If you’re thinking of leaving Spain for up to 90 days without losing your unemployment benefits, it’s important to know the conditions and procedures you need to follow. More and more people are considering travelling abroad while receiving unemployment benefits, so it’s essential to understand how these absences may affect your right to receive them.

This article provides all the information you need about the rules governing travel abroad for people receiving unemployment benefits, as well as the steps to take to ensure your benefits are not affected. Read on to find out more!

Moving abroad

When deciding to move abroad temporarily, it is essential to understand the legal framework that applies to people receiving unemployment benefits. The rules have changed and are more favourable than before, allowing short stays abroad without losing the right to benefits.

If you plan to spend a limited amount of time outside Spain, you can do so without losing your unemployment benefits. However, you should be aware of the conditions that apply depending on how long you are away.

Before travelling, we recommend checking with the SEPE for up-to-date information about your particular situation and to make sure you meet all the requirements.

Can I travel abroad while receiving unemployment benefits or a SEPE subsidy?

The answer is yes: you can travel abroad while receiving unemployment benefits, but certain conditions apply. The Supreme Court has ruled that you can leave Spain for up to 90 days without losing your right to benefits, although payments will be suspended temporarily.

It is essential to inform the SEPE about your trip, especially if you plan to be away for more than 15 days. For short periods of up to 15 days, you only need to notify the SEPE that you are leaving, but you must request authorisation for longer stays.

Remember that failing to meet these obligations could result in the loss of your right to unemployment benefits, so it is essential to be well informed.

Could I lose my unemployment benefits if I travel abroad while receiving them?

Travelling abroad does not necessarily mean you will lose your benefits. However, it is essential to know the conditions for travelling abroad while receiving unemployment benefits. If your trip lasts more than 90 days, you could lose your right to the subsidy.

The SEPE considers that if you are outside the country for work or educational reasons for more than a year, your benefits will end. Therefore, make sure you return to Spain within the specified period.

In addition, if you are away for more than 90 days, you will need to submit a new application when you return, as your entitlement to benefits will automatically end.

How long can I leave Spain without risking the loss of my unemployment benefits?

Under the current guidelines, you can leave Spain for up to 90 days without affecting your right to unemployment benefits. This is a significant change from the previous, more restrictive rules.

If your absence is less than 15 days, you only need to notify SEPE. For trips lasting longer than this but less than 90 days, you must apply for authorization. This means your benefit will be temporarily suspended while you are away, but will resume when you return.

The key is to stay in contact with SEPE and complete all the necessary procedures to avoid any problems.

How do you notify SEPE that you are leaving Spain?

The process for notifying SEPE of your departure is quite straightforward, but you must do so formally. Follow the steps for notifying SEPE of travel abroad:

• Go to your nearest SEPE office or use its online platform.
• Submit the relevant form to notify SEPE of your departure and specify how long you will be away.
• If your trip is longer than 15 days, apply for the necessary authorization.

Remember that it is essential to notify SEPE before you leave to avoid any problems receiving your benefit.

Travelling abroad while receiving unemployment benefits for up to 15 days each year

For short trips, such as those lasting up to 15 days, the rules are fairly flexible. You only need to inform SEPE; you do not need to apply for prior authorization.

However, it is important to carry documents confirming your employment status and that you are receiving unemployment benefits. This will help you avoid potential problems during your trip.

If you plan to travel several times during the year, make sure your total time away does not exceed 15 days so that your entitlement to unemployment benefits is not affected.

Trips abroad lasting more than 15 days but less than 90

If your trip will last more than 15 days, you will need to follow a more rigorous procedure. In these cases, you must apply to SEPE for authorization so that your benefit can be temporarily suspended.

You must submit your application well in advance. Once you return, you can resume receiving your benefit without any problems. It is essential to be aware of the deadlines to avoid complications.

Remember that it is essential to keep all your documents in order and report any changes in your circumstances while you are away.

Trips outside Spain lasting less than one year and more than 90 days

If you plan to be outside Spain for more than 90 days, the situation changes. You will lose your entitlement to unemployment benefits and will not be able to resume receiving them unless you submit a new application.

Bear in mind that the rules are even stricter if you are abroad for work or study. It is therefore important to consider your options before deciding to extend your stay.

You can always contact SEPE for advice about your individual circumstances and to make sure your trip does not affect your entitlement to benefits.

Travelling abroad for more than a year while receiving unemployment benefits

If you are away for more than a year, this means your entitlement to unemployment benefits will end. In this case, you will need to reapply for benefits when you return to Spain.

It is essential to bear in mind that any prolonged absence could affect your employment rights and the duration of your benefit.

Before deciding to take a trip of this length, make sure you understand all the legal and financial implications it could have.

What if you experience a flight problem during your trip?

If you experience a problem with your flight while travelling abroad, it is important to know your rights. Depending on the nature of the problem, you may be entitled to make a claim against the airline.

To do so, make sure you keep all documents related to your flight, such as tickets, receipts and any correspondence with the airline. This will make the claims process easier.

If you need help handling your claim, there are organisations that can help you make a claim against the airline.

Find out here when we can help you make a claim against an airline

If your passenger rights have been violated, you can choose to make a claim. The most common cases include:

• Flight cancellations.
• Significant delays.
• Lost luggage.

It is advisable to find out about your rights as a passenger and seek advice if you need help making a claim.

Related questions about leaving Spain and unemployment benefits

What happens if I leave Spain while receiving unemployment benefits?

If you decide to leave Spain while receiving unemployment benefits, you must notify the SEPE about your trip. If you are away for less than 90 days, you will not lose your right to the benefit, but it will be temporarily suspended. Remember to complete all the necessary procedures to avoid any problems.

How many days can you spend outside Spain while receiving unemployment benefits?

You can be outside Spain for up to 90 days without losing your right to unemployment benefits. However, it is essential to inform the SEPE if you will be away for more than 15 days, as you will need authorization in that case for your benefit to be temporarily suspended.

How do I notify the SEPE that I am leaving Spain?

To notify the SEPE that you are leaving, you must submit a notification form at its office or through its online portal. It is essential to do this in advance and specify how long you will be away to avoid problems with your benefit.

How does the SEPE find out if you go abroad while receiving unemployment benefits?

The SEPE can detect absences abroad through various mechanisms, such as travel reports, income data and other records. If you do not report your departure, you could face penalties or lose your right to receive unemployment benefits.