Any expat planning to work or study in Spain needs a social security number. This number gives you access to the Spanish employment system and public healthcare.
What is a Spanish social security number?
The social security number is a unique nine-digit code. It is used to identify you in the Spanish social security system.
The official Spanish term is número de la seguridad social (social security number). It is often abbreviated as NUSS.
This identifier is permanent and belongs to you for life. Getting your number is completely free of charge.
What is the difference between NUSS and NAF?
The Spanish social security office uses two terms for your number. It is important to know the difference between both.
The social security number is your identifier when you are not working. This is the NUSS.
Once you start a contract, the number becomes the número de afiliación a la seguridad social (affiliation number). This is the NAF.
The NUSS and the NAF are the exact same number. The system only changes the status of the number when you start working.
Who needs a social security number?
You must obtain a social security number to carry out professional activities in Spain. This applies to employees and freelancers.
Students who do paid internships also need this identifier. The university or company will request it before the internship begins.
You also need the number to register for public healthcare. Family members under your care can use it for healthcare access too.
How to apply online (Importass)
The easiest way to apply for your number is online. The social security administration provides a dedicated web portal.
This portal is called Importass (social security digital portal). You can log in using your digital certificate.
If you do not have a certificate, you can submit a request with a selfie. You upload a photo of yourself holding your passport.
Step-by-step: Requesting your NUSS online
You can submit your application on the Importass portal. Follow these steps to complete the process online:
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Open the official Importass portal in your web browser.
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Select the option to request a social security number.
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Log in using your digital certificate or Cl@ve.
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Fill out the online form with your personal details and passport number.
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Upload the completed TA.1 application form as a PDF.
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Confirm your email address and click submit.
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Download the PDF receipt with your reference number.
How to apply in person (TGSS)
You can also request your number in person. You must visit a social security office to do this.
The Spanish office is called the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (social security treasury). It is abbreviated as TGSS.
You must book an appointment in advance. The official term for this booking is cita previa (prior appointment).
Ensure you arrive ten minutes before your scheduled appointment time. The staff will call your name or ticket number.
Bring all your original documents and photocopies to the office. The officer will process your application and assign the number.
The TA.1 form: How to fill it out
The application requires a specific paper form. The official code for this document is Modelo TA.1 (social security application form).
Under the personal data section, enter your NIE and passport number. Use capital letters to write your address and contact details.
Under the motive section, tick the box for assigning a social security number. Do not forget to sign the document at the bottom.
Checklist: What you need for your application
Prepare all the necessary paperwork before you begin the process. This prevents delays in your registration:
- Form TA.1 : You must submit a completed and signed copy of the application form.
- Passport : Your original valid passport and a photocopy of the main identity page.
- NIE or TIE card : Your foreigner identification number document if you have one.
- Work contract : A signed job contract or a written offer from your Spanish employer.
- Internship agreement : The study agreement if you are a student doing a paid internship.
- Empadronamiento certificate : Your address registration receipt. Some offices might request this document.
How to get your NUSS certificate
Once the tax office assigns your number, you receive an official certificate. This document is called a duplicado de documento de afiliación (duplicate affiliation document).
You need to download this PDF certificate to show your employer. You can download it directly from the Importass portal.
Log into your personal profile on the portal to access the document. The system will send an SMS code to your phone for verification.
Make sure to save this PDF on your computer. You can print copies whenever you need to prove your social security status.
How to register for public healthcare with your NUSS
You can use your social security number to access public medical services. You must register at your local health office first.
This office is called a centro de salud (health center). You must bring your NUSS certificate and your empadronamiento document.
The staff will process your registration and issue a physical health card. The card is called a tarjeta sanitaria (health card).
This card allows you to book doctor appointments and buy subsidised medicine at pharmacies. Keep it in your wallet.
Important sub-rules for students
Students doing unpaid internships also receive a social security number. The educational center must handle the registration.
If the internship is paid, the employer handles the registration process. Make sure they complete this before your first day.
Non-EU students with a student visa can work up to 30 hours per week. Your social security registration must match this limit.
Questions and answers
Can my employer request the number for me?
Yes. Your employer can submit the request on your behalf. They do this using the official business portal. This is the easiest option for employees.
Can I get a social security number without a NIE?
Yes, under certain rules. You can apply using your passport if you do not have a NIE yet. However, you must update your social security records once you receive your NIE card.
Does my social security number expire?
No. The number is assigned to you permanently. It stays active even if you leave Spain for many years. You will use the same number if you return.
Does having a NUSS give me public healthcare access?
Not automatically. The number only identifies you in the system. You must also register for healthcare at a local medical center. You need a certificate of healthcare entitlement first.
Is the NUSS the same as the NAF?
Yes, they are the same number. The name simply changes depending on your current employment status. NUSS is the general code, and NAF is the active code for workers.
What is the online selfie verification method?
It is an alternative login system. You upload a photo of your face next to your passport page. The portal uses this image to verify your identity. This method does not require a digital certificate.
