Spain introduces menopause-related medical leave protections

Spain has implemented a new legislative measure via Royal Decree-Law 31/2026 to recognize temporary incapacity related to specific, diagnosed menopausal disorders. Published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on October 21, the law modifies the General Social Security Law to provide coverage when a healthcare professional certifies a limiting pathology.

The regulation does not classify menopause as a general disease, but rather addresses specific cases with functional repercussions. A key distinction in this medical leave is the payment structure: employers must pay the full salary on the first day of absence. From the second day, the worker receives Social Security benefits, which consist of 60% of the regulatory base until day 20, increasing to 75% from day 21 onwards.

Additionally, the law removes the standard requirement for a minimum contribution period, meaning a lack of 180 days of contributions will not block access if medical requirements are met. The practical application of these protections is scheduled to begin on December 1, pending validation by Congress.