Should you join a Spanish union (sindicato)?

Key rules

• Who can join: Foreign workers can join a union whatever their residency status.
• Cost: Fees are low, paid by direct debit, and lower for unemployed people, pensioners and students.
• Main benefit: Union lawyers can advise and represent you in labour disputes.
• Local variation: Services and fees differ by region and branch, so ask your local office.

The short answer

Join if you are an employee and want help with a contract, a dismissal, a settlement or a benefit claim. Membership is cheap, and a union lawyer can be worth far more than the fee. If you are self-employed or have a very simple, secure job, you may not need it.

Can you join as a foreigner?

Yes. Foreigners in Spain have the right to join a union on the same terms as Spaniards. This applies whatever your residency status. The two largest unions, CCOO and UGT, accept foreign members, including people without residence papers.

What you get

• Free or discounted legal advice on work problems.
• A union lawyer who represents you in conciliation (the meeting that usually comes before a labour case) and in labour court.
• Help calculating your settlement and checking dismissal papers.
• Advice on contracts, unemployment benefits and pensions.
• Information on collective agreements, which set pay and conditions in your sector.
• Training courses and discounts on insurance, travel and other services.
• Advice for migrants. CCOO runs centres called CITE, and UGT has similar ones.

Some basic information is open to non-members too. Services vary by region and branch, so ask your local office what it offers.

What it costs

The fee is low, and you pay it monthly or quarterly by direct debit. A full fee is typically a few euros up to around ten euros a month. Unemployed people, pensioners and students pay less. The exact amount depends on the union, your sector and your branch, so ask the local office for the current figure.

When membership is worth it

• You are about to sign, or have signed, a contract you do not understand.
• You think your pay, hours or holiday do not match your sector's agreement.
• You are being dismissed, or you are offered a settlement.
• You have trouble with unemployment benefit or pension questions.
• You do not yet have full residency and want advice that does not depend on your papers.

Join before a problem starts if you can. Some unions may limit help on a dispute that began before you joined, so ask about this when you sign up.

How to join

1. Find your local CCOO or UGT office, or your sector's branch.
2. Ask for the current fee and what is included.
3. Bring your ID or passport and your bank details for the direct debit.
4. Ask whether there is a migrant advice service nearby.

The questions below cover residency, cost and non-member help.

Frequently asked questions

Can I join a union if I do not have full residency?

Yes, you can join a Spanish union even without residence papers, because foreign workers have the same right to join as Spaniards. Both CCOO and UGT accept foreign members whatever their administrative status. Both also run advice services for migrants.

How much does union membership cost per month?

A full fee is usually a few euros up to around ten euros per month, depending on the sector and the regional union. Unemployed people, pensioners and students pay a reduced fee. Fees are normally paid by direct debit, monthly or quarterly.

Can I get help from a union without becoming a member?

Yes, some basic information is open to non-members, but the fuller services are for members. Members get legal advice on labour matters and a union lawyer in conciliation and labour courts. They also get help with settlement and dismissal papers, plus advice on contracts, unemployment benefits and pensions.

Do unions offer anything besides legal help?

Yes, members can also use training courses and discounts on insurance, travel and other services. Unions also give collective bargaining information for your sector.