Working hours in Spain are regulated by national labor law and apply to both local and foreign workers. In general, Spain follows a standard full-time work schedule, but actual working hours can vary depending on the sector, job type, and employment contract.
Standard Working Hours in Spain
The legal maximum working time in Spain is:
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40 hours per week, calculated as a yearly average
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Usually spread over 5 working days
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Commonly 8 hours per day
Most full-time jobs follow a Monday-to-Friday schedule, especially office and administrative roles.
Daily Working Time Limits
By law:
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A normal working day should not exceed 9 hours, unless stated otherwise in a collective agreement
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Workers must receive at least 12 hours of rest between two working days
These rules are designed to protect worker health and prevent excessive working hours.
Weekly Rest Days
Employees in Spain are entitled to:
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At least 1.5 consecutive days of rest per week
This is usually:
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Saturday afternoon + Sunday
or -
Sunday + another half day
The exact rest days depend on the job and sector.
Working Hours by Sector
Working hours can differ across industries:
Office and Corporate Jobs
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Monday to Friday
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Around 8 hours per day
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Weekends usually off
Hospitality and Tourism
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Shift-based schedules
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Weekend and holiday work common
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Rest days given on weekdays
Retail and Shopping Centers
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Rotational shifts
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Evening and weekend work
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Legal weekly rest still applies
Warehouses, Logistics, and Manufacturing
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Fixed or rotating shifts
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Night shifts possible
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Overtime regulated by law
Overtime Rules in Spain
Overtime is allowed but limited:
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Maximum 80 overtime hours per year
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Must be paid extra or compensated with rest time
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Voluntary unless stated in the contract
Overtime rates and rules may vary by collective labor agreement.
Breaks During the Workday
Workers are entitled to:
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A minimum 15-minute break if the workday exceeds 6 hours
In some workplaces, especially offices and factories, longer lunch breaks may apply.
The Famous Spanish Workday Split
In some sectors, especially traditional offices and small businesses, Spain still follows a split workday:
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Morning work hours
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Long lunch break (2–3 hours)
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Evening work session
However, many companies now follow a continuous workday with shorter breaks.
Working Hours for Part-Time Workers
Part-time workers:
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Work fewer hours than full-time employees
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Must have clearly defined hours in the contract
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Receive proportional pay and benefits
Part-time work is common in retail, hospitality, and cleaning jobs.
Are Working Hours the Same for Foreign Workers?
Yes. Foreign workers in Spain have the same working-hour rights and protections as Spanish nationals. Employers must follow legal limits regardless of nationality.
Final Answer
In Spain, the standard working time is 40 hours per week, with daily and weekly rest protections. While office jobs usually follow fixed schedules, sectors like hospitality, retail, and logistics often use shift-based hours. What matters most is that legal limits, rest periods, and overtime rules are respected.