Working Days in Spain: Everything You Need To Know in 2025
Thinking about working in Spain?Whether you're relocating from elsewhere in Europe or looking to launch your international career, it's important to understand Spain’s working culture, legal framework, and everyday routines.
This guide gives you all the essential details on working hours, public holidays, and annual leave, so you're fully prepared to live and work in Spain.
Does Spain have a 4-day work week?
Spain was among the first countries to propose a nationwide trial of the four-day work week, approved in 2021. After some delays, pilot programs are still ongoing in 2025, withpositive results in regions like Valencia.
However, the four-day week isnot yet standard nationwide, and most full-time roles still follow the five-day model.
Working Days in Spain
Spain has a standard working week of 40 hours, which is typically spread over five days.
The absolute legal maximum remains 48 hours/week, with overtime compensation required by law.
A new law, expected to pass in 2025, will gradually reduce the legal maximum to 37.5 hours per week, reflecting a growing national focus on work-life balance.
Do Siestas still exist?
Yes, but it depends on the sector.
In traditional sectors(especially in southern Spain), “split shifts” still exist: working from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM with a long afternoon break.
In modern office jobs, you can expect a standard 30 to 60-minute lunch break, similar to most European countries.
Younger generations and urban employers are shifting towards shorter breaks and more family time in the evenings, part of Spain’s cultural transition toward better work-life balance.
Saturdays: Many local shops close earlier; larger chains remain open full-time.
Sundays: Most shops are closed, except for some24/7 supermarkets or tourist zones.
Lunch breaks: Between1:30 PM and 5:00 PM, many small shops close
In the hot south, a longer lunch break is necessary to escape the heat and therefore shops are open longer in the evenings than in the north.
⏰ Opening hours vary regionally, especially between north and south due to climate differences.
What is Full-Time and Part-Time Work in Spain?
Full-time: 40 hours per week (soon to shift to 37.5), with regulated overtime.
Part-time: Up to 20 hours/week— common in retail, hospitality, and student jobs.
Your employment contract will clearly define your hours and compensation structure.
Public Holidays
Spain has 8 national public holidays.
Each region or city adds its own, for example,Barcelona has 4 extra.
In most regions, public holidays that fall on a Sunday are moved to Monday, except in Catalonia, where they are not rescheduled.
🗓 Always check local calendarsfor an accurate picture of your time off.
Spain: National Public Holidays (Observed in All Cities)
January 1: New Year's Day
January 6: Epiphany (Three Kings' Day)
Easter + Good Friday
May 1: Labour Day
August 15: Assumption of Mary
November 1: All Saints' Day
December 6: Constitution Day
December 8: Immaculate Conception
December 25: Christmas Day
Madrid: Additional Local Holidays
April 17: Maundy Thursday
May 2: Community Festival of Madrid
May 15: Feast of St. Isidro (Patron Saint of Madrid)
July 25: St. James' Day
November 10: Our Lady of the Almudena (observed)
Barcelona: Additional Local Holidays
Easter Monday
June 9: Whit Monday
June 24: St. John's Day (Sant Joan)
September 11: National Day of Catalonia
September 24: La Mercè Festival
December 26: St. Stephen's Day
Annual Leave
Employees are entitled to a minimum of 22 working days of paid vacation per year.
You can usually take at least two weeks consecutively, though this depends on company policy.
August and September are the most common months for holidays and some companies may require you to take time off during this period.
Start Your Adventure in Spain
While working hours in some regions of Spain may differ significantly from those in other nations, you can generally expect similar hours in Spain's major cities as in other European ones. It is important that you understand how the Spanish system operates before deciding on employment opportunities in this country. By being aware of these factors, you can ensure that you're well-prepared and able to enjoy a healthy work-life balance. Now that you have all of these details covered you can start beginning your job search in Spain.
