The Spanish Ministry of Labor has approved a new digital time-tracking system, replacing paper and spreadsheets with reliable digital tools. Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz confirmed its imminent approval, aiming to boost transparency and combat unpaid overtime and fraud.
The system will be strictly digital, unalterable, and fully traceable: each clock-in will record start, end, breaks, and type of hours (ordinary or overtime). Companies must specify whether overtime is paid or compensated with time off, and retain records for at least four years. Unauthorized modifications are prohibited, and a key feature is remote access for the Labor Inspectorate, allowing real-time verification without physical visits.
Workers can review their records monthly alongside their pay slips. The system complies with current regulations: it collects only minimum data, with no continuous geolocation or invasive biometrics.
The new workplace time-tracking system is now a reality.
**Impact on Businesses and Employees**
This system aims to benefit everyone: it reduces disputes, promotes work-life balance, and avoids heavy fines (up to €7,500 per worker). Companies of all sizes—from SMEs to multinationals, including hospitality—must adopt these digital tools. Several approved apps already provide identity verification and automatic alerts, fully meeting the new requirements approved by Díaz.
**Timeline and Preparation**
The new digital time-tracking system is expected to take effect later in 2026, pending necessary procedures. The goal is a system that monitors without surveillance: it highlights real workloads, supports reduced working hours, and encourages digital disconnection.
