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To register as a jobseeker in Spain, sign up with the employment service of your autonomous community. If you are unemployed, do it as soon as your job ends. You need this record, the demanda de empleo, before you claim unemployment benefit. Registration is free, and the claim is a separate step. The assistant on this page shows your service.
What jobseeker registration is and when to do it
When you register as a jobseeker in Spain, your regional employment service opens a demanda de empleo. This record lets the service support your job search. You become a demandante de empleo (registered jobseeker). Your DARDE is the document that proves it. If you are unemployed, you need it before you claim benefit.
To claim contributory benefit, apply within 15 working days after your last day at work. If you were paid for unused holiday, the period starts after that holiday ends. It doesn't start when you register or receive your DARDE. Late claims lose benefit days. Register as soon as your job ends. Read our guide to unemployment benefits in Spain or SEPE's contributory benefit rules.
Where to register: your regional employment service
Register with the employment service for your autonomous community. Ceuta and Melilla use SEPE, Spain's national employment service. Find your region in the table or use the assistant on this page. Then follow that service's instructions. See our guide to SEPE and regional employment offices, or SEPE services in Ceuta and Melilla.
| Region | Employment service |
|---|---|
| Andalusia | Servicio Andaluz de Empleo (SAE) |
| Aragon | Instituto Aragonés de Empleo (INAEM) |
| Asturias | Trabajastur |
| Balearic Islands | SOIB |
| Canary Islands | Servicio Canario de Empleo |
| Cantabria | Servicio Cántabro de Empleo |
| Castile and León | ECYL |
| Castilla-La Mancha | Oficinas Emplea |
| Catalonia | SOC |
| Valencian Community | LABORA |
| Extremadura | SEXPE |
| Galicia | Emprego Galicia |
| Community of Madrid | Regional employment offices |
| Region of Murcia | SEF |
| Navarre | Servicio Navarro de Empleo, Nafar Lansare |
| Basque Country | Lanbide |
| La Rioja | Servicio Riojano de Empleo |
| Ceuta and Melilla | SEPE |
Steps to register as a jobseeker
- Choose your service. Use the table to check which office covers your address.
- Check how to register. Your service may let you register online or ask you to book a cita previa (appointment). Follow its current instructions.
- Complete the registration. Fill in the form online or at the office. Give the details the service asks for: identity, contact details and job search.
- Keep your DARDE. It confirms your registration and shows your next renewal date. If you qualify for benefit, apply separately through SEPE's online benefit application or, without a digital certificate, the pre-application with PIN SEPE. For the claim papers, see our SEPE benefits document guide.
Documents for registration
What to take
Local services set their own checks. Confirm what you need before you go.
- An accepted identity document, such as a passport, NIE or DNI. Check what your service accepts.
- Your current phone number and email address, so the service can contact you.
- Proof of address, only if your regional service asks for it.
- Your residence or work authorisation, if your situation requires one.
- A CV or certificates, if you want to discuss your experience and skills. Not every service requires them.
Renew your registration and your DARDE
Your DARDE shows your registration and the date you must renew it. People often call this sellar el paro (renewing jobseeker status). Renew on that date in a way your regional service offers. If you receive a benefit, you must stay registered for the whole benefit period. If your address changes, tell both your regional employment service and SEPE. Read our guide to renewing your jobseeker registration.
Common problems and how to fix them
Not sure which office
Find the region where you live in the table. Still can't find the right office? Use the assistant on this page or contact your regional service.
No appointment available
Check whether your service offers online registration or another way to book. Follow the options it lists.
Missed a renewal date
Contact your regional service straight away and ask how to restore your registration. If you receive a benefit, tell SEPE too.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register as a jobseeker online?
Many regional services offer online registration, usually with a digital certificate, Cl@ve or their own login. Others ask you to book an appointment at an office. Check the service for your autonomous community.
What does DARDE stand for?
DARDE is the Documento de Alta y Renovación de la Demanda de Empleo. It proves that your jobseeker registration is active and shows the date you must renew it.
Does registering guarantee that I'll get a job?
No. Registration can give you access to job-search support. It doesn't guarantee a job offer or placement.
Can a foreign national register as a jobseeker in Spain?
You can ask your regional employment service about registration. It may ask for identity documents and proof of residence or permission to work, depending on your situation.
Official procedure
Official sources
These are the official sources for this guide:
- Prestación contributiva: más de un año cotizado (SEPE) www.sepe.es
- Solicitud de prestaciones (sede electrónica del SEPE) sede.sepe.gob.es
- Información de Ceuta y Melilla (SEPE) www.sepe.es
These links go to official websites. The procedure is free of charge.
Spotted something incorrect? Email us at info@ayudatramites.es.