Many people look at their monthly payslip and do not know whether it already includes the pagas extra (extra payments) or whether they will arrive in June and December. It is a fair question: the contract may say “€30,000 gross” without saying whether that is in 12 or 14 payments, and the difference in your account each month is large. This page is about what you see on your monthly payslip; for what is paid when you leave, see how to calculate your finiquito.
The law gives you two extra payments a year
Article 31 of the Estatuto de los Trabajadores (Workers Statute) says you are entitled to two extraordinary payments a year. One is at Christmas. The other is paid in the month set by the collective agreement (convenio colectivo) or by agreement between the company and the workers’ legal representatives. The amount is also set by the collective agreement.
That is why there is no universal date for the “summer payment”. The date for yours is whatever your agreement or company deal says.
The amount is set by the collective agreement
The Statute does not say what each payment is worth. Which items go into it, and whether it equals a full month, is for your agreement. If your extra payment differs from your monthly payslip, ask the company for the formula in writing and compare it with the agreement.
Spreading them means sharing them across the twelve payslips
The last paragraph of article 31 says: “it may be agreed in collective agreement that the extraordinary payments are spread across the twelve monthly payments”. The legal text expressly mentions the collective agreement, not an individual deal.
It is common to see contracts stating that the extra pay is spread. If yours is one of them, check that your agreement allows it or, at least, that your annual pay is not below what applies. If in doubt, a union can review how it is written.
12 payments or 14: same money, different split
An example with €21,000 gross a year:
| 14 payments | 12 payments (spread) | |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary monthly payments | 12 × €1,500 | 12 × €1,750 |
| Extra payments | 2 × €1,500 | Included |
| Annual total | €21,000 | €21,000 |
| Each month | €1,500 | €1,750 |
| Calculation | 21,000 / 14 | 21,000 / 12 |
With 14 payments, in June and December you get double (the payslip plus the extra). With 12 payments, you get more each month and nothing extra. Income-tax withholding (IRPF) and contributions apply to each payment, so your net pay each month is not a simple rule of three; look at your payslip.
With the 2026 minimum wage figures (Royal Decree 126/2026): €1,221 in 14 payments is €17,094 a year, and €1,424.50 a month if the extra pay is spread. More detail in minimum wage 2026 in Spain.
The costliest mistake: “monthly with extra pay included”
Read carefully how your contract states your salary. There are two similar formulas that give very different results:
| What the contract says | Calculation | Annual gross |
|---|---|---|
| €1,600 gross a month, 14 payments | 1,600 × 14 | €22,400 |
| €1,600 gross a month, extra pay included | 1,600 × 12 | €19,200 |
| Difference | €3,200 |
Anyone negotiating a salary should always ask: is it annual or monthly gross? In how many payments? Is the extra pay spread out? If what you are offered is a monthly figure with extra pay included, multiply by 12 and compare with your agreement.
Extra pay is earned while you work
Extra payments are salary, even if they are paid in a single month. The part you earn while you work is what you are owed if you leave before it is paid. How that proportional part is calculated on leaving is explained in how to calculate your finiquito.
Article 29.1 adds two rules for salary in general: payment is made punctually and in writing on the agreed date or according to custom, and the payslip must clearly separate the different payments and deductions. If an extra payment is missing or late, article 29.3 sets late-payment interest of ten per cent of the amount owed.
An example to check your own payslip
You have a contract for €24,500 gross a year in 14 payments. Each payment is worth 24,500 / 14 = €1,750. On a January payslip you should see €1,750 gross salary, and in June or July (depending on your agreement) and in December, another €1,750 of extra pay. If instead you see €2,041.67 every month (24,500 / 12) and never an extra payment, your pay is spread. In both cases the total received in the year is €24,500. If it comes to less, money is missing.
Do this check with your January to December payslips: add up the gross amounts and compare them with the annual figure in your contract.
Why your case may be different
- Your agreement may provide for more than two payments. It can add other bonuses on top of the two legal ones.
- The month of the second payment varies. It may be June, July or another month depending on the agreement or the deal with the representatives.
- Spreading may or may not be allowed. Check your agreement, and if it is an individual deal with no basis in the agreement, get advice.
- If you started or left mid-year, the payment is made proportionally. The exact calculation depends on how it accrues under your agreement (by half-year or calendar year).
What to check on your payslip and contract
- Whether the contract says annual or monthly gross, and how many payments.
- Whether your June and December payslips show an extra payment, or whether it is spread monthly.
- That the amount of the extra payment matches the formula in your agreement.
- That the annual total is not below the minimum (€17,094 in 2026 for a full-time week).
- That each payslip itemises items and deductions.
If something does not add up, ask in writing. If they do not pay, see what to do if your employer does not pay your wages.
This page is general information. If deadlines or money are at stake, speak to an employment lawyer (abogado laboralista) or a union.