African american applying for social security in Spain

Can U.S. Citizens Collect Social Security in Spain?

Expat Tips Published: 29 July 2025 11:20 CET Updated: 31 July 2025 18:13 CET

Many Americans dream of retiring overseas, and Spain is one of the top destinations thanks to its warm climate, vibrant culture, excellent healthcare, and relatively low cost of living. If you're a U.S. citizen considering moving to Spain—or already living here—you may be wondering whether you can continue collecting Social Security abroad. The good news: yes, you can. But there are important rules regarding eligibility, tax obligations, documentation, and healthcare that you must understand before relocating.

Eligibility for Social Security benefits while living in Spain

Under Social Security Administration (SSA) rules, eligible U.S. citizens may receive retirement, disability, or survivor benefits even when living outside the United States. Spain is an approved payment country.

To collect U.S. Social Security benefits while living in Spain, you must meet the following:

You must be a U.S. citizen or national.
You must have earned enough Social Security “credits” (typically 40 credits—around 10 years of work).
You must meet the age or eligibility criteria for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits.

As long as you report your address and personal status accurately to the SSA, you can receive your benefits with no interruption.

How to apply for Social Security while living in Spain

You do not need to return to the United States to apply. You have two options:

1. Apply online (when available)

Many U.S. citizens can apply via the SSA website (ssa.gov). Some online features may not work from Spain due to IP restrictions or identity verification limitations. If this occurs, use option 2.

2. Apply through the U.S. Embassy in Madrid

The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid can help you file your application. Contact them at 91-587-2261 for instructions.

If you have worked in Spain, you may also be eligible for Spanish Social Security benefits. Spain and the U.S. coordinate under a bilateral agreement, meaning:

You may apply in one country and ask that your claim also be considered in the other.
Each country will process your claim separately under its own laws.
Work credits may be “totalised” (combined) when appropriate.

Necessary documentation

To apply while living in Spain, you will typically need:

U.S. passport or proof of citizenship
Social Security number
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate (for spousal benefits)
Banking details for direct deposit
Spanish residency documentation (NIE/TIE)

Direct payment into a Spanish bank account

Through the SSA’s International Direct Deposit (IDD) system, your Social Security benefits can be paid directly into a Spanish bank account in euros. Payments use the U.S. Treasury exchange rate at the time of transfer. Check eligibility with both your bank and the SSA.

Taxation rules under the U.S.–Spain Agreement

The U.S. taxes citizens on worldwide income—even when living abroad. Social Security benefits may still be taxable in the U.S. depending on your total income and filing status. The U.S.–Spain tax treaty helps prevent double taxation, but you may still need to file in both countries depending on residency status.

Other U.S. income

Pensions, dividends, rental income, and other U.S.-source income may require reporting in both countries. In many cases you can avoid double taxation through credits or treaty provisions, but professional advice is highly recommended.

Filing obligations

You must file an annual U.S. tax return (Form 1040), even while living abroad.
You may need to file a Spanish tax return if you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain or earn Spanish-source income.
If your foreign bank accounts exceed $10,000 in aggregate, you must file an FBAR.

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)

The FEIE does not apply to Social Security benefits. It applies only to earned income (salary/self-employment), not pensions or benefits.

What happens to Medicare?

Medicare generally does not cover medical care outside the United States. Even if enrolled, it will not help you in Spain.

Access to public healthcare in Spain depends on your residency and contribution status. Working expats who pay into Spanish Social Security gain public healthcare access. Retirees must show private medical insurance to obtain residency.

Private health insurance

Most U.S. retirees in Spain choose private health insurance for full coverage, English-speaking doctors, and visa compliance. At healthplanspain.com you can obtain fully compliant, no-co-payment plans ideal for residency and long-term stays.

The Spanish public healthcare system

After one year of legal residency, non-working expats can usually apply for the Convenio Especial — a public healthcare programme costing approximately €60–€157 per month depending on age. It offers broad healthcare access, although prescriptions and dental care are not covered.

Retaining Medicare for U.S. visits

Some retirees keep Medicare Part B (around $185/month in 2025) so they remain covered during visits to the U.S. It may or may not be worth the cost depending on how often you return.