What is the social security number?
The Spanish social security number (Numero de Afiliacion a la Seguridad Social) is your personal reference number in the Spanish social security system. It is comparable to the German social security number and is needed for everything related to work, health insurance and pensions.
The number is issued by the Tesoreria General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS) and is valid for life. As soon as you want to work in Spain - whether as an employee or as a self-employed person (Autonomo) - you need this number.
Important: without a social security number no legal work
You cannot work legally in Spain without being registered with the Seguridad Social. Your employer is required to register you before your first working day. As a self-employed person you must register yourself.
Voraussetzungen
To register with the Seguridad Social you need the following documents:
NIE number: The Numero de Identidad de Extranjero is mandatory. Without a NIE you cannot register. If you do not have one yet, read our guide on the NIE number.
Passport or EU identity card: The original and a copy. The document must be valid.
Empadronamiento: The registration certificate from your municipality is not always compulsory but is frequently requested. It is worth bringing it along. More on this in our article on Empadronamiento.
Employment contract (optional): If you already have an employment contract, bring it. Your employer can also take care of registration directly on your behalf.
Tip: employer can register you
If you have a job, your employer will usually handle registration with the Seguridad Social. You just need to give them your NIE number and a copy of your identity document. Ask beforehand whether they will take care of it.
Step-by-step guide
Registering with the Seguridad Social is straightforward and usually only requires one visit to the responsible authority.
Step 1: get your NIE number. Without a NIE nothing moves. Make sure you already have your NIE number. If not, apply for it at the Extranjeria first.
Step 2: gather your documents. Prepare all documents: NIE (original and copy), passport or identity card (original and copy), Empadronamiento and employment contract if applicable.
Step 3: go to the TGSS. The Tesoreria General de la Seguridad Social has a branch in Palma de Mallorca. You can book an appointment in advance on the Seguridad Social website (Cita Previa). Sometimes a walk-in visit is also possible, but with an appointment things go faster.
Step 4: fill in form TA.1. On site you fill in the registration form TA.1. It contains your personal details, NIE number, address and information about your employer (if you have one). Staff are happy to help with questions.
Step 5: receive your number. After your documents have been checked you will receive your social security number immediately on a printout. Keep this safe - the number is permanent and does not change.
Tip: apply for the Tarjeta Sanitaria
Once you have your social security number and contributions are being paid, you can apply for your Tarjeta Sanitaria (health card) at the nearest Centro de Salud (health centre). This gives you access to the public health system.
Costs and duration
Registering with the Seguridad Social is completely free. You do not need to pay any fees or bring a payment receipt.
Processing is usually immediate - you leave the authority with your social security number. The entire visit normally takes 15-30 minutes.
Tips and common mistakes
Mistake: going to the TGSS without a NIE. Without a NIE number you will be turned away. Make sure you already have it before you attempt to register with the social security authority.
Mistake: working without registration
Working without social security registration is illegal and can result in heavy fines for both you and your employer. Insist that your employer registers you before your first working day.
Tip: keep your number safe. You will need your social security number again and again - at the doctor, for your tax return, when changing jobs. Make a note of it in a safe place and take a photo of the document.
Tip: register even without a job
You can also register with the Seguridad Social without an employment contract, for example if you want to be covered as a family member through your spouse, or if you are preparing to become self-employed.
Checkliste
Use this checklist to make sure you do not miss anything:
☐ NIE number available and valid ☐ Passport or ID card (original + copy) ☐ Empadronamiento (registration certificate) ☐ Employment contract (if available) ☐ Address of the TGSS branch looked up ☐ Cita Previa booked online (recommended) ☐ Form TA.1 completed ☐ Social security number received ☐ Number stored safely and photographed ☐ Tarjeta Sanitaria applied for at the Centro de Salud
Useful links
Tesoreria General de la Seguridad Social - the official website of the Spanish social security authority with all information on registration, contributions and benefits: www.seg-social.es
Cita Previa with the Seguridad Social - here you can book an appointment online at the nearest TGSS branch: sede.seg-social.gob.es
Sede Electronica of the Seguridad Social - digital services of the social security authority, e.g. for checking your contributions history: sede.seg-social.gob.es
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the social security number as a self-employed person too?
Yes, as an autonomo you also need to register with the Seguridad Social. You pay monthly contributions (cuota de autonomo). In the first year you benefit from the Tarifa Plana - a reduced contribution rate from approx. 80 EUR/month.
Can my employer register me on my behalf?
Yes, and that is actually the standard process. Your employer is required to register you with the Seguridad Social before your first working day. They need your NIE and a copy of your identity document.
Does the social security number automatically give me health insurance?
Not automatically. The social security number is the basic prerequisite. Health insurance becomes active once you or your employer pay contributions. You then need to register at the Centro de Salud to receive your Tarjeta Sanitaria (health card).
What is the difference between the NIE and the social security number?
The NIE is your general foreigners identification number for all official processes in Spain. The social security number (Numero de Afiliacion) is specifically for the social security system - work, pension and health insurance.
Do I also build up pension entitlements in Spain?
Yes, with every contribution payment you build up Spanish pension entitlements. Thanks to EU regulations your contribution periods in Germany and Spain are added together, so no entitlements are lost.