If you lose your job in Madrid, you might be eligible for financial support. This guide explains how to apply for unemployment benefits in Spain. It covers how the amounts are calculated and what documents you need.
Requirements to qualify for unemployment benefits
The official name for unemployment benefits in Spain is the prestación por desempleo (unemployment benefit). Expats and locals usually refer to it simply as paro (unemployment benefit).
To qualify for these benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be legally unemployed. This means you were dismissed, your contract expired, or your hours were reduced involuntarily.
- You must have contributed to Spanish social security for at least 360 days in the last 6 years.
- You must be registered as a job seeker with the employment office.
- You must not have reached the legal retirement age.
- You must sign an activity agreement promising to search for work.
You do not qualify if you resign voluntarily from your job. Resigning voluntarily is called a baja voluntaria (voluntary resignation).
How the benefit amount is calculated
The amount you receive depends on your past contributions. The government uses your average contribution base from the last 180 days of work.
During the first 180 days of unemployment, you receive 70% of your average base. From day 181 onward, you receive 60% of your average base.
Maximum and minimum limits
The government limits the monthly payments using a national index. This index is called the Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples (public income indicator, or IPREM).
For 2026, the monthly limits for unemployment benefits are:
| Category | Monthly Gross Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum benefit (no children) | €560.00 |
| Minimum benefit (with children) | €749.00 |
| Maximum benefit (no children) | €1,225.00 |
| Maximum benefit (1 child) | €1,400.00 |
| Maximum benefit (2 or more children) | €1,575.00 |
Duration of the benefits
The duration of your benefits depends on the number of days you contributed in the last 6 years. You get 4 months of benefits for every year of contributions.
| Contribution Days | Duration of Benefits |
|---|---|
| 360 to 539 days | 120 days (4 months) |
| 540 to 719 days | 180 days (6 months) |
| 720 to 899 days | 240 days (8 months) |
| 900 to 1,079 days | 300 days (10 months) |
| 1,080 to 1,259 days | 360 days (12 months) |
| 1,260 to 1,439 days | 420 days (14 months) |
| 1,440 to 1,619 days | 480 days (16 months) |
| 1,620 to 1,799 days | 540 days (18 months) |
| 1,800 to 1,979 days | 600 days (20 months) |
| 1,980 to 2,159 days | 660 days (22 months) |
| 2,160 or more days | 720 days (24 months) |
1. Register as a job seeker in Madrid
You must register as a job seeker before you apply for benefits. In Madrid, you register with the regional employment service. This service is the Oficina de Empleo de la Comunidad de Madrid (regional employment office).
You must book an appointment online or visit your local office. After registering, you will receive a job seeker card.
This card is called the tarjeta de demanda de empleo (job seeker card). You must keep this status active by renewing it online every 3 months.
2. Prepare your documents
You must collect all required documents before submitting your application. The state employment agency, called the Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal (SEPE), will review your files.
Required document checklist
- Job seeker card : The official registration document from the regional employment office.
- Identity document : Your passport and EU registration certificate, or your physical residency card.
- Application form : The completed official SEPE application form.
- Certificado de empresa : The company certificate showing your recent contribution bases. Your employer usually sends this directly to SEPE.
- Libro de Familia : The family book, if you have children under 26 living with you.
The probation period (período de prueba) in Spain
3. Submit your application to SEPE
You must submit your application within 15 business days. This period starts the day after your contract ends or your notice period expires.
You can submit the application online using the SEPE electronic portal. You will need a digital certificate or a government login account.
Alternatively, you can book an appointment to submit the documents in person. You must book this appointment at your local SEPE office.
If you apply late, you will lose one day of benefits for each day of delay.
If you do not qualify for benefits
You might not have 360 days of contributions. In this case, you cannot get the regular unemployment benefits.
However, you can apply for an unemployment subsidy. This subsidy is called the subsidio por desempleo (unemployment subsidy).
To qualify, you must have contributed for at least 3 months if you have family responsibilities. You need 6 months of contributions if you do not have children.
The subsidy amount is fixed. For 2026, it is €480 per month.
Questions and answers
Can non-EU citizens receive unemployment benefits?
Yes. You can receive benefits if you have a valid work permit and meet the contribution requirements. Your residency status remains valid while you receive benefits.
Can I travel outside Spain while receiving benefits?
Yes, but with limits. You can travel abroad for up to 15 days per year if you notify SEPE first. For longer stays, you must request permission or suspend your benefits.
Are unemployment benefits taxed in Spain?
Yes. Unemployment benefits are treated as regular earned income. SEPE will deduct income tax and social security contributions from your monthly payments.
What happens if I find a new job?
Your benefits will stop. You must notify SEPE immediately when you sign a new contract. If the new job is part-time, you might be able to keep a partial benefit.
Can I receive a lump sum payment of my benefits?
Yes. You can request a lump sum payment to start a business as a freelancer. This option is called the pago único (single payment).
