If you’re living and working in Spain, social security is an essential part of your legal and financial life. Whether you’re an employee, freelancer (autónomo), or looking to access public healthcare, you need to be registered with the Spanish Social Security system.
This guide explains how Spanish social security works for foreigners, who needs to register, what it covers, and how to contribute.
🏛️ What Is Spanish Social Security?
The Spanish Social Security system (Seguridad Social) is a state-run program that provides:
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Public healthcare access
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Pensions and retirement benefits
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Unemployment assistance
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Sick leave and disability benefits
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Parental leave
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Work injury compensation
To access these benefits, you must register and make contributions.
👥 Who Needs to Register?
You must register with the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS) if you:
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Are employed in Spain
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Work as a freelancer (autónomo)
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Start a business
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Intend to hire employees
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Apply for public healthcare without private insurance
Even EU citizens need to register if they work or are long-term residents.
📝 How to Register for Social Security in Spain
📍 Where to Register
You can register in person at your local TGSS office or online (with a digital certificate or Cl@ve PIN).
🧾 Documents Needed
To register for a Social Security Number (Número de la Seguridad Social), provide:
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Passport or NIE
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Empadronamiento certificate (sometimes requested)
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Work contract (if employed) or autónomo registration form
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Completed TA.1 form (Social Security Application)
💡 You’ll receive your Número de la Seguridad Social the same day in most cases.
💶 Making Social Security Contributions
✅ Employees
Your employer deducts and pays your social security contributions automatically. The total is around 36% of your salary, but:
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~6.45% is paid by you (employee)
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~29.9% is paid by your employer
✅ Freelancers (Autónomos)
You must pay your own monthly contributions. Rates vary depending on your income and chosen base but typically start at:
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~€230/month (with reductions)
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Up to €294/month (standard rate)
Note: New autónomos benefit from a flat rate (€80/month for 12 months) under the new regime.
🏥 Does It Include Public Healthcare?
Yes. Once you’re registered and contributing, you gain access to Spain’s public healthcare system, which is high quality and largely free.
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Dependents (spouse, children) can also be covered
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You’ll receive a healthcard (Tarjeta Sanitaria) tied to your region
If you’re not employed but meet other criteria (e.g. low income, over 65, retired), you may qualify through convenio especial or other residency-based routes.
👴 What About Pensions?
To qualify for a state pension, you need:
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Minimum 15 years of contributions in Spain or via international agreements
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Be 67 years old (or 65 with 38+ years of contributions)
Spain has agreements with many countries (EU, UK, USA, Argentina, etc.) allowing you to combine contribution years for eligibility.
📦 Benefits of Being Registered
| Benefit | Available When Registered? |
|---|---|
| Public Healthcare | ✅ Yes |
| Maternity/Paternity Leave | ✅ Yes |
| Unemployment Benefits | ✅ Yes (must meet criteria) |
| Pension Contributions | ✅ Yes |
| Sick Leave Pay | ✅ Yes |
| Residency Applications | ✅ Supports your file |
📌 Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Not registering early when starting freelance work
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Assuming EU citizens are exempt — they are not
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Failing to notify TGSS of address or status changes
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Not paying as autónomo but continuing to invoice — this is illegal
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Relying only on private insurance for healthcare (may be rejected for residency renewals)
🤝 Need Help with Spanish Social Security?
At Borderless Lawyers, we help clients:
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Register for Spanish social security
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Set up freelance/self-employed status (alta como autónomo)
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Resolve contribution errors or disputes
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Prepare for residency applications or healthcare access