Coming to Spain? Whether it’s for a job, an internship, for studies or simply to settle down, you’ll need a Spanish social security number, especially if you’re staying for a long time. But how do you go about registering for Spanish social security? Loca Barcelona will explain you everything!
What is a social security registration number?
This is a number that allows you to benefit from the Spanish State’s social security cover. When you visit public health establishments, the State will cover part of the cost of your treatment.
To be eligible, you must reside and pay contributions in Spain. Ideally, you should have a job or work placement if you wish to take advantage of this scheme.
Where can I apply for my national insurance number in Spain?
The application for affiliation is made to the TGSS (Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social) offices. This is the body responsible for all procedures relating to obtaining a Spanish social security number. You must either go to the office where you live or to the office where your company is based. The offices are open on working days from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., but you should go between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., as the application service is only open during this time.
We advise you to arrive before opening time. This way you’ll have a better chance of being seen and won’t have to queue for long.
To make an appointment, you can visit their website to find your nearest office.
What documents do you need?
Once you have made your appointment, please have the following documents ready:
- Your Passport.
- Your NIE (Foreign National Identification Number).
- A document justifying your application for affiliation and your professional situation (contract of employment, traineeship contract, etc.).
- The Model TA1 formulary: this is a document summarising your personal details and the reasons for your application (work placement, employment, etc.). This will be given to you at the centre.
Make sure you also have a photocopy of each of these documents, which you will need to submit to the agent at the centre.
As regards the Model TA1 formulary, you can print it out and fill it in beforehand if you want to save time, or you can fill it in in front of the agent who will see you if you need assistance. Just be aware that agents generally don’t speak English. So remember to prepare your speech in advance so that you can communicate.
Our real estate agency advice that you have to note that some TGSS offices require you to have a Spanish telephone number when you fill in the form, so that the authorities can validate and process your application.
If you are working or doing a traineeship in Spain, once you have your number, all you have to do is pass it on to your company, which will take care of the rest for your affiliation.
Obtaining a health card
This will enable you to identify yourself and benefit from Spanish social security cover. You will need it when you visit a health establishment.
To obtain it, simply go to a “Health Centre” (Centro de Salud) with your Empadronamiento and your social security number.
Empadronamiento is the Spanish term for the census. To take the census, simply go to your local town hall with a piece of ID, your NIE and a tenancy agreement in your name. Don’t forget to bring a photocopy of each of these documents to the town hall. This document is valid for 3 months and serves as proof of address. It can easily be renewed if necessary.
Once all these documents have been submitted, your health card will be sent to you within a few weeks!
You now have all the information you need to obtain your social security number in Spain, and will be able to benefit from it from now on.
