Mallorca's trainee doctors face 17-hour shift cap

On the Spanish island of Mallorca, trainee doctors face a 17-hour limit on shifts: Spain’s government approves new rules on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. The reform also sets stricter rest requirements and raises training pay. The new working-hour rules take effect on 1 September 2027.

Shifts and rest

A shift cannot last more than 17 hours. If a doctor works an ordinary day and then goes straight into a shift without a 12-hour break, both count towards that limit. Seven hours of ordinary work, for example, leave room for no more than ten hours on shift. At least 12 hours’ rest must follow before the next working day.

The rules also require 12 hours of uninterrupted rest between working days and 24 hours each week. Ordinary working time is capped at an average of 35 hours a week over six months, unless an agreement sets a different way to calculate it.

Trainee doctors can generally work up to four shifts a month. A fifth is allowed for justified training reasons, but not solely to cover routine staffing needs. They can agree to work up to seven shifts a month and can withdraw that consent. Ordinary hours and shifts together must stay within an average of 45 hours a week over each quarter.

Higher pay, but no island supplement yet

Trainee doctors keep their basic salary and receive a training supplement linked to it. The minimum rises from 18 per cent of basic pay in the first year to 58 per cent in the fifth. Health services can set higher rates.

The decree takes effect the day after publication in Spain’s Official State Gazette. Within six months, the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System must examine criteria for a further residency allowance, including the cost of living and island location. That could matter on Mallorca, but an island supplement has not been approved.

Topics: Jobs & labour · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com