In today's post we are going to analyze what happens with unemployment benefit, unemployment benefit or active insertion income when I decide to move abroad for whatever reason (enjoy vacations, for work reasons, international cooperation...)
It must be remembered that when a person receives unemployment benefits, they assume a series of obligations, such as: actively seeking employment, presenting themselves to fill job offers, accepting appropriate placements, renewing the claim, appearing before the SEPE when required. , etc. This is where we find the reason why the corresponding communications must be made to the SEPE in the case of going abroad.
Next, we will briefly analyze the most common cases that we can find.
Transfer abroad for a period of less than 15 days
In this case, if the departure does not exceed 15 calendar days, whether continuous or not, during each calendar year, the benefit is maintained as long as it can comply with the obligations established by law.
In this case, it is recommended to notify the State Public Employment Service of the departure before it occurs, and of the subsequent return to the country.
Transfer abroad for a period between 15 days and 90 days
If you are collecting unemployment benefits and move abroad, for any reason, and the stay is for a continuous period or not, greater than 15 days and up to 90 calendar days within each calendar year, the benefit is suspended.
Before leaving the country, the recipient of the benefit must go to the employment office to report said departure and have it authorized by the SEPE.
Transfer abroad for a period of more than 90 days
In this case, if you move abroad for a period of more than 90 days and it is not to work, look for work, carry out studies that improve your professional preparation, or for international cooperation actions: the benefit is extinguished.
Moving abroad for work reasons for less than a year
The rule allows you to transfer your residence abroad to (i) look for or carry out a job, (ii) international cooperation actions, or (iii) professional improvement, in this case, it must be notified to the SEPE and it must authorize it. If the transfer is less than one continuous year, the benefit is suspended.
On the contrary, if the transfer is longer than one year, the benefit is extinguished. Therefore, keep in mind that upon returning to Spain you will not be entitled to receive the benefit that was interrupted when you left abroad.
| Outing duration | Communication to SEPE | Benefit |
| < 15 days | recommendable | It keeps |
| Between 15 and 90 days | Mandatory Requires authorization from SEPE | It is suspended |
| More than 90 days | Mandatory (If it is not for work reasons) | Extinguishes |
| Mandatory (If it is for work reasons) | Suspended (max. one year) |
In the following link you will find the form to inform the SEPE of your departure abroad: “Communication of departure/transfer abroad”
If you are interested in the field of human resources and learn more about labor management, you can find out more of our Master in HR: People Management, Talent Development and Labor Management.
