{
  "id": "en/teen-work-spain-16",
  "slug": "teen-work-spain-16",
  "markdown_url": "/llms/youth/teen-work-spain-16.en.md",
  "json_url": "/api/v1/youth/en/teen-work-spain-16.json",
  "title": "Can a 16-year-old make money legally in Spain?",
  "description": "A practical guide for Chinese and international-school teens in Spain: work rules, parent consent, safe projects, and summer money planning.",
  "lang": "en",
  "topic": "money",
  "audience": [
    "teen",
    "parent"
  ],
  "age_range": "16-18",
  "country": "ES",
  "source_type": "official",
  "authorization_status": "official_public",
  "paid_status": "none",
  "last_checked_at": "2026-05-02",
  "official_urls": [
    "https://boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2015-11430",
    "https://www.sepe.es/HomeSepe/que-es-el-sepe/comunicacion-institucional/publicaciones/publicaciones-oficiales/listado-pub-eures/trabajar-espana/trabajar-en-espana.html",
    "https://boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1995-24292"
  ],
  "questions": [
    "Can a 16-year-old work in Spain?",
    "How can an international-school student in Spain make money safely?",
    "Do I need parent permission to work under 18 in Spain?"
  ],
  "short_answer": "In Spain, the general minimum working age is 16. Until 18, a teen usually needs parent or guardian authorization unless legally emancipated. Under-18 workers cannot do night work, overtime, or restricted dangerous jobs.",
  "risk_notes": [
    "This is not legal advice and does not judge any individual contract.",
    "Work under 18 involves parent consent, time limits, safety risks, and job restrictions.",
    "Avoid hidden cash work, night shifts, dangerous jobs, and any offer that asks you to hide your age or identity."
  ],
  "checklist": [
    {
      "id": "parent_permission",
      "label": "Confirm parent or guardian permission first",
      "note": "Official sources describe the 16-18 age boundary and parent/guardian authorization.",
      "source_urls": [
        "https://www.sepe.es/HomeSepe/que-es-el-sepe/comunicacion-institucional/publicaciones/publicaciones-oficiales/listado-pub-eures/trabajar-espana/trabajar-en-espana.html",
        "https://boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2015-11430"
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "no_night_overtime_danger",
      "label": "Rule out night work, overtime, and dangerous jobs",
      "note": "Under-18 workers cannot do night work, overtime, or jobs restricted for safety reasons.",
      "source_urls": [
        "https://boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2015-11430",
        "https://boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1995-24292"
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "written_terms",
      "label": "Write down the work, hours, pay, and contact person",
      "note": "Let a parent review it before you start. Do not rely only on verbal promises.",
      "source_urls": [
        "https://www.sepe.es/HomeSepe/que-es-el-sepe/comunicacion-institucional/publicaciones/publicaciones-oficiales/listado-pub-eures/trabajar-espana/trabajar-en-espana.html"
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "school_and_time",
      "label": "Protect school, exams, and sleep",
      "note": "If work may affect immigration, tax, or family arrangements, ask your school or a qualified professional before accepting it.",
      "source_urls": [
        "https://boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2015-11430"
      ]
    }
  ],
  "faq": [
    {
      "question": "Can a 16-year-old work in Spain?",
      "answer": "Generally yes. SEPE says the minimum working age in Spain is 16; until 18, parent or guardian authorization is usually needed unless the teen is legally emancipated."
    },
    {
      "question": "Can I work at night if I am 16 or 17?",
      "answer": "No. Spain's Workers' Statute prohibits night work and overtime for workers under 18."
    },
    {
      "question": "What if I do projects instead of a formal job?",
      "answer": "Small projects can be safer than hidden cash work, but you still need clear boundaries: who the client is, what you will deliver, how much time it takes, and whether your parent agrees."
    },
    {
      "question": "How do I convince my parents?",
      "answer": "Bring a plan: legal limits, no-go jobs, weekly hours, expected income, emergency contact, and what you are saving for."
    }
  ],
  "disclaimer": "This page summarizes public information and family safety planning. It is not legal, employment, tax, or immigration advice."
}