A Clear and Updated Guide to the Public Employment Service of Catalonia (SOC)
What is the SOC?
The Servei Públic d’Ocupació de Catalunya (SOC) is an autonomous body of the Government of Catalonia, created in 2002 and part of the Department of Business and Employment. Its mission is to promote quality employment, provide services to individuals and companies, and contribute to local social and economic development.
Main Services and Functions
Registration as a job seeker (DARDO) – required before applying for unemployment benefits.
Renewing your job seeker registration, which you can do:
In person
Online (with idCAT Mòbil, Cl@ve, or a digital certificate)
Or by phone
Issuing the DARDE (Accrediting Document of the Renewal of the Jobseeker Status), either online or at an office.
Employment counseling, vocational training, job placement, entrepreneurship support, services for companies, and assistance with job mobility.
How to Register or Renew Your Job Seeker Status
You can complete these procedures in several ways:
- Online
You need a digital identification system (idCAT Mòbil, Cl@ve, or digital certificate).
Initial registration:
If you have a DNI (Spanish ID), you can do it online.
If you have a NIE, you need to call the SOC.
Renewal: via the website or with a PIN sent by SMS or email.
You can access your DARDE from the SOC portal.
- By phone
Call 900 800 046 (free number) from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
You can:
Book appointments
Register
Renew your job seeker status
Ask about guaranteed minimum income
- In person
You need to book an appointment, either by phone or via the SOC app.
Offices have limited capacity, and companions are not allowed.
Ideal for those who:
Prefer face-to-face service
Can’t access digital tools
Training, Financial Aid & Job Programs
SOC also offers:
Vocational training courses for both unemployed and employed people.
Programs such as:
Work experience for young people
Training contracts (Youth Guarantee)
Reducing the gender digital gap (ADA Program)
Hiring subsidies for companies
Support for people affected by collective dismissals
🕛 Helpful Tip: Many users have succeeded by checking the website right at midnight, when new appointment slots are released. It’s also recommended to register online as a job seeker before applying for unemployment benefits.
