Guide: How to register with the Social Security

Dealing with bureaucracy can be a headache, especially when it comes to your first job in Spain or starting your adventure as a self-employed worker. Registering with the Social Security system is a compulsory procedure, but the good news is that nowadays it is much more streamlined than it was a few years ago.

In this article, we are going to go over everything you need to know: from what happens if you are a foreigner, to how to process your registration online or what to do if you want to be self-employed.

🧐 What is the NUSS and what is the difference with the NAF?

The Unique Social Security Number (NUSS) is your lifelong identifier within the Spanish system. It is like your "work ID". You need it to work, to apply for benefits (such as unemployment benefit), pensions, or to register as self-employed.

Often, when filling in paperwork or speaking with your company, you will hear talk of the NAF (Affiliation Number), which causes a lot of confusion. Are they the same? For practical purposes, yes, they are the same 12-digit number.

The only difference is its "status":

• The NUSS is the basic identification number (for example, you can be given one to be a beneficiary of health services or school insurance as a student, without ever having worked).

• The NAF is exactly that same number, but its name changes at the moment you start working for the first time. Upon signing a contract, you "affiliate" to the system to contribute and your NUSS becomes your NAF.

👁️ How to Check If You Already Have a NUSS?

Rest assured that if you have ever worked in Spain, you will already have a NUSS assigned to you. Therefore, you can always check it by reviewing an old payslip or a previous employment contract. 

In any case, you can also request it online. You only have to access the Social Security Number Accreditation section within the Importass portal. There you can request a report certifying your NUSS (specifically, you can download a duplicate of the assignment resolution). 

To access it, you must use any of these systems: 

• Digital Certificate or electronic DNI: This is the fastest option if you already have it installed on your computer.

• Cl@ve Permanente / Cl@ve PIN: The Spanish Government's standard identification system.

• Via SMS: If your mobile phone number is already in the Social Security databases, you will receive a one-time code to log in.

• Without a certificate (via form): If you do not have any of the above, Importass allows you to send a request by attaching a photo of your identity document (DNI, NIE or passport) and taking a selfie to verify your identity. An official will validate your request and, in a few days, you will receive a notification by email or SMS with a link to download the official PDF. 

🙋🏽 How to Request the NUSS on Your Own

If you are going to work for a company, it is not strictly necessary for you to complete this procedure (as we will see in the next point, they can do it for you). However, if you prefer to do it yourself (for example, because you are going to be self-employed and it is compulsory, or because you want to have it ready on your CV before looking for a job), the process is very simple.

💻 Online (Importass Portal)

You just have to access the process directly to Apply for a Social Security Number within the Importass portal. To access, you must use any of the identification methods mentioned in the previous point (Certificate, Cl@ve, SMS or form without certificate) and request the assignment. The system will generate the official NUSS assignment resolution document. 

🏢 In Person (Social Security Offices)

Yes, it can be done in person, but it is compulsory to book an appointment at an office of the General Treasury of the Social Security (TGSS). However, the administration recommends using online channels, as in-person appointments can take weeks depending on your province.

How can you book an appointment? 

• By phone: Calling the National Institute of Social Security - INSS (901 10 65 70 or 91 541 25 30). 

• Online: Through the Social Security Electronic Office or the Importass website, in the following section Appointment for pensions and other benefits. You can schedule it by identifying yourself with a Certificate/Cl@ve, or simply by entering your basic personal details if you do not have electronic identification. 

To do this, you must prepare the following documentation for the day of your appointment: 

• Identity document (DNI, NIE or passport). 

• Model Form TA.1.

• Contact details and usual address. 

⏭️ Next Steps

Depending on whether you are going to work for an employer or be self-employed, the next steps differ according to your case.

💼 Employment (Employee)

What if you do not have the NUSS yet? No problem! If it is your first job, the employer can initiate the procedures to request your NUSS for you. Just by giving them your identity document, they will manage the assignment of the number before hiring you.

What does the company do? They have a legal obligation to process your registration with the Social Security, if you are not already registered, so you can start working.

When is it done? This procedure must be carried out before you start work (even if it is on the same day, but always before your start time).

Automatic notification! If you have your mobile phone registered with Social Security, you will receive an automatic SMS at the exact moment the company processes your registration. It is the best way to confirm that everything is in order!

🧑🏽‍💼 Self-Employment (Freelance)

Here the story changes. Having the NUSS is the prior and indispensable requirement, but no one is going to process the registration for you. Since you are going to be your own boss, you must initiate the legal procedures to register as a professional.

So that you do not make mistakes with the deadlines (which can lead to fines), we explain the two exact steps you must follow below: 

Step 1: Registration with the Tax Agency (Hacienda)

You must communicate that you are starting an economic activity by submitting Form Outline 036 or 037. Here you will indicate your IAE code (your professional sector) and the start date.

Step 2: Registration with Social Security (RETA)

Once registered with the Tax Agency, you have a maximum period of 60 days in advance (or up to the same start day of the activity) to register in the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA) in the Registering as self-employed section through Importass. You will need your NUSS, the Tax Agency registration, and an estimate of your income to calculate your monthly payment.

✨ Bonus Track

⏳ Authorisations That Enable Working Provisionally

After delivering your file, the competent body (UTEX or Foreigners Office) will send you the notice of admission for processing which will enable you to work. In these cases, you will be assigned a NUSS of its own motion (automatically). A advisable piece of advice, before starting work, is to verify that this process has been carried out correctly, and that the NUSS has been assigned to you, either through the Social Security website, by calling or visiting an office. If you cannot verify it, your employer can start the registration for you using only your NIE.

🔐 Authorisations Whose Effectiveness Is Conditioned on Registering with Social Security

In this case, after the processing of your file, you will receive the definitive favorable resolution which will enable you to work. Remember that the effectiveness of the authorisation will be conditioned upon registration with the Social Security within a period of one month from the notification of the resolution. Therefore, it is important to carry out the procedure within the deadline so as not to run the risk of the authorisation being terminated.

⭐️ Traam can help you manage your immigration procedure, providing guides and support from our legal team. Trust us to make managing your permit a faster, easier experience while ensuring there are no errors in your application. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.