Can I quit my job whenever I want?
Yes, but respecting the notice period. Voluntary resignation is a right: you can leave your job whenever you want, without justifying why. What you must respect is the notice period set by your collective agreement or contract; if none is set, it's usually 15 days. Notify it in writing and keep a stamped copy. On leaving you're entitled to the final settlement (days worked, untaken holidays and part of the bonuses), but not to severance nor, as a rule, to unemployment benefit (the 'paro'), because you're not in a legal unemployment situation. If you don't respect the notice, the company can deduct the un-notified days from your settlement.
📋 The rules
- Resignation is a right: no need to justify it
- Respect the notice period (default 15 days)
- Notify in writing and keep a stamped copy
- Entitled to the settlement, but not to severance
- As a rule, no right to unemployment benefit
🔓 Exceptions
- Serious employer breaches: you can claim compensated termination in court
- The collective agreement can set a different notice (shorter or longer)
- Probation period: you can withdraw without notice, unless agreed otherwise
⚠️ Penalties & fines
If you don't respect the notice, the company can deduct from your settlement the amount of the days you failed to notify. The resignation must be clear and unequivocal: leaving the post without notifying can lead to a disciplinary dismissal for absences. And since you're not in a legal unemployment situation, you won't be able to claim the 'paro' after resigning. If you leave because the company seriously breaches (unpaid wages, substantial changes), don't just resign: you can request compensated termination at the labour court.
📎 Official sources
- BOE · Workers' Statute (termination of contract) →
- SEPE · Legal unemployment situation →
- Administración · Labour rights →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I leave my job without giving reasons?
Yes. Voluntary resignation is a right and you don't have to justify the reason. You only need to respect the notice period set by your agreement or contract, usually 15 days if none is set, and notify it in writing.
How many days' notice must I give?
Those set by your collective agreement or contract. If they say nothing, the usual is 15 days. Notifying the resignation in writing and with due notice avoids the company deducting days from your settlement.
Do I get unemployment benefit if I resign voluntarily?
As a rule, no. Voluntary resignation isn't a legal unemployment situation, so it gives no right to the contributory benefit. You only access the 'paro' in other cases, such as dismissal or the end of a temporary contract.
Am I entitled to a settlement if I leave?
Yes. Even if the resignation is voluntary, you're entitled to the settlement: the days worked that month, untaken holidays and the proportional part of the bonuses. What you're not entitled to is dismissal severance.
What if I don't give notice?
The company can deduct from your settlement the amount for the notice days you didn't fulfil. Also, leaving the post without clearly notifying can be read as absences and lead to problems.
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