Paternity benefit for the self-employed

Benefit name: since 2019, Spain’s former “paternity leave” is the Birth and Childcare Benefit. Rules are identical for both parents, including the self-employed.

Amount

100% of the regulatory base (for the self-employed, derived from your Social Security contribution base).
Subject to withholding tax (IRPF). Paid monthly by the INSS.

Duration & use

16 weeks per parent.
6 consecutive weeks are mandatory full-time immediately after birth/adoption.
The remaining 10 weeks can be taken in weekly blocks, consecutive or not, within 12 months after birth/adoption.
Part-time (50%) use is possible if compatible and authorised by the INSS.
Extra weeks for multiple births (+1 per parent from the second child), child’s disability (+1), and prematurity/hospitalisation (within legal limits).

Eligibility (self-employed)

Registered in RETA and up to date with contributions.
Minimum contributions (carencia):
- Ages 21–26: 90 days in the last 7 years or 180 overall.
- Over 26: 180 in the last 7 years or 360 overall.
Effective cessation of activity during the 6 mandatory weeks.

How and when to apply

From the date of birth/adoption, and before taking any optional weeks.
Recommended within 15 days from the start of the leave.
Apply online via the INSS e-Office (Cl@ve/DNIe/cert), or at a CAISS office.
Usual documents: official application, ID, civil registry record (often retrieved automatically), family book if applicable, bank details, and—for the self-employed— a declaration of cessation/part-time use; extra documents for adoption, disability, multiple births or hospitalisation.

Payment timing

Decisions typically arrive within days; monthly payments follow thereafter.