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How to Get a Social Security Number (NUSS) in Spain

ModerateFreeInstant online with Digital Certificate; 1-2 weeks in person

The Número de la Seguridad Social (NUSS) is the unique number that connects you to Spain's welfare, healthcare, and pension system. It transitions into a Número de Afiliación (NAF) once you begin making active contributions. You need it to be employed by a Spanish company, to register as self-employed (Autónomo), or to access public healthcare through EU reciprocal agreements.

The good news is that this process can often be done entirely online if you have a Digital Certificate. The bad news is that the online system has significant gaps, and a frustrating catch-22 often blocks new arrivals. This guide covers both the digital and in-person routes.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your NUSS

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

  • Form TA.1: The official Social Security registration form
  • Valid passport: Original
  • NIE/TIE/CUE: Your Spanish identification document
  • Certificado de Empadronamiento: Recent Padrón certificate
  • Justification document: A signed Spanish employment contract, Autónomo registration form (Modelo TA.0521), or S1 form for EU pensioners transferring healthcare rights

    • Step 2: Choose Your Route

    Option A — Online via Import@ss: If you have a Digital Certificate, this is the fastest route. The process is essentially instantaneous and fully automated through the Import@ss portal. If you do not have a Digital Certificate, the portal offers an alternative identity verification by uploading high-resolution photos of your ID alongside a live "selfie" for biometric matching. However, this alternative method is unreliable (see Common Problems below).

    Option B — In Person at the TGSS: You can also attend the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS) in person at your nearest provincial office. This officially requires a Cita Previa, but see the workaround below for urgent employment-related cases.

    Required Documents Checklist

  • Form TA.1: The official Social Security registration form
  • Valid passport: Original
  • NIE/TIE/CUE: Your Spanish identification document
  • Certificado de Empadronamiento: Recent Padrón certificate
  • Justification document: A signed Spanish employment contract, Autónomo registration form (Modelo TA.0521), or S1 form for EU pensioners transferring healthcare rights

    • Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

    The Employment Catch-22

    This is a structural deadlock that frustrates countless new arrivals. Your employer needs your NUSS to legally issue you an employment contract and register you on payroll. But the Import@ss portal often demands a physical NIE card or formal employment offer to generate the NUSS. If you are an EU citizen trying to use the selfie-based passport verification, the system routinely rejects the application if it cannot find your passport linked to an existing NIE in the central database.

    WorkaroundWhen the digital portal fails, many provincial TGSS offices tolerate emergency walk-ins for employment-related urgencies, despite official policy requiring appointments. Arrive at opening time with a fully completed TA.1 form, your passport, and a written job offer letter. Civil servants often process these cases at their discretion to prevent applicants from losing employment due to bureaucratic delays.

    Selfie verification rejected

    The Import@ss selfie-based identity verification method is known to be unreliable. It often fails to cross-reference foreign passports with the NIE database, even when the NIE is valid and active.

    Better ApproachGet your Digital Certificate first. It makes the Import@ss process instant and eliminates all identity verification issues. If you do not yet have one, go in person to your nearest provincial TGSS office.

    Practical Tips

  • The Import@ss online portal with a Digital Certificate is by far the fastest route — the NUSS is issued almost instantly.
  • Walk-ins at opening time with complete documentation are generally tolerated at provincial TGSS offices for urgent employment-related cases.
  • EU pensioners transferring healthcare rights should bring their S1 form, issued by your home country's health authority before departure.
  • Once you have your NUSS, remember to also register for a SIP card at your local Centro de Salud — these are two separate steps.

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the NUSS the same as the SIP card?

    No. The NUSS confirms your financial contribution status within the Social Security system. The SIP card is a separate regional health card that gives you access to local clinics. You need the NUSS first, then you register for the SIP card at your local health centre.

    Can my employer get the NUSS for me?

    In some cases, yes. If you are being hired by a Spanish company, their HR department or gestoría can initiate the Social Security registration on your behalf.

    Do I need a NUSS if I have private health insurance?

    If you are not working in Spain and rely solely on private insurance, you technically do not need a NUSS. However, if you ever want to access public healthcare or work in Spain, you will need one.

    Where do I find my nearest TGSS office?

    The TGSS has offices in every provincial capital. Use the official TGSS office finder at seg-social.gob.es to locate the nearest branch to your registered address.

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