Can a minor work?
Yes from 16, with conditions; before that, no (with exceptions). The minimum age to work in Spain is 16. Under-16s can't work, with one exception: taking part in public performances, which requires authorisation from the labour authority and that it doesn't harm their health or education. Between 16 and 18 you can work, but with reinforced protection: they need the parents' or guardians' authorisation (if living with them), can't do night work or overtime, or perform dangerous, arduous or unhealthy work, and have working-time limits. Schooling is compulsory until 16, which also conditions access to employment.
📋 The rules
- Minimum working age: 16
- Under-16s: can't work (except authorised public performances)
- 16-18: need parents' or guardians' authorisation
- Night work and overtime banned
- Dangerous or unhealthy work banned
🔓 Exceptions
- Under-16s taking part in public performances: with authorisation
- Training contracts: the usual route for the youngest
- Specific working-time limits for under-18s
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Hiring an under-16 (outside authorised performances) or breaching the protections for under-18s (night work, overtime, dangerous tasks) is a serious breach of labour rules, sanctioned by the Labour Inspectorate with fines and the nullity of those conditions. These rules aim to protect the minor's health, safety and education. If a minor is going to work legally (from 16), gather the authorisation of the parents or guardians and verify the job respects the limits on working time and task type.
📎 Official sources
- BOE · Workers' Statute (work of minors, art. 6) →
- Ministry of Labour · Work of minors →
- Administración · Employment and minors →
❓ Frequently asked
At what age can you start working?
The minimum working age in Spain is 16. Below that age you can't work, except minors taking part in public performances, which requires authorisation from the labour authority and that it doesn't harm their health or education.
Does a minor under 18 need permission to work?
Yes, if they live with their parents or guardians, they need their authorisation to work between 16 and 18. Also, their contract is subject to protective limits: working time, a ban on night work and overtime, and on dangerous or unhealthy tasks.
What can't a worker under 18 do?
They can't do night work or overtime, or perform work declared dangerous, arduous or unhealthy. They also have stricter working-time limits. These are measures to protect their health, safety and education.
Can children work in ads or films?
Under-16s taking part in public performances (film, TV, theatre, advertising) is the only exception to the minimum age, and requires authorisation from the labour authority, granted only if there's no risk to their health or education.
What if a company hires an under-16?
Except for authorised performances, hiring an under-16 is a serious breach of labour rules. The Labour Inspectorate can fine the company, and conditions that breach the protection of minors are void.
🔎 Common searches
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