Find out everything you need to know about the Social Security number in Spain, from what it is and why it is so essential for any foreigner who wants to work in the country, how to request it step by step (online or in-person), and what requirements you must meet to do so.
All in this article!
The Social Security number is an indispensable number that not only any foreigner, but also any Spanish national, needs if they want to start working in Spain.
Hence, if you are a foreigner and want to work for a company (or register as self-employed), the NIE number will not be enough. Your TIE or residence card will not be enough either.
Once you have obtained these two, you will have to apply for this number, which will help you be identified in the eyes of the Social Security and will be useful for a large number of procedures.
We are talking, for example, about signing an employment contract, receiving unemployment benefits, receiving a pension, benefiting from health care in Spain, etc.
That is to say, any procedure that regulates your professional relations in the country and those that depend on and are related to your contributions.
Without this number you will not be able to work legally, and although it is very simple to obtain, you must be sure to follow the steps detailed below.
Social security number example
Your Social Security number in Spain consists of the following sections:
- The Code of the province where the Social Security number was assigned to you (this conforms the first 2 digits)
- Then, the following 8 digits correspond to the assigned sequential number
- Finally, at the end you will find 2 digits that work as Control digits
An example with this structure can be:
“27 12345678 30”
Who can request it?
In general, if this is the first time you start working in Spain, it will be the employer (the company that hires you) who will apply for this number on your behalf, as this party is obliged to do so
This is unlike if you register as a freelancer, case in which you would have to do it on your own (online or in-person as we will see later).
Once obtained, this will be a number that will stay with you forever, as it does not expire and does need to be renewed. It will be your identification with the Spanish Social Security for the rest of your life in the country.
However, only those foreigners who have a work permit are allowed to apply for this number. Unless you have the right to work in the country and have the documentation to prove it, it will not be granted.
Required documents to obtain the social security number
Basically, to apply for the Social Security number you will need to submit the following 3 documents:
- The TA.1 application form (which you can download here)
- Your valid ID (DNI, passport, etc.)
- Your work permit or residence card displaying and demonstrating your legal capacity to work in Spain
How to get social security number in Spain: Step by step
Nowadays, the most common thing to do is to request your Social Security number online.
Conversely, it is also possible to apply for it in person at the Provincial Directorate of the Social Security Treasury that corresponds to your address.
You can find your nearest office here.
In case you opt to do it online, the process is quite straightforward, and can be divided into the following steps:
1. Enter the Social Security's website
The first thing you must do is to access the Social Security electronic headquarters through this link and select the option “Solicitar NUSS” in the drop-down menu.
*Bear in mind that NUSS stands for “Número de la Seguridad Social”, which is Social Security Number in Spanish.
In case you have power of attorney and are applying on behalf of another foreigner, select “Solicitar NUSS como apoderado”
2. Identify yourself
Next, you will have to identify yourself before moving forward.
You have several options here:
- To have a digital certificate or signature (this will be the most common option)
- Cl@ve PIN
- Identify yourself vía sms
3. Submit all documents
Once identified, it will be time to submit all documents (mentioned before), especially your work permit.
Where can I find my spanish social security number?
If you have forgotten or would like to know your Social Security number, you have it simple
Just click on this link, and after logging in with your credentials you will see the number appearing on your screen, and you will be able to download a report identifying you as a subject in your relations with Social Security.
However, keep in mind that there are a number of documents in which this number also appears and in which you can find it. We are talking about:
- Your Spanish health card
- Your work history report
- Any of your employment contracts signed in Spain.
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