Unfair vs Objective Dismissal in Spain: What You Get in 2026
20, 33 or 45 days a year: real examples on a €30,000 salary and how time before 2012 counts.
By the MoneyBackKit Spain team · Updated 20 October 2026 · 5 min read
Not every dismissal pays the same. The gap between an objective and an unfair dismissal can be thousands of euros, and anyone who started before 2012 gets a better rate for that period.
The three kinds of severance
- Objective dismissal (economic or technical reasons, unsuitability…): 20 days' salary per year, capped at 12 months' pay.
- Unfair dismissal (a judge or conciliation sides with the worker): 33 days per year, capped at 24 months' pay; 45 days for time before 12 February 2012.
- End of a temporary contract: 12 days per year.
On €30,000 a year, dismissed in September 2026
| Year started | Unfair | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8.137 € | 4.932 € |
| 2018 | 21.699 € | 13.151 € |
| 2010 | 45.021 € | 26.301 € |
| 2000 | 59.178 € | 30.000 € |
Someone who started in 2000 has 137 months at 45 days and 176 at 33. Their unfair dismissal pay comes to 59.178 €, limited by the legal cap.
Spain Severance Pay CalculatorWork out your severance with your dates and salary.