Tell the SEPE you're leaving Spain (if you get unemployment or a subsidy)

What you need to have ready

1. DNI/NIE and your DARDE (the jobseeker card) with the next renewal date.
2. Exact dates of departure and return, and the country you're going to.
3. Tickets or reservations (PDF or a legible photo) and, if applicable, proof of reason (interview, studies, cooperation...).
4. If you want to export unemployment, request the U2 before you leave.

Documentation

• Identification: DNI/NIE or passport.
• DARDE valid.
• Proof of travel: tickets, reservations, invitation.
• Reason (if applicable): job offer/appointment abroad, enrolment, NGO paperwork.
• Bank account where the benefit is paid.

Step by step

1. Decide what fits your trip: up to 15 days (authorisation, once per year), 16–90 days (suspension) or U2 export (UE/EEE/Switzerland).
2. Book an appointment at https://sede.sepe.gob.es/citaprevia for your prestaciones office. Do it with plenty of time.
3. Have Cl@ve or a certificate? Go to https://sede.sepe.gob.es and find "Pre-solicitud de prestación individual". Fill in “Comunicación de salida al extranjero”, give the dates and attach your tickets.
4. In the office (or after the pre-solicitud), SEPE will give you authorisation (≤15 days), suspend the benefit (16–90) or issue the U2 to export.
5. If exporting, register at the employment service in the destination country within 7 calendar days. If you don't, you lose the export right.
6. After a suspension, reactivate within 15 working days of return (online with Cl@ve or by appointment). Attach return tickets if asked.

Tips that save time

• Check your DARDE: if the renewal date falls during the trip, ask them to adjust it or authorise you so you don't get sanctioned.
• Online usually works faster than waiting for an appointment. Attach clear documents and use PDF.
• If going to UE/EEE/Switzerland, get the U2 before leaving. Once there, register straight away (don’t leave the 7 days to the last minute).
• Avoid booking an appointment on a Monday: it's often overloaded.

Common mistakes that can mess things up

1. Leaving without notifying: can end in termination of the benefit.
2. Going over the authorised 15 days: counts as a breach if you didn't request suspension.
3. Not reactivating on time after return: you lose payment days.
4. Not registering within 7 days with the U2: you lose the export.
5. Uploading blurry photos or documents without dates: they'll ask for corrections and you'll lose time.