Planning a trip can raise questions, especially if you are unemployed and receive support from the SEPE. It is important to understand your rights and obligations in this situation, as well as the current regulations governing the travel of people receiving unemployment benefits. In this article, we explain what you need to do if you want to travel abroad while unemployed, so that your trip does not affect the benefits you receive.

When you receive unemployment assistance, certain restrictions and requirements apply. The authorization to travel while unemployed is essential to keeping your benefits intact and avoiding penalties. Below, we explain everything you need to know to manage your trips properly and stay in effective communication with the SEPE.

Moving abroad

The possibility of moving abroad while receiving unemployment benefits is regulated by the SEPE. If your trip is short, you may be able to travel without losing your entitlement to benefits, but the situation changes for longer stays. Bear in mind that the SEPE requires you to be available for active job searching and to accept a suitable job offer.

If your trip lasts up to 15 calendar days per year, you can leave the country without losing your benefits. However, you must notify the SEPE in advance through its official channels. For longer stays, your benefit or assistance will be temporarily suspended.

If you are travelling to look for or take up a job, improve your professional skills, or take part in international cooperation, you may be granted authorization to be away for up to 90 days. Each case is assessed individually, so you need to submit a specific application and obtain the SEPE's approval.

What should I know about authorization to travel while unemployed?

To travel abroad without putting your benefits at risk, you must notify the SEPE in advance. You can do this through the SEPE's online portal or at your employment office by submitting the Declaration of departure abroad. You must specify the reason for your trip, your destination and its duration.

Travel authorization is a procedure that ensures you continue to meet your obligations as a jobseeker. If you fail to report your travel, you may face penalties ranging from a temporary suspension to the termination of your benefit.

You should also keep up to date with the current regulations, as the SEPE may introduce changes at any time. Staying informed is essential to meeting all the requirements.

Can I go on holiday while receiving SEPE unemployment benefits or assistance?

Unemployment benefits do not include holidays as such. If you are receiving unemployment benefits, you are expected to be actively looking for work. However, the SEPE allows short absences, which are considered “trips” rather than “holidays”.

To ensure these trips do not affect your benefits, you must notify the SEPE and obtain its approval. The regulations state that if the trip is for fewer than 15 days and you have notified the SEPE correctly, you can continue receiving your benefits without any problems.

It is important to comply with the SEPE regulations on travel abroad and the conditions of your benefits to avoid any irregularities that could affect your rights as a jobseeker.

Can I travel abroad while unemployed?

Yes, it is possible to travel abroad while unemployed, provided you follow the SEPE’s guidelines. Short trips abroad are permitted, but it is essential to submit prior notification and obtain the corresponding authorization.

If you need to stay abroad for reasons of force majeure, such as a serious illness affecting a family member, you can also apply for special authorization, provided you submit the appropriate supporting documents.

Remember that this right is subject to review by the SEPE and depends on each jobseeker’s personal circumstances. It is therefore essential to follow the established procedures to protect your benefit.

How do you apply for authorization to travel?

• Apply for authorization through the SEPE’s online portal or by visiting your employment office.
• Complete the Declaration of Departure Abroad, stating the reason for your trip, your destination and its duration.
• Submit all the necessary documents to support your application, such as invitation letters, course enrolment documents, etc.
• Wait for confirmation from the SEPE. Without this confirmation, you should not begin your trip if you do not want to risk losing your benefit.

What do the rules say about travel and benefits?

The rules governing travel by recipients of unemployment benefits are clear: any trip abroad must be reported and, where applicable, authorized by the SEPE. Trips must not exceed 15 calendar days per year without authorization. For longer stays, the benefit will be suspended.

Suspension of benefit payments during a trip does not mean you lose your entitlement, but payments are interrupted until you are available for work again and notify the SEPE.

The SEPE rules on travel abroad are intended to ensure that people receiving this support are genuinely committed to actively looking for work and can enter the labour market as soon as an opportunity arises.

Tips for managing your trip abroad

Planning ahead is key. Find out about the deadlines and procedures for notifying the SEPE of your trips.

Make sure you are clear about the purpose of your trip and how it may affect your unemployment status. Keep your documents handy and up to date in case you need to submit them to the SEPE.

Finally, it is advisable to have everything well organised in case a job offer comes up or the SEPE summons you. This will help you respond promptly and avoid penalties or misunderstandings.

The importance of communicating with the SEPE

Effective and transparent communication with the SEPE is essential. By informing it of your travel plans, you not only meet your obligations but also help ensure that your rights as a jobseeker are protected.

It is important to respond promptly to any requests for further information from the SEPE and to keep your contact details up to date. Remember that you must report any change in your circumstances to avoid problems with your benefits.

Related questions about travel authorization and unemployment

How can I tell the SEPE that I am going away?

To notify the SEPE of your trip, you must submit the Declaration of Departure Abroad, either online through the SEPE portal or at your nearest employment office. It is important to complete this procedure before your departure date.

You must also provide accurate information about the reason for your trip, your destination and the dates you will be outside the country. If your application is approved, you will receive confirmation, which you should keep.

What happens if I travel while receiving unemployment benefits?

If you are receiving unemployment benefits and decide to travel without notifying the SEPE, you could face penalties. Depending on the length of your trip and the circumstances, you may have difficulty continuing to receive your unemployment benefit.

If you follow the notification procedure and your trip lasts less than 15 days, you should have no problem continuing to receive your benefit when you return.

What happens if I do not tell the SEPE that I am travelling?

Failing to notify the SEPE that you are travelling abroad may lead to the suspension or even termination of your unemployment benefit. In addition, if you are summoned to attend a job interview or training course and fail to appear, you may be penalised immediately.

It is essential to notify the SEPE of any travel, even within Spain, to avoid misunderstandings and unnecessary penalties.

How can I travel abroad while receiving unemployment benefits?

If you are receiving unemployment benefits and want to travel abroad, you must follow a series of steps. First, notify the SEPE well in advance and wait for its authorization. If your trip is for less than 15 days and you have notified the SEPE, you can travel without any problems.

For longer stays, the situation is different. You must apply for special authorization, explain your reasons and provide the necessary documents.

Now that you know the key points about authorization to travel while unemployed, you can plan your international trip without putting your benefits at risk. Always remember to maintain clear and open communication with the SEPE and follow the regulations to ensure that your return to the job market is as smooth as your trip.