How Do I Get My Social Security Number In Spain?

This guide explains what the number is, who needs one, the three ways to get it, the documents for adults and for children, how long it takes and what to do next. Every step was checked on the official Social Security pages on 29 October 2026; the sources are listed at the end.

What is a Spanish social security number?

It is your personal identifier with the Spanish Social Security system (the Seguridad Social). You will see it called the número de la Seguridad Social, the NUSS or the número de afiliación (NAF): they are the same number. It has 12 digits, it is issued once and it is yours for life, even if you leave Spain and come back years later.

It is not the same as your NIE, the foreigner’s identity number used for tax and almost every other official process. You need the NIE (or a Spanish identity card) first, because the social security application is made with it. Our guide to Spain’s tax codes explains the NIE.

Who needs one?

• Employees: before the first day of work, so the employer can register you and pay contributions.
• The self-employed: before registering as autónomo. Our guide to registering as self-employed covers the next steps.
• Students on paid or formal internships, which are registered with Social Security.
• Anyone entitled to public health care, including pensioners and family members of workers: the regional health service needs the number to issue a health card.
• Children, so they can be added to a parent’s health cover and get their own health card.

Option 1: online with Cl@ve or a digital certificate

If you already have an electronic identity, this is the quickest route:

1. Open Import@ss, the Social Security online portal, and go to Altas, bajas y modificaciones > Solicitar el Número de la Seguridad Social.
2. Sign in with Cl@ve Permanente, Cl@ve Móvil, a Spanish electronic identity card (DNIe) or a digital certificate.
3. Fill in your details on screen: your NIE or identity card, mobile phone, email address and your usual address in Spain.
4. Submit the request.

Our guides explain how to get Cl@ve and a digital certificate. Signing in by text message is not possible yet, because it needs the very number you are asking for.

Option 2: online without a certificate (selfie and ID)

This is the route most newcomers want, because it needs no electronic identity at all:

1. Open the same Import@ss service and choose to apply without electronic identification.
2. Apply in your own name and fill in your personal details, mobile phone, email and address.
3. Upload a copy of both sides of your NIE card or Spanish identity card.
4. Take a selfie holding the front of that document, as the portal asks.
5. Submit the request and keep the receipt.

Keep an eye on the email and phone you gave for the answer. Make sure the photos are sharp and the selfie shows both your face and the document clearly, so the request is not sent back.

Option 3: in person at a Social Security office

1. Download form TA.1 (the request for a social security number) from the Social Security website and fill it in.
2. Book an appointment (cita previa) at an office of the General Treasury of Social Security (Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social) through the online booking service; offices do not usually see people without one.
3. Take the form and the original and a copy of your NIE card or identity card.

The number is usually given to you at the appointment or shortly after.

Your employer can do it for you

If you are starting a job, your employer, or its payroll adviser, can request your number when it registers you, using the companies’ system (Sistema RED). Ask them before you apply yourself, so you do not end up making two requests.

Documents you need

The official page does not ask for a registration certificate (padrón), a work contract or a visa. It names the NIE or Spanish identity card for adults; if you only have a passport, get your NIE first or ask the office.

How long does it take?

Social Security does not publish a processing time. University and adviser guides report that online requests are usually answered within a few days; in person, the number is often issued at the appointment. Apply as soon as you have your NIE and know you will start work, so it does not hold up your first payslip.

What to do once you have the number

• Get your public health card (tarjeta sanitaria) from your regional health service, if you are entitled to public health care.
• Give it to your employer, or use it to register as self-employed.
• Check your records: once you have the number you can see your contribution history and download certificates, as our guide to accessing your social security records explains.

Health cover while you wait

Public health care starts once you are registered and working, or once your entitlement is recognised. Many newcomers take private health insurance to cover the gap and for faster specialist appointments, and most residence visas require it. Our pages on Sanitas health insurance for expats and health insurance for Spanish visas show the plans, with a price in a few seconds.

Sources

All checked on 29 October 2026. Seguridad Social: Import@ss, request a social security number (identification methods, the route without a certificate, documents for adults and children), form TA.1 (version of 11 July 2024) and the office finder and appointment booking.