The government wants to control companies more and more, and now they are talking about the fact that they want to impose the mandatory Electronic Registration of the Working Day. And we say that they are talking because the law is not yet approved, first the government needs to negotiate and obtain the agreement of its partners. And currently the law is in parliament.
Logically in this article we do not go if it is better for the company, if it is better for the worker or in political struggles; we are neither left nor right, we are in favour of the company, the self-employed and the growth of the economy. Having said that
What is the Electronic Registration of the Labour Day?
The electronic registration of the working day is a system that allows you to precisely control the hours of entry and exit of workers. This measure, regulated by Spanish legislation since 2019, seeks to guarantee compliance with labour rights, prevent abuses and ensure the correct payment of overtime.
Since the entry into force of Royal Decree-Law 8/2019, of March 8, all companies are obliged to record the daily workday of their employees, regardless of their size or sector.
Is the Registration of Working Hours Mandatory?
Currently, according to Royal Decree-Law 8/2019, all companies must keep a daily record of the working hours of their workers, indicating the time of entry and exit. However, the law does not specifically require that the system be electronic, although many companies already use it for practicality, traceability and legal certainty.
Registration is mandatory
Since May 2019, all companies are obliged to record the working hours of their workers, regardless of the type of contract or day (except for senior management positions).
Electronic registration is NOT required yet (11/2025)
Currently the use of:
- Sheets on paper
- Excel or other manual formats
- Time control applications or software
The important thing is that the record is:
- Reliable
- Verifiable
- Unalterable
- Preserved for 4 years
- Accessible for workers and inspection
How should the Electronic Record of the Journey be?
The time control system can be adapted to the needs of each company, but it must meet certain requirements:
- Reliability and objectivity: it should not allow manipulations.
- Accessibility: both the employee and the Labour Inspectorate must be able to easily access the data.
- Neutrality: it must be independent of the payroll system.
- Individualised registration by each worker.
Types of tools accepted:
- Mobile applications or human resources software.
- Biometric watches or clocking cards.
- Cloud platforms with access for employees.
What Sanctions Exist for Non-Compliance?
Not complying with the obligation of time registration may constitute a serious offence according to the Law on Offences and Sanctions in the Social Order (LISOS), with fines ranging from €751 to €7,500.
The Labour Inspectorate is carrying out periodic checks and requires clear evidence that the regulations are being complied with.
Are there exceptions to this obligation?
There are some special situations, such as:
- Workers with senior management contracts, who are not obliged to register their day.
- Self-employed or external collaborators, who are also not subject to this regulation.
- Telework: even if the workplace is remote, time registration is still mandatory, and must be done through digital tools.
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Benefits of Electronic Registration for Companies
Although it can be perceived as an administrative burden, time control also provides benefits:
- Improves time management and productivity.
- Avoid labour conflicts for unrecognised hours.
- Facilitates human resources planning.
- It offers transparency in the company-worker relationship.
Has a new law been passed that requires electronic registration?
No law has yet been approved that makes the use of electronic registration mandatory, but a reform to do so is under study.
Conclusion
The obligation of electronic registration of working hours is a key measure to ensure compliance with labour rights in Spain. Implementing an adequate system not only avoids sanctions, but improves the internal organisation of the company.
As of today (October 2025), there is no law approved that obliges the registration of the day exclusively by electronic means, but everything indicates that it will be mandatory in the near future.
If you need advice to implement a time control system in accordance with the regulations, do not hesitate to contact a professional specialised in labour law or tax and business advice.
