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Expat accessing Spain’s Social Security records online

How Expats Can Access Spain’s Social Security System (Seguridad Social)

Expat Tips

Spain’s social security system, known as the Seguridad Social, covers pensions, healthcare, unemployment, and other benefits. As an expat, you may need to access your records to prove contributions, apply for benefits, or monitor your entitlements. Some processes can be handled fully online, while others still require an in-person appointment (cita previa).

How to Access Your Social Security Records Online

The official Seguridad Social portal allows you to consult your personal data and download official reports. The most common record expats request is the Informe de Vida Laboral, which provides a detailed work history and lists your contributions.

To access the system, you need one of the following identification methods:

Cl@ve login – the government’s secure identification platform. New users can activate it by visiting an office with their NIE/ID, or in some cases by requesting an activation code by mail.

Digital Certificate (certificado digital) – installed on your device and issued by the FNMT for secure access.

DNIe or NIE with electronic credentials – works if your card is enabled for online use.

SMS verification – available if your Spanish phone number is registered in your Social Security file (this requires a prior in-office registration).

Once logged in, you can download reports such as:

Vida Laboral – lists employment periods and contributions.

Contribution history (Base de Cotización) – essential for pension calculations.

Certificates of compliance (Certificado de estar al corriente) – often required for official procedures.

Integrated Benefits Certificate (Certificado Integrado de Prestaciones) – shows if you are currently receiving payments such as unemployment or parental leave.

Booking a Social Security Appointment (Cita Previa)

Certain procedures require you to appear in person—for example, registering as self-employed (autónomo), updating personal details, or linking your phone number. Appointments can be made by:

Online: Through the Seguridad Social cita previa website, where you choose the procedure, office, and time.

By phone: Via the central number 901 106 570 (note: not free, local numbers may be cheaper).

Through the app: The Seguridad Social app accepts logins via Cl@ve or digital certificate.

Tip: Appointments in large cities fill up quickly. Check early in the day, try multiple nearby offices, or visit first thing in the morning to ask about limited “same-day tickets.”

Healthcare and the Seguridad Social

Beyond pensions and work records, Spain’s system also grants access to healthcare:

Registered residents receive the Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual (public health card).

EU nationals can use their EHIC card for temporary stays, but for long-term residency, registration with Seguridad Social is needed.

Non-EU nationals often qualify once they start contributing, or they can enroll in the Convenio Especial volunteer scheme to access public healthcare for a fixed monthly fee.

Common Issues Expats Face

Many new arrivals run into the same obstacles:

No Spanish phone number linked to their profile (a must for SMS verification).

Trouble installing and using the digital certificate on different browsers.

Limited English-language instructions on the portal, which can make navigation tricky.

One visit to your local Social Security office is usually enough to verify your personal data, link your Spanish phone number, and set up your credentials. After that, online access becomes far smoother.

Why This Matters

Tracking your contributions and ensuring your records are accurate is crucial, especially if you plan on retiring in Spain or transferring contributions from another country. Spain participates in EU coordination agreements and several bilateral treaties—so your work in different countries can often be combined to calculate benefits.

Regularly downloading your Vida Laboral helps catch errors early. Equally, managing appointments online saves time and avoids long queues at busy offices.

Practical Tips for Expats

Always keep copies of your NIE and residence card handy for both online and in-office procedures.

Set up Cl@ve or a certificado digital as soon as possible—these are essential for nearly all tax and social services.

If the website or app is only in Spanish, use browser translation tools (e.g. Chrome) or ask a gestoría (local admin service) for help with more complex issues.

If you are planning to retire in Spain, regularly download both the Vida Laboral and Bases de Cotización reports to verify your pension record.

With the right setup, Spain’s Seguridad Social portal becomes a very efficient way to manage your benefits, save trips to the office, and make sure your entitlements are up to date.

Planning your future in Spain?

Having the right health insurance is just as important as keeping your social security records in order. Many visa and residency applications require proof of private cover, and it also gives you faster access to healthcare. Compare Sanitas health insurance plans here and choose the one that fits your lifestyle in Spain.

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