SEPE opening hours: when the offices are open

SEPE usual opening hours:
9:00-14:00

SEPE does not publish one official general timetable for all benefit offices. In practice, offices usually serve the public on weekday mornings, from 9:00 to 14:00. Treat this as the usual hours, not an official SEPE statement.

Hours can vary between offices. The appointment system sets the time of your visit. When you choose an available slot, it shows the exact date and time for that office. Use that slot rather than relying only on the usual hours.

Weekends and public holidays

Benefit offices are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national, regional and local public holidays. A local holiday can affect one municipality but not another.

The official 2026 labour calendar published in the BOE gives the official holiday list. This calendar is published each year. Regional and local holidays vary by the municipality where the office is located.

Appointment or walk-in visit

You must have a free cita previa [prior appointment] to be served in person at a benefit office. Staff won't serve walk-in visitors without an appointment. You can book a SEPE appointment online.

For phone booking, call 91 926 79 70. This automated appointment line works 24 hours. For general benefit information, procedures and benefit certificates, call 060. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls to 060 cost according to your phone operator's tariff. See our SEPE phone numbers guide for more help. The 060 is not the appointment line, and no specific staffed office hours should be assumed from it.

How to plan your SEPE visit

1. Choose the right service. SEPE handles unemployment benefits. Your regional employment office handles job registration and other employment services. Read our SEPE and regional employment office guide if you're unsure.
2. Register as a jobseeker. Before applying for benefits, register as a demandante de empleo [registered jobseeker] with your autonomous community's employment service.
3. Book a slot. Use the online service or the automated appointment phone line. Choose the office, date and time shown by the system.
4. Check your identity documents. Take your DNI or NIE. If you're a non-EU foreigner, take your TIE. SEPE checks that the appointment name and DNI or NIE match.
5. Attend at your slot. Go on the exact date and time shown in your appointment. Check public holidays before travelling to the office.

Documents to take to SEPE

Take the identity documents SEPE uses to check your appointment. Non-EU applicants must also provide their TIE.

• DNI or NIE: SEPE uses it to verify your identity and match the appointment.
• TIE: non-EU foreign applicants must provide this document.

Common problems and how to fix them

No suitable slot

Try another available date in the booking system. You can also call 91 926 79 70, the automated appointment line. Don't go to the office without a confirmed appointment.

Details do not match

SEPE only serves the person whose name and DNI or NIE match the appointment. Book again using that person's details. If you're non-EU, take your TIE for the identity check.

Holiday closes office

Check the BOE labour calendar and the public holidays for the office municipality. Choose a different available appointment date if the office is closed.

Wrong type of office

Use a SEPE benefit office for unemployment benefit matters. Use your regional employment office for job registration. Our SEPE comparison guide explains the difference.