How to get your employment history report: A step-by-step guide

Get the employment history report

What is the "Informe de vida laboral"?

The work history file is a certificate provided by the Spanish Social Security that accumulates all your links and interactions with that entity.

 

In other words, it sequentially compiles all the information regarding your work history in Spanish territory, detailing the specifics of each position held.

 

This document, then, breaks down:

 

  • The cumulative number of years you have contributed to Spanish Social Security.
     
  • Each of the jobs you have held (in chronological order), including the start and end dates of each contract.
     
  • The nature and type of each employment contract you have had.
     
  • Whether you have been registered as self-employed and the duration of that status.
     
  • A summary of all situations equivalent to being registered in which you have contributed; such as periods of untaken paid vacation, whether you have received unemployment benefits, among other similar scenarios.
     
  • As you can see, your employment record meticulously records every aspect of your work life from the beginning of your activity in the country, including the periods in which you have been unemployed or self-employed.

 

Consequently, this certificate becomes essential for a variety of procedures and proceedings, which will lead you to apply for it before the Administration (which, as you will discover later on, is quite simple).
 

When is the Employment History Report used in Spain?

There are usually four situations in which you must file your employment history report, although there may be more. Below we will detail each one:
 

Demonstrate a specific period of time of work activity

Frequently, for processes such as applying for a scholarship, applying for a position in the public sector, renting an apartment, or applying for a mortgage loan, you will be required to demonstrate that you have been employed for a specific period of time.

 

In these scenarios, the employment record becomes the official certificate to present, ensuring that you meet the minimum required standards.
 

Retain an employment record for future benefits

There are certain compensation or benefits that are linked to the amount of time you have been employed and the particular characteristics of each employment contract. 

 

This includes, for example, the retirement pension, the amount of which depends on the years you have contributed to Social Security. But this is not limited to retirement.

 

Obtaining unemployment or disability benefits is also conditioned by your work record. Thus, the labor record accumulates and documents all these details, which will then be evaluated to determine the amount to be received by the Administration.
 

Obtaining employment

Although it is not common, some companies may require this record through their selection process, why?

 

To verify that you have indeed worked in the places you state in your CV or during the interview, and for the exact period mentioned. In this way, the employment record can become a crucial requirement for your incorporation in a new job.
 

Immigration Procedures

Some immigration procedures may require the presentation of your work record. We are referring, for example, to the process of labor roots, which requires proof that you have worked in a company in the country for at least six months.

 

Likewise, for family reunification or residence as a relative of an EU citizen, this document is essential for the Spanish resident to prove his/her economic capacity to support the non-EU relative.
 

Is the data reflected in this report always 100% correct?

In most cases, yes.

 

Your work record will show a true reflection of your links with Social Security, detailing all dates accurately and meticulously.

 

However, it is possible (albeit exceptional) that errors may arise or that some information may be missing.

 

This could happen, for example, if you worked in a period prior to the complete digitization of the records.

 

But there is no cause for alarm. If you notice any omission, simply file a claim with the entity, providing the missing data and the corresponding documentation.

 

They will proceed to update your record to reflect your entire work history.

 

However, this is not a major cause for concern. In the vast majority of cases, the document will be complete and will reflect all your information correctly.
 

Requirements for requesting a work history report

The main criterion to obtain this file is to be registered with the Spanish Social Security.

 

In other words, your nationality is irrelevant, as long as you have an affiliation number with this Spanish entity, you will be able to request and obtain this document.

 

But there is more.

 

It is also crucial that all your information is up to date, especially your current address (in case you have recently changed residence, for example).
 

How to obtain your employment history report step by step

Obtaining your employment record in Spain is free of charge, and there are four different methods that we will explore below.

 

We suggest you opt for the digital alternatives, as this way the procedure is instantaneous and you will avoid waiting several days to receive the document.

 

However, regardless of the method you choose, it is essential that the Social Security has access to your DNI or NIE number (if you are a foreigner), your date of birth and your current residential address.
 

Online application

To order your employment history report online, the process is quite simple and you have two options available depending on whether or not you have a digital certificate:
 

With Digital Certificate or Cl@ve

If you have a digital certificate or Cl@ve, it is always advisable to use this method.

 

To do so, you must first access the Social Security Electronic Headquarters.

 

Then go to the "citizens" section, and then click on "reports and certificates".

 

If you scroll down, you will find the option "report of your work life", which you should click on.

 

You will see the different options for requesting and downloading this document.

 

In this case, you will select Cl@ve or digital certificate (depending on the online identification method you have).

 

Important note: You may encounter some errors or you may not be able to finish the process. That is why we recommend, before doing anything, to read the technical requirements of the platform, which you can find here.

 

Only certain browsers and specific conditions are supported, so you may need to upgrade your system or change your browser to download the report successfully.
 

No Digital Certificate

On the other hand, you may not have a digital certificate.

 

In that case, and if you still wish to continue requesting it online, you must choose the "without certificate" option within the different boxes we saw in the previous step.

 

Basically, you will have to complete this form with all your personal data.

 

Once you have completed the form, you will receive an application receipt.

 

Subsequently, you will receive your employment report at the address associated with your data. It is important that this information is up to date, because if you have moved, they will send the document to the previous address.
 

Requesting your employment history via SMS

Requesting your employment history through your cell phone (via SMS) is another viable option and is still completely free.

 

The first thing you need to make sure is that the Spanish Social Security has your updated phone number.

 

What are the steps to follow?

 

First, access here.

 

Once inside, fill in the information requested by the platform, especially your DNI or NIE and your date of birth.

 

Then, a code will be sent to your phone via SMS. You will have to enter this code on your computer (a new section will open for this), and once entered, the report will be processed and sent to you by email.
 

Requesting your employment history with TA Lawyers

Are you looking to obtain your employment history report in Spain? TA Lawyers is here to make the process easier for you! Our experts will guide you through every step to ensure that you receive your certificate efficiently and smoothly.

 

With one call to +34 641357380, our team is ready to assist you. If you prefer email communication, feel free to write to us at info@talawyersgroup.com with your queries.

 

Simply provide your information, specify the report you need, and leave the rest to us! At TA Lawyers, we understand how crucial this document is for your work and personal transactions. That is why we are committed to offer you a fast, reliable and personalized service, ensuring that your report arrives directly to your home or e-mail address in the shortest possible time.

 

Don't let the paperwork stop you - contact TA Lawyers today and take the first step to getting your employment history report with ease and confidence!