Good to know · Work
Losing your job: unemployment benefit (paro)
The paro (prestación contributiva por desempleo) is paid by SEPE, the State Public Employment Service, to people who lose a job. SEPE’s pages describe the contribution days, the table of how long it lasts, the short deadline to apply, and how to apply online or with an appointment. You must register as a job seeker as part of it. This card describes the official process; SEPE decides each case.
- Why it matters
- If a job in Spain ends, the deadline to apply is counted in working days from your last day worked, so knowing the steps before it happens saves time.
- When
- Your job in Spain has ended or is about to end.
- How long it takes
- Apply within 15 working days after your last day worked. SEPE says it must issue a decision within 15 days of submission.
- Official page
- Prestación contributiva - He trabajado más de un año (how to apply, documents, job seeker registration)
- Last checked
- 25 Oct 2026
In the guide: the 5 steps, what to bring (6 items), the office with addresses and hours, and 4 Easy to miss lines, with every official source.
One Easy to miss, on us
The application deadline is 15 working days ("quince días hábiles") after your last day worked or the end of pending vacation.