Spain introduces paid medical leave for menopause starting in December / How much is the benefit received by women

Women working in Spain who experience serious health problems associated with menopause will be eligible for special medical leave, paid from the second day of absence. The measure, approved by the Spanish government on October 20, will enter into force on December 1, 2026, and aims to protect employees whose symptoms temporarily prevent them from working.

The leave will not be granted automatically to all women going through menopause. A doctor will have to confirm the presence of a condition associated with a disorder secondary to menopause, such as severe hot flashes, insomnia, extreme fatigue or difficulty concentrating, that affects the person’s ability to work.

The first day will be paid by the employer, while from the second day the benefit will be covered by the social security system. It will amount to 60% of the calculation base for the first 20 days and 75% starting on the 21st day. No minimum contribution period will be required.

Medical documents will be sent electronically to the employer. Spain also introduced paid leave for painful and incapacitating periods in 2023. Germany, Italy, Greece and Portugal currently do not have separate menopause leave.