Payroll and HR in Spain

The International HR & Payroll Company
That Speaks Your Language

IRIS FMP will simplify Spanish payroll and HR. As a globally recognized, payroll and HR specialist, operating 88 in-country teams, we help ensure your international employees are taken care of.

Navigating global payroll and HR in Spain can become complicated without expert guidance. As compliance is always a top priority for businesses, we can support you during a global expansion. With all the differing laws, cultures and regulations, businesses can become overwhelmed. Fortunately, our experts will support you. We offer:  

Location Data

Name

Spain

Region

Europe (Southern Europe)

Population

47351567

Calling Code

34

Capital

Madrid

Timezone(s)

UTC, UTC+01:00

Timezone in Capital

(europe/madrid) 9:42 AM

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Main Language

Spanish(Español)

Other Business Languages

Spanish, English

Tax Year Start

1st January

Tax Year Start

31st December

Details correct at time of publication. You should not rely on these details without first seeking professional international advice.

With its highly developed economy, (the 5th largest in the EU and one of the fastest growing in the eurozone), financially, Spain is an attractive location to expand your business to. Not only this, English is a generally accepted business language, making negotiations and meetings a breeze. Despite it seemingly being the perfect location for expansion, there are a few things to consider before taking the plunge.

Complex and differing tax rates across the 17 different regions can cause a bit of a payroll headache, as well as understanding Spanish legislation and making sure your business’s payroll and HR remains compliant. Luckily, IRIS FMP can help.

HR in Spain

What are the regular working hours in Spain?

Typically, in Spain, the regular working hours span from 9.00 to 13.30 and then 17.00 – 20.00, adding up to a 40 hour week. Siestas (3 hour afternoon breaks) are still a major part of working life in Spain, particularly in rural areas. However, it is worth noting they are declining in city based businesses.

Termination

When it comes to termination in Spain, employees’ rights are some of the most protected in the EU. Employees must be given at least 15 days notice if they are dismissed on objective grounds. If employees are dismissed due to disciplinary reasons, employers do not need to give notice.

Find out more about living and working in Spain.

Payroll in Spain

What tax considerations are there?

In Spain, taxes are divided between regional governments, i.e. each of the 17 regions decide their own varying tax rates and liabilities. This means that Spanish income tax (renta general and renta del ahorro), wealth tax, capital gains tax and any other taxes are different across the country. Spanish employees must make social security contributions and corporate income tax is imposed at 30% for businesses.

HR and Payroll in Madrid

With a population of around seven million, Madrid is the largest city in Spain and the third-largest in the EU. Its infrastructure and diverse, skilled population make it an attractive city for business. Madrid is known as a telecommunications hub, however other businesses in various sectors are also known to thrive. These include finance, media, insurance, and technology.

The city has excellent transport links across Spain and the rest of Europe, making it an ideal location for international companies’ offices. It’s a lively, cosmopolitan city in which many well-educated young students and professionals come to settle.

HR and Payroll in Barcelona

Barcelona has long been a centre of tourism and trade, boasting fantastic food, fascinating architecture, and a varied cultural scene. Known as the southern gateway to Europe, historically Barcelona has been favoured for its strategic position, allowing the city to prosper economically.

When it comes to support for start-ups and business owners, the City of Barcelona offers the services of a Business Support Office. Here, advice can be obtained regarding a range of business matters, from financing and licensing to finding the right talent.

• Spanish Employment Contracts
• Payroll Processing
• Handling of social charges
• Handling of payments (salaries & social charges)
• Annual declarations (lodging, apprenticeship & training taxes for concerned companies)
• Relations with social bodies
• Regulatory Compliance

• Tax and Labour Law Consulting
• Assisting in payroll audit (or payroll department audit)
• Handling of confidential payroll
• Assistance in company restructuring plan
• Assistance in implementation of procedures
• Assistance with start-up (in link with lawyers)