Register as a jobseeker (sign up for unemployment)

What you need to have to hand

1. Cl@ve, certificado digital or DNIe to sign the alta online. If you don’t have one, get Cl@ve: it’s quick and saves you queues.
2. DNI/NIE in force. Non‑EU: permiso de residencia y trabajo.
3. Número de la Seguridad Social (if you already have one) and current address.
4. Proof of end of contract/ERTE/record if you’ve just left work (this shapes your profile and is key if you’ll claim unemployment).
5. Titles and courses for your profile. Not for show: it helps you get decent offers.

Documentation

• DNI or NIE (mandatory). Passport alone does not work for the alta without NIE.
• Permiso de trabajo in force if applicable.
• Número de la Seguridad Social and address (empadronamiento if required).
• Carta de despido / end of contract or voluntary resignation (clarifies your situation).
• Títulos, certificados, professional licences (CAP, TPC, etc.).
• CV in PDF or ready to paste.

Step by step

1. Activate Cl@ve if you don’t have it: https://clave.gob.es/clave_Home/clave.html. Without this, online you’re stuck.
2. Go to the servicio público de empleo of your comunidad and look for “Alta como demandante” or “Inscripción”. Many CCAA let you do it 100% online. If not, book a cita.
3. Fill the form: personal details, availability (hours, shift, mobility), occupations, experience and training. Attach the requested documents.
4. Sign the alta with Cl@ve/DNIe. If you attend in person, take the originals and they’ll process it at the counter.
5. Download the DARDE (the famous unemployment card). It shows the exact renewal date. Set an alarm.
6. Going to claim prestación/subsidio? Do it at https://sede.sepe.gob.es within the 15 días hábiles from the end of the contract. You must be registered.

Time‑saving tips

• If your comunidad allows it, do everything online. In‑person appointments can be 2–3 weeks out.
• Keep the DARDE on your phone and in the cloud. Losing it causes a scramble to renew.
• Choose your occupations and availability carefully: it affects the offers you get (and if they call you up for courses).
• Set a renewal alarm: calendar, app, anything. Missing it can cost you a month of prestación.
• If you move region, arrange the traslado de la demanda before you move or right after you arrive.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Mixing up SEPE with the servicio autonómico: the alta as demandante is NOT done at SEPE. SEPE is for payments.
• Missing the 15 días hábiles deadline to claim prestación: those days won’t be paid later.
• Not checking the DARDE date: each comunidad follows its own schedule. There’s no mercy for lateness.
• Going without NIE/permiso if you’re foreign: they’ll send you away.
• Not updating your address: you’ll be summoned miles away and, if you don’t go, you can be deregistered.