Permanent Contracts in Spain
A permanent contract (contrato indefinido) is the holy grail of job stability. It has no end date and offers the highest level of job security.
Key features:
- No predefined termination date.
- Higher protection against dismissal.
- Entitlement to severance pay in case of unfair dismissal.
- Continuous contribution to Social Security.
- Can be full-time or part-time.
Ideal for: Long-term employment relationships and building career stability.
Temporary Contracts
Temporary contracts (contrato temporal) are for specific time-limited needs. But beware—they’re only legal when there’s a justified reason.
Used for:
- Replacing another worker.
- Seasonal workload peaks.
- Projects or specific services.
Key features:
- Clear start and end dates.
- Automatically ends unless renewed.
- Less protection in case of dismissal.
Ideal for: Covering short-term gaps or seasonal boosts in activity.
Fixed-Discontinuous Contracts
This one’s a bit more nuanced. A fixed-discontinuous contract (contrato fijo-discontinuo) is technically permanent—but only activates during recurring work periods, such as harvests or school terms.
Key features:
- Permanent contract, but for intermittent or seasonal work.
- Worker maintains seniority even during inactive periods.
- Employers must call workers back following objective criteria.
Used in: Tourism, agriculture, education—sectors with predictable “on and off” cycles.
⚖️ Comparison Table: Which Contract Fits What?
| Feature | Permanent | Temporary | Fixed-Discontinuous |
| Job stability | High | Low | Medium |
| Severance pay rights | Yes | Yes (lower amount) | Yes |
| Legal justification | Not required | Mandatory | Required (seasonal) |
| Work continuity | Continuous | Limited | Seasonal |
How Legal Allies Can Help You Review or Negotiate Your Contract
We don’t just check contracts—we protect your rights and your future. With Legal Allies, you get:
- A thorough review to catch illegal clauses or fine-print traps.
- Personalized advice on which contract type best suits your situation.
- Help negotiating better terms—before you sign.
- Legal defense if your contract doesn’t meet legal standards.
With us, you don’t walk into your next job blind. You walk in informed—and backed by experts.
