A Spanish social security number (número de seguridad social) is required to be able to work or be self-employed in Spain. It is also a prerequisite for obtaining a health card, which gives access to public health care. If you’re looking for a job, it’s best to have your Social Security number already assigned so you don’t have to worry about it when you get hired. When you start working, your social security number becomes your affiliation number (número de afiliació).
Once you are assigned a social security number, you are connected to the Spanish social security system and have the same number for life. All your work history is attributed to you and can be verified by downloading the Vida laboral document.
When obtaining a social security number, do not forget to indicate your Spanish phone number in the application, as in the future many transactions can be carried out online, and the security code will be sent to you via SMS.
Social security services via SMS include, for example, notification of payment of social insurance contributions, notification of work activity or request for a duplicate document of ownership.
By law, it can take up to 45 days for a social security number to be assigned, but usually you will receive it immediately. If you are unsure how to obtain a Social Security number, please contact us or fill out the application form.
