Renewing a work permit as an employee

Key rules

• Job change: Changing employer does not block renewal, because the new job's contributions count.
• Short on contributions: At least 6 months of contributions plus a new contract can make up the shortfall.
• Unemployed at filing: Unemployment benefit or an active job search with jobseeker registration can support your renewal.

What the office looks for

At renewal, the office wants to see that you kept working and paying into Social Security. Your proof is your Social Security registration (alta), your contracts and your contributions. A job change does not stop you renewing. The new job's contributions count.

How much you need to have contributed

You generally need at least 3 months of Social Security contributions for each year your permit was valid. The steps and the choice of route are in the timeline and the decision below.

If you changed employer

You can change employer and still renew. Contributions from the new job count towards your total. After the first renewal, the permit is generally extended to any sector and area. Your first permit may tie you to a specific occupation or area, so check the rules for that first period with the immigration office before you move jobs.

If you are short on contributions

There are other ways to show continuity:

• At least 6 months of contributions plus a new contract.
• Unemployment benefit, or an active job search with registration as a jobseeker.
• Gaps caused by your employer's fault, or by circumstances such as illness or maternity.
• Enough income from other lawful activity.

If you are unemployed when you file

You can still renew. Show 6 months of contributions in the period, or unemployment benefit, or an active job search with jobseeker registration, or another job offer.

What to bring

The office can check your Social Security data itself, but bring your vida laboral report and your employment papers anyway. The documents list below shows what to gather. The office may ask for more, so read its request carefully and answer it within the time given.

Choosing between options

How will you show your work continuity at renewal?

• Regular contributions: You worked and contributed at least 3 months per year of permit validity, with one or more employers.

• Six months plus a new contract: You contributed at least 6 months but fall short of the yearly minimum, and you now have a new contract.

• Unemployment benefit or job search: You receive unemployment benefit, or you are looking for work and registered as a jobseeker.

• Gap beyond your control: Your breaks in work came from your employer's fault or from circumstances such as maternity or illness.

• Income from other lawful activity: You have enough income from another lawful activity instead of employment.

Start with regular contributions. If you do not meet that, move down the list to the first option that matches your situation.

Timeline and deadlines

• Build up your contributions: at least 3 months of Social Security contributions per year of permit validity: across the whole validity of your permit

• If you are short of that, rely on at least 6 months of contributions together with a new contract: before you file your renewal

• If you are unemployed, show unemployment benefit or an active job search with jobseeker registration: when you file, if you are without a job

Documents you need

• Vida laboral report: your Social Security work history, showing your registration (alta) and contributions.

• Your current employment contract.

• Recent payslips from your employer.

• A certificate from your employer confirming your employment.

• Tax records (IRPF, the income tax return) or other proof of contributions, if you want to back up your work history.

• If you are unemployed when you file: proof of unemployment benefit, proof of your jobseeker registration, or a job offer or new contract of at least 6 months.

Frequently asked questions

Can I renew my employee permit if I changed employer?

Yes, you can renew after changing employer, and your new job's contributions support the renewal. After the first renewal, sector and geographic limits no longer apply, so the permit generally covers any sector and territory. A first permit may tie you to one occupation or area, so check its terms.

Can I renew my employee permit if I am unemployed when I file?

Yes, you can renew while unemployed if you have contributed at least 6 months in the period. Otherwise you can show unemployment benefit, an active job search with jobseeker registration, or another job offer. A new contract of at least 6 months can also count.

What if I stopped working because of illness or maternity?

Gaps caused by circumstances such as illness or maternity, or by your employer's fault, can be excused when the office looks at your contributions. Bring proof of the reason for the gap along with your work records.

Do I need to prove my Social Security record myself?

No, the office can check your Social Security data itself, but it is still wise to bring your own records. A vida laboral report (your Social Security work history) shows the same record and helps if something is missing.