Proof of life for a Spanish pension paid abroad (VIVESS)

Key rules

• Who must do it: Anyone receiving a Spanish pension while living outside Spain must complete the proof of life.
• Your window: The dates in your notice from the Seguridad Social are the ones that count.
• No paper certificate: VIVESS uses your digital identity and a face check instead of a paper certificate.
• Missed window: Your pension may be suspended until you complete the proof of life and apply to the INSS.

Check the current channels, the timing of your window and the back-payment rules with the Seguridad Social or the INSS.

What you need to do

Complete the VIVESS proof of life whenever the Seguridad Social asks you to, and do it inside the window given in its notice. If you do, your Spanish pension keeps being paid. If you don't, it can be suspended.

Who it applies to

VIVESS is for people who receive a Spanish pension while living outside Spain. It does not apply to foreign pensioners who live in Spain.

How it works

VIVESS is an app and online service run by the Seguridad Social. You confirm your identity with your digital identity and a face check. You don't need a paper certificate.

Make sure your digital identity works before the window opens. Setting it up can take time, so don't leave it to the last days.

When to do it

The proof of life is usually needed about once a year. The Seguridad Social sends you a notice with the exact window. Follow the dates in your notice, not a general rule. Read it as soon as it arrives and note the dates.

What happens if you miss it

Your pension may be suspended. To get it back, complete the proof of life and then apply to the INSS to restore payment. Once it is restored, unpaid amounts may be paid back, depending on how long the suspension lasted. Ask the INSS what applies to your case.

Where to check details

The channels available and how they are rolled out can change. Confirm the current options with the Seguridad Social. The timeline, checklist and FAQ below walk you through the steps.

Timeline and deadlines

• Receive the notice from the Seguridad Social with your proof-of-life window: once a year, before the window opens

• Complete the VIVESS proof of life with your digital identity and a face check: within the window set in your notice

• If you missed the window, complete the proof of life and apply to the INSS to restore payment: as soon as you notice the pension has stopped

Checklist

• Complete the VIVESS proof of life in the app or online service, with the face check, within the window.

• If your pension has been suspended, complete the proof of life and apply to the INSS to restore payment.

What to watch out for

• Your pension may be suspended: If you do not complete the proof of life within the set period, your Spanish pension may be suspended. Complete the proof of life within the window in your notice.

• Getting payment back takes an application: Restoring a suspended pension needs a completed proof of life and an application to the INSS. Payment is generally restored, and arrears may be paid, depending on the length of the suspension. Act as soon as you see payments stop, and ask the INSS about your arrears.

Frequently asked questions

Does VIVESS apply to me if I am a foreign pensioner living in Spain?

No, VIVESS does not apply to foreign pensioners living in Spain.

Do I need a paper certificate to prove I am alive with VIVESS?

No, VIVESS works without a paper certificate. You confirm you are alive through the app or online service, using your digital identity and a face check.

How do I get my Spanish pension back after it was suspended?

You get your pension back by completing the proof of life and applying to the INSS, Spain's social security institute. Payment is then generally restored, and arrears may be paid depending on how long the suspension lasted.