How to get a Social Security Number (Número de Seguridad Social)

If you plan to work in Spain, whether as an employee or a freelancer (autónomo), you absolutely need a Social Security Number (Número de la Seguridad Social, or NUSS).

This number is your unique identifier within the Spanish public system. It tracks your work history, your tax contributions, your right to public healthcare, and eventually, your pension.

What is it? (NUSS vs. NAF)

You might see two acronyms thrown around: NUSS and NAF. Don't panic; they are effectively the same number.

• NUSS (Número de la Seguridad Social): This is the baseline number assigned to you as a citizen or resident to identify you in the system (for example, if you are a student or a beneficiary on someone else's plan).
• NAF (Número de Afiliación): The moment you start working and making contributions, your NUSS legally transforms into your NAF. It's the exact same digits, just with a different legal status because you are now an "affiliated" worker.

For the purpose of applying for jobs, they are the same thing.

Why do you need a Social Security Number?

You cannot legally sign an employment contract or register as a freelancer without one. Your employer needs this number to register you in the system (dar de alta) before your first day of work.

Having a NAF also grants you access to the Spanish public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud), allowing you to register at your local health center (Centro de Salud) and get a public health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria).

Prerequisites

Before you apply, you must have the following documents ready:

1. Identification: Your Passport or National ID card (if EU). If you already have your TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) or the green EU citizen certificate with your NIE on it, use that.
2. Contact Info: A Spanish mobile phone number and an email address.
3. Address: You will need to provide your residential address in Spain. While not always strictly asked during the online process if you have digital access, having your Empadronamiento (registration at the town hall) is highly recommended.

Note: You do not technically need a job offer to request a NUSS. You can request it in anticipation of finding work.

How to Apply: The Online Method (Recommended)

The easiest and fastest way to get your NUSS is online through the Import@ss portal, the digital platform of the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS).

If you have a Digital Certificate or are registered with the Cl@ve system, this process takes about 5 minutes, and you get your number immediately.

1. Go to the Import@ss Portal.
2. Scroll down and look for the section titled "Solicitar el Número de la Seguridad Social" (Request the Social Security Number).
3. Click on the service and authenticate yourself using your Digital Certificate, Cl@ve Móvil, or Cl@ve Permanente.
4. (Alternative: Vía SMS) If your current phone number is already registered with the Social Security office (perhaps from a previous interaction), you can log in via an SMS code.
5. Fill in the digital form with your personal details (Name, ID, parents' names, contact info, and address).
6. Submit the application. You will instantly receive a PDF document called the Resolución, which contains your newly assigned Social Security Number. Download and save this PDF!

How to Apply: The In-Person Method

If you do not have a Digital Certificate or Cl@ve (which is common for new arrivals), the process is a bit more manual.

1. Fill out the TA.1 Form

You need to download and complete the official application form, known as the Modelo TA.1.

• You can find the form by searching "Modelo TA.1 Seguridad Social" on Google or on the official website.
• Check the box that says "Asignación de Número de Seguridad Social".
• Fill it out in Spanish (it asks for basic details: name, parents' names, ID number, address).

2. Request an Appointment (Cita Previa)

You cannot just walk into a Social Security office; you need an appointment.

1. Go to the Social Security Cita Previa portal.
2. Select that you want an appointment for the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS) (not the INSS, which handles pensions and benefits).
3. Choose the option for Asignación de NUSS or general information.
4. Attend your appointment with your completed TA.1 form, your passport/TIE (original and a copy), and your Empadronamiento.

3. The Import@ss "Send a Request" Feature (Without Digital ID)

If you can't get an appointment, the TGSS has a special portal for people without a Digital Certificate.

1. Go to the Import@ss portal and look for "Enviar una solicitud" (Send a request).
2. You will need to verify your identity by taking a selfie showing your face and your Passport/ID card.
3. Fill out the online form and attach the completed TA.1 PDF and a photo of your ID.
4. This method is not instant. A civil servant will review your uploaded documents and email you the resolution with your number within a few days to a couple of weeks.

Next Steps

Once you have the PDF with your Social Security Number, send it to your employer's HR department or your gestor (if you are becoming an autónomo). Keep the digital file safe, as you will need it for future jobs and to register for public healthcare.