Resigning from your job in Spain

Overview

Resigning from a job in Spain generally means giving your employer written notice, with the required notice period usually set by your contract or your sector's collective agreement rather than a single fixed national rule.

Requirements

• Check your contract and convenio colectivo for your specific required notice period — commonly between 15 days and 1 month, though it varies by sector and seniority
• Notice is generally expected in writing (a signed resignation letter, often called a 'carta de baja voluntaria')

Step-by-step process

• Confirm your required notice period from your contract or applicable convenio colectivo
• Submit written notice to your employer, ideally keeping a signed and dated copy for your own records
• Work through your notice period as agreed, unless your employer waives it
• On your last day, request your finiquito (final settlement) and make sure your Social Security baja (deregistration) is filed

Required documents

• Written resignation letter
• Copy of your employment contract, to confirm your notice period

Common mistakes

• Not giving written notice, or not keeping proof it was received — this can create disputes about when notice actually started
• Assuming voluntary resignation automatically qualifies you for unemployment benefit — in most cases it doesn't, with limited exceptions

Practical tips

• If you don't give the full required notice, your employer can legally deduct an equivalent amount from your final settlement
• Voluntary resignation generally does not give access to unemployment benefit, unlike dismissal — plan your finances accordingly before resigning

How Tuchati can help

If you're planning to resign and want to understand your notice obligations and what happens to your final pay, Tuchati can help you prepare.