SEPE appointment (cita previa): how to book it online or by phone

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Before You Book

To claim unemployment benefit or a subsidy, you normally need to register as a jobseeker with your regional employment service first. In Ceuta and Melilla, SEPE handles registration. If you were registered at any point in the previous 180 days, SEPE registers you automatically.

How to Book a SEPE Appointment Online

1. Open the official SEPE appointment page.

   Go to the official SEPE appointment page:
   Official SEPE Portal

   
   Then select Iniciar Solicitud / Anular Cita.

   

2. Enter the booking details.

   Enter your postcode and ID number, then choose the procedure that best matches your situation. Your postcode decides which SEPE office covers you. For example:

   • If you have just finished a job and want to apply for or restart unemployment benefit, choose He finalizado un trabajo...
   • For general questions or submitting documents, choose Información general, entrega documentación... Change your bank details in the Área Personal without an appointment.

   Some procedures open a second Subtrámite menu with more specific options. Choose the closest match, then select Continuar.

   

3. Choose the available channel or office.

   Select one of the options offered by the system. Depending on the location and procedure, the system may show nearby offices or other available appointment options.

   

4. Select a date and time.

   The system first suggests the soonest available appointment.

   

   To accept it, select Aceptar. If you prefer another day, select Otras Citas and pick a date and time slot from the calendar, then select Continuar.

   

5. Enter your personal details.

   Complete the fields shown by the form. These include:

   • Name
   • First surname
   • Mobile number
   • Members of the family unit, depending on the procedure
   • Privacy acceptance
   • CAPTCHA
     
     

   Select Finalizar.

   

6. Verify the appointment by SMS.

   Enter the verification code sent to your mobile phone and continue.

   

7. Save the confirmation.

   Check the appointment date, time, office and procedure. Save the locator code and confirmation details. You may need them later to change or cancel the appointment.

   

How to Book a SEPE Appointment by Phone

Call SEPE’s automated appointment line on 91 926 79 70 (+34 from abroad). It is available 24 hours a day, every day.

For information about benefits, call 060. It does not book appointments and may cost money.

When you need a SEPE appointment

You only need an appointment if you want to speak to someone at a SEPE benefits office in person. You do not need an appointment just to apply for a benefit. Find your office in the SEPE office directory, or see the local guides for Madrid and Barcelona.

You can apply online if you have a digital certificate, DNIe or Cl@ve. You can also apply through the Área Personal using PIN SEPE. If you prefer, you can submit your application at a public registry office or by administrative post.

In the Área Personal, you can also cancel an application or change your bank details. You do not need an appointment for this either.

What to bring to your SEPE appointment

Staff will only see you if your name and DNI or NIE match the booking. See our guide to SEPE documents needed for more details.

• Identification: Bring the DNI or NIE used for the booking. If you are not an EU citizen, bring your TIE.
• Appointment proof: Bring your confirmation and locator code.
• Bring documents for your procedure, including a completed form if needed. Employers usually send the certificado de empresa (employment certificate) to SEPE. Bring it only if you have it.
• Bring the IBAN for an account in your name.
• Bring family documents or SEPE letters if they relate to your case.

Common Problems

No appointments available

Check early in the morning and at different times of day: slots appear and disappear. Try the other offices the system offers, or call 91 926 79 70. If you need to claim benefit, do not wait for the appointment: use the pre-application or the sede electrónica. See our guide on what to do when no SEPE appointments are available.

Existing or lost booking

Use Comprobar, modificar o cancelar la reserva to check your booking. You can change it or cancel it.

Lost confirmation code

Check your confirmation email or SMS: the locator code is there. If an active appointment is linked to your DNI or NIE, the system may block a new booking until you cancel it or the date passes.

SMS code does not arrive

Check that your mobile number is correct and wait a few minutes. If it does not arrive, start the booking again.

Language help

Choose ENG on the booking form if you prefer English. Some screens stay in Spanish, so ask someone for help if needed.