Guides to Spanish paperwork
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See the sectionUnemployment, subsidies and appointments
Appointments (cita previa)
GuideHow to Cancel a SEPE Appointment in SpainNeed to cancel or change your SEPE appointment? Learn how to manage it online with your appointment locator and free up your slot. Guide for expats in Spain.
GuideHow to Change a SEPE Appointment Date or TimeYou can change the date or time of a SEPE appointment online without cancelling. See the steps, what you need and common problems.
GuideNo SEPE Appointments Available: What You Can DoCan't get a SEPE appointment in Spain? Discover practical steps to take when no citas previas are available. Learn alternatives and avoid scams.
GuideSEPE appointment (cita previa): how to book it online or by phoneBook a SEPE appointment (cita previa) online step by step with screenshots, or call 91 926 79 70 any time. It is free. What to bring, and what to do if no slots appear.
GuideSEPE appointment in Madrid: which office you get by postcodeFind your SEPE office in Madrid by postcode. Learn how to book, what to bring, opening hours and who handles jobseeker registration.
GuideSEPE Appointments in Barcelona: Offices and Booking TipsGet your SEPE appointment in Barcelona easily. Learn about office selection by postcode, online booking, phone options, and the essential SOC registration step.
Unemployment benefit (paro)
GuideHow much unemployment benefit will you get in Spain?Unemployment benefit in Spain is 70 % of your contribution base, then 60 %. 2026 limits: 560 to 1.575 euros a month. See how long it lasts and work out your own amount.
GuideKeeping your Spanish unemployment benefit when moving within the EUPlanning to move within the EU/EEA while on Spanish unemployment? Learn how to export your benefit with the U2 form, register abroad, and avoid losing payments.
GuideUnemployment Benefits in Spain: The Complete Expat GuideHow to claim unemployment benefits in Spain: requirements, how much you get, application steps, deadlines and the documents checklist for foreign workers.
GuideUnemployment protection for the self-employed (autonomos) in SpainHow autonomos in Spain get unemployment cover: cese de actividad, pago unico to start a business, and resuming a paused benefit. Steps and documents.
GuideWorking While on Unemployment Benefit in SpainUnderstand SEPE rules for working while receiving unemployment benefits in Spain. Learn about part-time, full-time, self-employment, and notifying SEPE.
Subsidies and allowances
GuideSpanish unemployment benefit exhausted: your optionsYour Spanish unemployment benefit (prestación contributiva) has run out. Discover your options: subsidies, regional aid, and the Minimum Living Income (IMV).
GuideThe family support subsidy (ayuda familiar) in SpainFind out how to get the family support subsidy (ayuda familiar) in Spain. Learn eligibility, application steps, documents, and key deadlines for expats.
GuideThe Spanish subsidy for people over 52How the Spanish subsidio para mayores de 52 años works: who can get it, how much it pays in 2026, and how it counts towards your pension.
GuideThe Spanish unemployment subsidy: help when benefits run outUnderstand Spain's unemployment subsidy for those whose benefits have ended or who have insufficient contributions. Learn who qualifies, how much you'll get, and how to apply.
Procedures and paperwork
GuideCashing in Your Spanish Unemployment Benefit as a Lump SumTurn your Spanish unemployment benefit into a lump sum for self-employment. Learn who qualifies, how to apply, and avoid common mistakes with this guide.
GuideDocuments you need for SEPE: the expat checklistClaiming unemployment benefits in Spain as an expat? Get your SEPE document checklist ready: NIE, passport, company certificate, and more. Avoid delays.
GuideHow to change the bank account for your benefitsEasily change the bank account where you receive your SEPE unemployment benefits in Spain. Learn the online, phone, and in-person options, what you need, and common issues.
GuideHow to Check the Status of Your SEPE Unemployment Claim in SpainFind out how to check your SEPE unemployment claim status online or in person. Understand payment dates, claim stages, and what to do if you have issues.
GuideHow to submit documents to SEPE without visiting an officeSend papers to SEPE online: through the sede electronica, the general electronic registry, or by post. Steps, file formats and how to check it worked.
GuideRegister as a jobseeker in SpainLearn how to register as a jobseeker in Spain, get your DARDE, renew it and keep benefit claims separate. Free, practical steps for residents.
GuideSellar el paro: renewing your jobseeker registrationLearn who renews your DARDE, when to do it, how to renew online, and what happens if you forget or miss the date in Spain.
GuideSEPE Área Personal: how to log in and what you can doLearn how to log in to the SEPE Área Personal, use PIN SEPE, send a pre-application and fix access problems when you live in Spain.
GuideSEPE certificates: income tax, amounts and statusLearn which certificates SEPE gives you: unemployment status, amounts paid, amounts still owed and tax withheld. Download them free, with no cita previa.
GuideSEPE vs Your Regional Employment Office: Who Does What?Confused about SEPE and regional employment offices in Spain? Learn who handles benefits, jobseeker registration, and training. Includes Ceuta and Melilla exceptions.
GuideThe SEPE pre-application form without a digital certificateApply for SEPE unemployment benefit or subsidy online without a digital certificate. Use PIN SEPE, meet the deadline and check what happens next.
Online access, opening hours and contact
GuideCommon SEPE Problems and How to Solve ThemFacing SEPE issues in Spain? Learn how to solve common problems like no appointments, website errors, identification failures, and delayed payments for expats.
GuideSEPE opening hours: when the offices are openSEPE offices open on weekday mornings, usually 9:00 to 14:00 and only with a prior appointment. Public holidays, closures and how to find the exact slot for your office.
GuideSEPE Phone Numbers: Appointments and Information for Expats in SpainFind official SEPE phone numbers for appointments (cita previa) and general information in Spain. Avoid premium lines and get your benefits sorted.
GuideSEPE procedures without a digital certificate or Cl@veLearn how to manage SEPE procedures like applying for unemployment benefits or submitting documents in Spain without a digital certificate or Cl@ve.
GuideSpanish unemployment vocabulary: paro, demanda, DARDE and moreLearn what paro, DARDE, demanda de empleo and SEPE benefit terms mean, with simple steps and documents for unemployment claims in Spain.
GuideWhich SEPE office covers my postcode?Find which SEPE benefits office covers your postcode, book a free appointment, and check the documents needed for in-person service.
Extranjería and consulates
See the sectionNIE, TIE, arraigo, visas and your consulate
GuideArraigo in Spain: the five routes to residency in 2026Living in Spain without papers? Learn the five arraigo routes, the two year rule, the paperwork and the steps to apply under the 2025 rules.
GuideCollecting your TIE card in Spain: when and howLearn when your TIE card is ready after fingerprints, how to book collection, what to bring, and how to travel while you wait in Spain.
GuideFamily reunification visa for Spain: requirements and stepsWho you can bring to Spain (spouse, children, parents), the 2026 income rule (900 euros a month for two), housing, the fee and the visa step by step.
GuideForm EX-17 explained in English, field by fieldFill in Spain's EX-17 TIE form with clear field-by-field guidance. Learn which box to tick, what to print, and where to submit it in person.
GuideHow to apply for your TIE card with form EX-17Step by step guide to your first TIE card in Spain with form EX-17: fee, fingerprint appointment, documents and what to do if things go wrong.
GuideHow to book a cita previa at Extranjería step by stepLearn how to book a free cita previa at an Extranjería office or police station for your NIE, TIE or EU registration, step by step.
GuideHow to check your extranjería application status in SpainCheck your expediente status online or by SMS. Learn how Mercurio can add documents and what three months without an answer may mean.
GuideHow to get your NIE number in SpainNeed a NIE number to work or handle paperwork in Spain? See the right route for EU citizens, non-EU citizens, TIE applications and standalone EX-15 requests.
GuideLosing your job in Spain: what happens to your residencyLosing your job in Spain does not always put your residency at risk. See what happens for EU citizens, work permit holders and long-term residents.
GuideMoving to Spain: the complete paperwork checklistThe full order of Spanish paperwork for new arrivals, from your visa to your first health centre visit, with links to each official step.
GuideRenew or replace your TIE: the right route for your situationNot sure how to renew or replace your TIE? Find your exact route: temporary card, long-term card, or a lost, stolen or damaged card, with fees and steps.
GuideSpain regularisation 2026: check your application status and next stepsCheck your Spain regularisation 2026 status, answer document requests, get your TIE, appeal a refusal and plan your next steps.
GuideTasa 790 012: 2026 fees and how to pay itTasa 790 código 012 in 2026: 9,84 euros for a NIE and 16,08 euros for a first TIE. Which item to choose for your fingerprint appointment and how to pay.
GuideTasa 790 052: the immigration fee and how to pay it rightHow to pay tasa 790 código 052 for Spanish residence paperwork: fill in the form online, pay at a bank or with a digital certificate and keep the receipt. The form is free.
GuideWork visas for Spain: the route map for 2026Confused about how to work in Spain legally? This guide maps every route, employed work, self-employed, digital nomad and more, and what to do first.
Seguridad Social
Number and registration
GuideBecoming autonomo in Spain: the steps you need to followA clear guide to registering as autonomo in Spain: the two registrations, the documents you need, the tarifa plana, and how SEPE benefits connect to it.
GuideGetting Your Spanish Social Security Number (NUSS)How expats get a Spanish Social Security number (NUSS): Import@ss, TA.1, documents, NAF, alta, and vida laboral explained.
GuideHealthcare in Spain when you lose your jobLosing your job in Spain does not cut off your healthcare. Here is what happens to your tarjeta sanitaria, and what to check and do next.
Working in Spain
See the sectionContracts and rights
Hacienda
Taxes and tax regimes
DGT
Licence and appointments
GuideDGT appointment in Spain: book the right citaBook the right DGT appointment in Spain. See online options, exceptions, documents, common problems and fees before you visit.
GuideForeign driving licence in Spain: validity and exchangeCheck whether your foreign driving licence is valid in Spain, when the six-month limit starts, and how to exchange it through the DGT.
Ayuntamiento
Empadronamiento
Digital identity
Certificate, Cl@ve and DNIe