and a 15-minute break when the day is longer than 6 hours. Working time must be recorded every day.

## Holiday

Employees get at least 30 calendar days of paid leave a year. It cannot be paid out while employment continues, and employees must know their dates at least two months ahead. National and regional public holidays are published each year.

## Parental leave

Parents are entitled to birth and childcare leave under the Workers' Statute, paid by Social Security. We confirm the current length and pay for each hire, and collective agreements can add more.

## Notice and termination

Dismissal in Spain needs a lawful ground. Objective dismissal requires 15 days' notice and severance of 20 days' pay per year of service, capped at 12 months' pay. Unfair dismissal costs 33 days' pay per year, capped at 24 months. When a fixed-term contract ends, the employee receives 12 days' pay per year.

## Work permits

EU and EEA citizens can work in Spain without a permit, but they need an NIE and Social Security registration. Non-EU hires need work authorisation, for example as a highly qualified professional under Law 14/2013. Talk to us about the role and we will tell you what is possible.

## How Fronted can help

Fronted employs your people in Spain through our own Spanish entity, so you can hire without a local company. When you are ready for your own SL, we set it up and run it, including accounting and payroll. You and every employee get a dedicated contact who knows you.

## What employers ask about hiring in Spain