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How to obtain a Social security number in Spain 2020

A social security number is a  number that identifies the citizen in his or her dealings with the social security system.

Things to know beforehand

Obtaining a social security number is free of cost, it never expires and It must be requested prior to registration or requesting any benefit or service, it can be applied online or in-person.

What is Social security number? 

It is the procedure by which the social security number is obtained. This number identifies the citizen in his or her dealings with the social security system.

Important information

Social security is a public system of protection against situations of illness, disability, unemployment, old age, accidents at work, maternity or loss of the family’s means of support.

Obtaining this number is a prior and necessary step in order to be able to apply for registration with the social security system, which is what actually creates the required relationship and allows you to start work, either as a self-employed individual or as an employee.

You can also consult the official Social Security website (website is available in English)

Why is this formality important?

It is a compulsory formality for anyone wishing to carry out a professional activity within the national territory, whether as an employee or as a self-employed individual. Obtaining the number is a preliminary step towards social security registration.

Who does it apply to?

It applies to all citizens who wish to start a professional activity for the first time, whether as employees or as self-employed individuals, and, therefore, do not yet have the number.

Who should apply for it?

The application must be submitted by the individuals concerned.

What requirements must be met?

Not having previously obtained a social security number in Spain.

What advice and suggestions could help you?

Your social security number will become a social security registration number when you begin an employment relationship.

If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you can apply with only your passport. However, you may later be asked for an identity number for foreign nationals (NIE) to validate the application. In that case, you will have to go back to the offices, fill in the form to amend the details and present the identification number for foreign nationals (NIE).

To save you having to return to the Social Security offices to amend the details, it is recommended that you apply for the identification number for foreign nationals (NIE) beforehand.

A third party may apply for your social security number, provided they provide an authorisation signed by you.

 

What other linked formalities should you know about?

Obtaining a social security number is essential if you need to complete the formality

Registration with the social security system

If you want to carry out the whole procedure online, you need to have the following certificate:

Digital certificate

After all the above information you can Apply Online or in Person.

Apply Online

Step 1:

Obtain the digital certificate

In order to apply online, you must first obtain a digital certificate.

In order to find out about the procedure for obtaining the digital certificate, consult the information on the formality, which contains all the details on how to obtain it.

Step 2:

Go to the website

Go to the Social Security website.

Select the option “Citizen > Registration > Social security number assignment” to start the application.

The information is also available in English

Step 3:

Fill in the standard application form and attach the required documentation

Follow the steps indicated on the website and provide all the information and documentation requested.

The different screens will allow you to select and fill in the details, which will depend on the options you choose.

You must obtain and fill in the application form (standard form TA1).

The form is available in Catalan, Spanish and other co-official languages of the Spanish state.

It is advisable to have prepared certain details that may be required during the application:

  • Contact details: mobile phone and e-mail.
  • Identity documents:
    • For citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland: passport
    • For citizens from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland: passport. Identity number for foreign nationals (NIE)

Step 4:

Obtain a social security number

You will receive notification of the decision within 45 days. Once this period has elapsed, the request will be understood to have been accepted.

Step 5 :

Register with the social security system

Before you start your work activity, you must register with the social security system.

In order to find out about the procedure for registering with the social security system, consult the information on the formality, which contains all the details on how to do it.

Remember that if you are going to work as a self-employed individual, you will also have to register with the Tax Office.

Apply in Person

Step 1:

Fill in the application form

You must access the application form (standard form TA1), download it and fill it in. The fields of the form must be completed in capital

Step 2:

Go to a Social Security office and submit the documentation

In order to apply for a social security number, you must go in person to the office of the General Treasury of the Social Security System where your home is located or where the company in which you will be providing services is located. It is not necessary to make an appointment.

Consult the website to find out which Social Security offices are available near you.

When you arrive, obtain a number for the appropriate desk and wait your turn to be seen. You must present the application and the required documentation.

Step 3:

Obtain a social security number

When applied for in person, the office usually assigns the number at the time of application.

Step 4:

Register with the social security system

Before you start your work activity, you must register with the social security system.

In order to find out about the procedure for registering with the social security system, consult the information on the formality, which contains all the details on how to do it.

Remember that if you are going to work as a self-employed individual, you will also have to register with the Tax Office.

Reference : Barcelona.cat 

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