Spain agrees major expansion of bereavement and palliative care leave

Spain’s Ministry of Labour and unions have agreed to extend paid bereavement leave from 2 to 10 working days (12 with travel) for close family members, plus a new 15-day palliative care leave entitlement. The package also includes maternity and parental leave extensions by 3 weeks, with single parents entitled to 32 weeks total.

These changes form part of Spain’s broader 2026 labour reform agenda. Remote workers and autonomos should note that while employee protections expand, self-employed workers may need to plan their own coverage for these situations.