Spanish Social Security Registration for Expats: From NIE to Seguridad Social

Registering with Spain’s Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS) is essential for accessing public healthcare, employment benefits, and pension contributions. This guide walks you through the documents, timelines, and online tools expats need to secure a Social Security number and attach it to their residency status.

Table of contents

• Who needs a Spanish Social Security number
• Documents to prepare
• How to apply in person
• How to apply online with Cl@ve
• Linking healthcare and employment benefits
• Common issues and fixes
• FAQs
• Related guides

Who needs a Spanish Social Security number

You must obtain a Número de Seguridad Social (NUSS) if you:

• Start employment with a Spanish company or register as autónomo.
• Want to access the public healthcare system after relocating to Spain.
• Sponsor dependants for healthcare coverage or family benefits.
• Apply for maternity, paternity, or unemployment support.

Non-EU residents usually complete this step immediately after receiving their NIE/TIE card. EU citizens can request the number before formal residency if they plan to work.

Documents to prepare

Gather digital and paper copies of:

• Passport and NIE/TIE card.
• Empadronamiento certificate issued within the last three months.
• Employment contract, autónomo registration (Modelo TA.0521), or university enrolment letter.
• Completed Modelo TA.1 application form.
• Social Security appointment confirmation (if applying in person).

Translate foreign documents into Spanish and add apostilles where required by your provincial TGSS office.

How to apply in person

1. Book an appointment via the Cita Previa system on the Social Security website.
2. Select Asignación Número Seguridad Social as the appointment type.
3. Bring your TA.1 form, identification, and supporting documents.
4. Submit them at the TGSS office; you’ll receive your NUSS on the spot or via email the same day.

Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to clear security and verify paperwork before your appointment window.

How to apply online with Cl@ve

1. Activate Cl@ve Permanente or obtain a digital certificate (certificado digital) from FNMT.
2. Log into the TGSS portal and choose Alta en Seguridad Social.
3. Upload scanned copies of your TA.1, ID, and padrón certificate.
4. Submit the request; Social Security will issue your number via email, usually within 48 hours.

If you lack Cl@ve credentials, request an in-person identity verification appointment at the Post Office or TGSS office to finish the registration.

Linking healthcare and employment benefits

• After receiving your NUSS, notify your employer or file autónomo registration to activate contributions.
• Visit your local centro de salud with the Social Security certificate to request a Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual (TSI).
• Add dependants by submitting their documentation through the Import@ss portal or TGSS office.
• Update your data (address, phone, bank details) using Import@ss to keep records accurate for future benefits.

Common issues and fixes

• Duplicate numbers: If you previously worked in Spain, request a certificate of affiliation instead of a new number.
• Missing padrón: Book empadronamiento quickly—many TGSS offices reject applications without proof of residence.
• Expired passports: Renew before applying; TGSS will not issue a NUSS with an expired document.
• Appointment delays: Check nearby towns for faster availability or visit during early-morning walk-in slots.

FAQs

Can students get a Social Security number? Yes. Provide your enrolment letter and internship or part-time contract to justify the application.

Do freelancers need a Social Security number before registering as autónomo? You can submit the TA.1 and TA.0521 forms together; TGSS assigns the number and finalises your autónomo enrolment in one visit.

Will my NUSS expire if I leave Spain? No. The number is permanent. Reactivate contributions when you return or start a new job.

Related guides

• Empadronamiento in Spain
• Registering as Autónomo in Spain
• Healthcare in Spain for Expats
• Spain Digital Nomad Visa Guide
• Spanish Tax Residency for Expats

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