Unemployment Benefits Spain (Paro): Complete Guide 2025

Last Updated: January 2025

Lost your job in Spain? You may qualify for unemployment benefits (prestación por desempleo), commonly called "paro" or "el paro."

Quick facts:

• Amount: 70% of salary first 6 months, then 60% (max €1,400/month)
• Duration: 4-24 months depending on how long you worked
• Eligibility: Must have worked 12+ months in last 6 years
• Apply: Within 15 days of job loss at SEPE office
• Payment: Monthly, direct deposit

But qualifying and applying is complex. This guide covers everything you need to know about Spanish unemployment benefits, including eligibility, application process, how much you'll receive, and what to do if denied.

What you'll learn:

• Who qualifies for paro (employees, autónomos, foreigners)
• Required work history (12 months minimum)
• How much you'll receive (calculation formula)
• Application process step-by-step
• Required documents
• What happens if you're denied
• Work requirements while receiving paro

What Is Paro (Spanish Unemployment Benefit)?

Prestación por desempleo (unemployment benefit) is financial support paid by Spain's SEPE (Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal) when you lose your job through no fault of your own.

Two types exist:

1. Contributory unemployment (prestación contributiva)

• Based on your social security contributions
• Requires 12+ months work history
• 70% of salary for 6 months, then 60%
• Duration: 4-24 months
• This is what most people mean by "paro"

2. Subsidy for unemployed (subsidio por desempleo)

• Lower amount (€480/month in 2025)
• For those who exhausted contributory benefit
• Or don't have enough work history
• More restrictive eligibility

This guide focuses on contributory unemployment (the main paro benefit).

Who Qualifies for Paro?

Basic Eligibility Requirements

You must meet ALL of these:

• Fired by employer (despido)
• Contract ended (fin de contrato)
• Temporary contract not renewed
• Company closure

❌ Does NOT qualify:

• Voluntary resignation (dimisión voluntaria)
• Fired for serious misconduct (despido disciplinario justificado)
• End of trial period if you were informed

• Worked at least 360 days (12 months) in last 6 years
• Must be contributing to social security (empleado, not autónomo)

• Can't be studying full-time
• Must be actively seeking employment
• Must accept suitable job offers

• Inscribed at SEPE within 15 days of job loss
• Must renew inscription regularly

• Can't be retired or receiving pension
• Must be under retirement age

Do Foreigners Qualify?

Yes, if you have legal work authorization.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: Full access if worked legally in Spain.

Non-EU citizens: Qualify if you have:

• Valid residence permit
• Work authorization
• Met contribution requirements

Your nationality doesn't matter—only your legal work status.

Do Autónomos (Self-Employed) Qualify?

Generally NO. Standard paro is only for employed workers (empleados).

BUT autónomos have separate protection:

• Cese de actividad (self-employment cessation benefit)
• Must have been paying autónomo social security
• Requires minimum 12 months contributions
• Lower amount than employee paro
• Different application process

How Much Work History Do You Need?

Formula: Roughly 1 month of paro for every 3 months worked.

Maximum duration: 24 months (2 years), even if you worked 20 years.

Important: Only counts work in last 6 years that you haven't already used for previous paro claims.

Example Calculations

Example 1:

• Worked: 18 months
• Paro duration: 6 months
• Never claimed paro before
• Result: 6 months of unemployment benefit

Example 2:

• Worked: 4 years (48 months)
• Paro duration: 16 months
• Result: 16 months of benefit

Example 3:

• Worked: 10 years
• Paro duration: 24 months (capped at maximum)
• Result: 24 months of benefit

How Much Money Will You Receive?

Calculation Formula

First 180 days (6 months): 70% of your regulatory base salary

After 180 days: 60% of your regulatory base salary

Regulatory base = Average salary from last 180 days worked (before social security deductions).

Minimum and Maximum Amounts (2025)

With NO dependents:

• Minimum: €578.40/month
• Maximum: €1,242.00/month

With 1 dependent:

• Minimum: €578.40/month
• Maximum: €1,420.20/month

With 2+ dependents:

• Minimum: €578.40/month
• Maximum: €1,598.40/month

Dependent = spouse or children under 26 living with you and earning less than minimum wage.

Real Examples

Example 1: Low earner

• Previous salary: €1,200/month gross
• Regulatory base: ~€1,000
• Paro amount: €700/month (70%) first 6 months, €600/month (60%) after
• No dependents

Example 2: Medium earner

• Previous salary: €2,000/month gross
• Regulatory base: ~€1,600
• Paro amount: €1,120/month (70%) first 6 months, then €960/month (60%)
• But capped at €1,242 maximum with no dependents
• Actual: €1,242/month first 6 months, €960/month after

Example 3: High earner

• Previous salary: €4,000/month gross
• Regulatory base: ~€3,000
• Calculation: €2,100/month (70%)
• But capped at €1,242 maximum
• Actual: €1,242/month (hit the ceiling)

Key insight: High earners don't get proportionally high paro. There's a ceiling.

How to Apply for Paro: Step-by-Step

CRITICAL: Apply Within 15 Days

You must apply within 15 working days of your last day of work.

Miss this deadline? You may lose benefit for the days you delayed.

Last day = ultimo día trabajado (your final work day).

Step 1: Get Severance Documents from Employer

Your employer must give you:

1. Certificado de empresa

• Official document stating why employment ended
• Your work dates
• Salary information
• Signed and stamped by employer

2. Finiquito

• Settlement document
• Final salary payment
• Unused vacation payment
• Severance pay (if applicable)

If employer refuses: You can still apply, but tell SEPE employer hasn't provided documents (they'll pursue).

Timeline: Request these on your last day or within 1 week.

Step 2: Request "Vida Laboral" (Work History Report)

Informe de vida laboral = Official record of all your social security contributions.

How to get it (free):

Online (instant):

1. Go to: https://sede.seg-social.gob.es
2. Access with digital certificate, Cl@ve, or SMS code
3. Download PDF

In person:

• Go to any Social Security office
• Bring NIE/passport
• Issued immediately

By phone:

• Call: 901 50 20 50
• Request by mail (takes 7-10 days)

Cost: Free

Tip: Get this early, don't wait until last minute.

Step 3: Book Appointment at SEPE

SEPE = Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal (Spanish employment service)

Book appointment:

Online (recommended):

• https://www.sepe.es
• Select "Pedir cita previa"
• Choose "Prestaciones" (benefits)
• Enter NIE/passport
• Select date/time
• Appointment confirmed by email

By phone:

• Call: 901 010 100
• English support: Limited

In person (without appointment):

• Very long waits (2-4 hours)
• Not recommended

Appointment wait times:

• Madrid/Barcelona: 3-7 days
• Smaller cities: 1-3 days

Timeline: Book as soon as you lose job (day 1 if possible).

Step 4: Gather Required Documents

Bring to SEPE appointment:

• Must be YOUR account (not joint unless spouse)
• Spanish bank account (foreign accounts problematic)

Photocopies: Bring originals + photocopies of everything.

Step 5: Attend SEPE Appointment

What happens (30-45 minutes):

1. Document review

• Officer reviews all documents
• Verifies work history
• Confirms eligibility

1. Application submission

• Officer enters data into system
• Calculates your benefit amount
• Calculates duration

1. Job seeker inscription

• You're automatically inscribed as "demandante de empleo"
• Must commit to actively seeking work

1. Confirmation

• You receive provisional approval
• Told expected benefit amount
• Given reference number

Language: Conducted in Spanish. Bring translator if needed.

If documents missing: Appointment rescheduled, you have 15 days to provide.

Step 6: Wait for Approval

Processing time:

• Approval decision: 7-15 days
• First payment: 15-30 days after approval

How you're notified:

• SMS to phone number provided
• Letter to home address
• Can check online: https://www.sepe.es (with digital certificate)

Status options:

• Approved: Benefit starts, first payment scheduled
• Pending information: Need to provide more documents
• Denied: See denial reasons section below

Step 7: Receive Monthly Payments

Payment schedule:

• Paid monthly
• Around 10th of each month
• Direct deposit to bank account provided
• Taxable income (IRPF withheld)

First payment: May be partial (pro-rated from application date).

Tax withholding: Usually 2-15% depending on amount.

Requirements While Receiving Paro

You Must Actively Seek Work

This means:

• Apply to suitable jobs regularly
• Attend SEPE-organized job interviews
• Respond to SEPE job offers
• Document your job search

SEPE can verify you're looking for work. If you're not, benefit stops.

You Must Renew Inscription Every 90 Days

"Renovar la demanda" = Renew your job seeker status

How to renew:

• Online: https://www.sepe.es
• In person at SEPE office
• Self-service kiosks at SEPE

Deadline: Every 90 days

Miss renewal? Benefit suspended until you renew (can lose payments).

Set reminders: This is easy to forget and costly if missed.

You Must Report Any Changes

Report within 15 days if:

• You start working (even part-time)
• You start studying full-time
• You move to different address
• Family situation changes (marriage, birth)
• You leave Spain for more than 15 days

Failure to report: Can be considered fraud, benefit cancelled, required to repay.

Work Acceptance Rules

You must accept "suitable" job offers:

Suitable =

• Salary within 15% of previous job
• Location within 30km of home (or 1 hour commute)
• Matches your qualifications/experience

After 12 months on paro: "Suitable" expands (lower salary, any field).

Refuse suitable job? Benefit cancelled.

What If You're Denied?

Common Denial Reasons

1. Insufficient work history

• Need 360 days (12 months) minimum
• Check vida laboral for errors

2. Voluntary resignation

• Quit = no paro
• Exception: Certain justified resignations (unpaid wages, workplace harassment)

3. Serious misconduct dismissal

• Fired for justified cause = no paro
• Can appeal if dismissal was unfair

4. Applied too late

• Missed 15-day deadline
• May still get benefit but lose some payments

5. Already receiving benefit

• Can't claim twice simultaneously
• Must exhaust previous claim first

6. Missing documents

• Employer didn't provide certificado
• Incomplete application

How to Appeal

If denied:

Step 1: Request explanation

• Ask SEPE for written denial reason
• You have right to know why

Step 2: Gather evidence

• Correct work history
• Proof of unfair dismissal
• Documents that were missing

Step 3: File administrative appeal

• Form: Solicitud de revisión de acto administrativo
• Submit at SEPE office within 30 days
• Include all supporting evidence

Step 4: If appeal denied → judicial appeal

• Hire labor lawyer
• File at labor court (juzgado de lo social)
• Legal aid available if low income

Success rate: 30-40% of appeals succeed (often due to administrative errors).

Working While on Paro

Can You Work Part-Time?

Yes, with restrictions.

If you work part-time:

• MUST report to SEPE immediately
• Paro amount reduced proportionally
• Can keep receiving partial benefit + partial salary
• Total income still limited

Formula:

• If work 50% part-time → lose 50% of paro
• But total income > just paro alone

Report requirement: Within 15 days of starting part-time work.

Can You Work Full-Time Temporarily?

Yes, benefit suspended (not lost).

If you work full-time temporarily:

• Paro pauses
• When contract ends, reactivate benefit
• Remaining months still available

Example:

• Receiving paro for 12 months
• Month 3: Get 2-month temporary contract
• Paro pauses for 2 months
• After contract ends: Resume paro for remaining 9 months

Report requirement: Within 15 days of starting full-time work.

Can You Freelance / Be Autónomo?

Complicated.

If you register as autónomo:

• Paro suspended (you're employed)
• May be able to capitalize paro (take lump sum to start business)

Capitalizing paro:

• Receive remaining paro as lump sum
• Must present business plan
• Register as autónomo
• Use funds for business startup

Worth it? Depends. Consult asesor before deciding.

Paro by City: Regional Variations

Madrid

SEPE offices: 30+ throughout region

Appointment booking: https://www.sepe.es or 901 010 100

Average wait for appointment: 3-5 days

Processing time: 10-15 days

English support: Limited, bring translator

Tip: Atocha and Azca offices most experienced with international cases

Barcelona

SEPE offices (Catalonia): SOC (Servei d'Ocupació de Catalunya) handles some aspects

Appointment: https://www.sepe.es

Average wait: 5-7 days

Processing time: 12-18 days

Language: Catalan/Spanish

Note: Some unemployment processed through Generalitat, not just SEPE

Valencia

SEPE offices: 15+ in Valencia region

Appointment: https://www.sepe.es or 901 010 100

Average wait: 2-4 days

Processing time: 10-14 days

English: Very limited

Tax Implications

Paro is taxable income.

Tax withholding:

• SEPE automatically withholds 2-15% IRPF (income tax)
• Amount depends on your total paro

Annual tax return:

• Must declare paro on IRPF return
• May owe more tax or get refund
• Depends on other income

Exempt from tax?

• If total annual income under ~€12,000 (changes yearly)
• Still must file tax return to get refund

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I claim paro if I worked only 11 months? A: No, minimum is 12 months (360 days). Wait until you hit 360 days.

Q: What if I worked in another EU country before Spain? A: EU work history may count. Bring U1 form from previous country to SEPE.

Q: Can I travel while receiving paro? A: Yes, but max 15 days. Longer trips must be reported and approved (usually for job search).

Q: What happens if I find work after 6 months on paro? A: Excellent! Report to SEPE within 15 days. Paro stops. Remaining months saved if you lose new job later.

Q: Do I need to pay back paro if I get a settlement? A: No, paro is not a loan. But must report settlement income.

Q: Can I receive paro and pension simultaneously? A: No, must choose one.

Q: How long after job loss can I apply? A: Officially 15 days. After that, you may still get approved but lose payment for late days.

Q: Can employer fire me to avoid severance and make me get paro instead? A: That's fraud. If this happens, report to labor inspectorate. You may have case for wrongful dismissal.

Next Steps

Apply for Paro Immediately

Don't delay - you have 15 days:

1. Get certificado de empresa from employer
2. Download vida laboral online
3. Book SEPE appointment
4. Gather documents
5. Attend appointment

If Denied or Need Help

Connect with employment lawyers and advisors who can help with appeals and workplace disputes.

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This guide was last updated in January 2025. Unemployment benefit rules and amounts change annually. Always verify current rates at SEPE.es or with an employment advisor.