Social Security in Spain: The Guide to Obtaining Your NUSS Number

An office of the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social in Spain – the organization where affiliation to the Spanish social system takes place.

For any foreigner moving to live in Spain, obtaining a Spanish social security number (NUSS) is an essential step. This number, called Número de la Seguridad Social or Número de Afiliación, is indispensable for officially working in Spain and benefiting from the public health system. Without this number, it is impossible to be officially hiredby a Spanish employer and to register with the country's health insurance fund. In this article, we detail what the NUSS is for, who can apply for it, the required documents, and the steps to obtain it.

The Spanish social security number is a unique, permanent identifier that follows you throughout your professional and social life in Spain. It is primarily used to affiliate you with the country's social security system. This number has two major consequences:

• Working and contributing: The NUSS is required to be registered as an employee or self-employed worker in Spain. It allows your employer (or yourself, if you are an autónomo) to register you with the Social Security, pay the social security contributions that notably fund cash benefits, and grant you rights to benefits (unemployment, retirement, etc.).
• Benefiting from public health: The NUSS is also necessary to access the Spanish public health system (Seguridad Social). It serves as a reference to create your medical file and issue you a health card.

In summary, the social security number is the cornerstone of your social protection in Spain, as it determines access to social benefits such as health coverage or pensions. This is why it is one of the first steps to take when settling in Spain, just after obtaining your NIE (Foreigner Identification Number).

Who can apply for it?

Anyone residing in Spain who does not yet have a Social Security number can apply for one. This includes:

• Future workers in Spain – Whether you are an employee or a self-employed worker, you must obtain a NUSS, with modalities that then differ depending on your status.
• Paid interns – Since 2024, students doing internships in Spain are generally affiliated with Social Security.
• Non-working individuals wishing to affiliate – This includes certain residents who may open rights depending on their situation, in particular European retirees who, thanks to the European S1 form, can transfer their health insurance rights to Spain.

Note also that retirement pensions depend on the years of contributions.

Dependents and beneficiaries

In Spain, social security protects not only the direct affiliates but also their dependents (spouse, dependent children). This extended social protection guarantees access to healthcare, family allowances, and other benefits for the entire household, under certain conditions.

The registration of dependents is usually done during the main affiliation, but it is possible to add them or update their status in case of a change in family situation.

Required Documents

To obtain your number, you will need to complete your registration with the Modelo TA.1 form and several supporting documents:

• Valid ID card or passport (original + photocopy).
• NIE (Foreigner’s Identification Number) (original + photocopy).
• Proof of address in Spain (empadronamiento certificate, or padrón, to prove local residence).
• Document justifying your professional situation (employment contract, job offer, etc.); in case of hiring, the company then uses this number to register you correctly.
• Official TA.1 form completed and signed.

Steps to obtain the number

You have two options: in person at the Social Security office, or online via the official portal. The steps are simple, but you must prepare the right supporting documents before applying.

1. In person

1. Make an appointment (cita previa): On the Seguridad Social website, make an appointment at an office of the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS).
2. Go to the TGSS office: Present your complete file; presentation of originals and copies may be required during the file check. If everything is in order, the number is assigned to you immediately.
3. Obtain written confirmation: Keep the document mentioning your NUSS carefully.

2. Online (via Import@ss)

The Import@ss portal allows you to apply online, with or without a Spanish digital certificate. This option is increasingly common and very practical to avoid travel.

Provisional vs. definitive number

Good news: the social security number is definitive as soon as it is assigned. It will never change. You do not receive a physical card immediately, but the number is indeed permanent.

The NUSS has 12 digits. Once you start working, it becomes an active affiliation number (NAF), but the digits remain the same: it is then used by the employer and by the authorities to track contributions, rights, and certain professional pathways.

• For your employer: Provide your NUSS to your employer so they can register you and start contributing.
• To obtain the health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria): Go to the Centro de Salud (health center) in your neighborhood with your NUSS and your empadronamiento to request your health card.
• To request the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): Once affiliated in Spain, request your Spanish EHIC to be covered during your travels in Europe.

Centro de Salud: your gateway to the Spanish health system

The Centro de Salud is the local medical center where you will be registered. Registration there is essential to obtain your Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual (health card) and access care: general practitioner, pediatrics, nursing care, etc.

In case of non-immediate affiliation

Before being affiliated, several solutions exist:

In principle, access to healthcare is open to anyone legally residing in Spain, including in some cases before affiliation is finalized.

• Use your home country's EHIC for medically necessary care during a temporary stay.
• Take out private health insurance for more complete coverage, useful in case of a health issue during the transitional period.
• For retirees: use the S1 form to transfer your rights and obtain a NUSS without contributing in Spain.

Assistance and support

Administrative procedures in Spain can be complex. Support services like Hiliv can help you obtain your NUSS without stress, guiding you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)