Getting your social security number (número de afiliación)

Terms used

• NUSS — The NUSS is your 12-digit social security number, assigned by the Spanish social security treasury.
• NIE — The NIE is the identity number given to foreigners in Spain; it is not your social security number.
• TGSS — The TGSS is the social security treasury, the body that assigns social security numbers and registers workers.
• TIE — The TIE is the residence card issued to foreigners living in Spain.
• Alta — The alta is your registration with social security, usually done by your employer when you start work.
• Vida laboral — The vida laboral is your official record of the jobs and social security periods you have in Spain.
• Cita previa — A cita previa is an appointment you book in advance to be seen at a public office.
• Cl@ve — Cl@ve is the government's online identity system for using official websites.

Key rules

• NUSS vs NIE: Your social security number and your NIE are two different numbers from two different authorities.
• Length: A valid social security number has 12 digits.
• One number: You keep one number for life, so check for an existing one before applying.
• Employer: Your employer can request the number when registering you.

Your social security number is not your NIE

You need two different numbers. The NIE identifies you as a foreigner. The número de afiliación, often called the NUSS, is your social security number. It has 12 digits and is assigned by the TGSS. Do not give one where the other is asked for.

Check whether you already have one

You may already have a number. Look on an old payslip, a Social Security card or a vida laboral. If you worked in Spain before, you keep the same number for life. Do not apply for a second one.

Who gets it for you

Your employer can usually request the number when they register you (the alta). Ask them before you apply yourself. If you are self-employed, between jobs or need it before you start, apply yourself.

How to apply yourself

1. Fill in the TA.1 form, the application to assign a number.
2. Gather your passport, or your NIE or TIE. The documents list below has the full set.
3. Apply in one of two ways:
   • In person: book a cita previa at a TGSS office. Appointment availability varies by province, so look at several offices if your area is full.
   • Online: use the Social Security electronic office with Cl@ve or a digital certificate.
4. The TGSS issues the number. For in-person applications this is often the same day.

Requirements can vary a little between offices. If staff ask for proof of address or other residence papers, bring them.

Check that the number is right

The number should have 12 digits. It should match your alta confirmation or your Social Security card, and later your payslips. If your employer's paperwork shows a different number, ask them to correct it straight away.

If you lose it

You can get it again from the TGSS. Use the Import@ss service on the Social Security electronic office with Cl@ve or a digital certificate, and choose the number-consultation service. You can also ask by phone or in person at a TGSS office with a cita previa. Bring your NIE and passport.

The checklist and the questions below cover the rest.

Documents you need

• A valid passport, or your NIE or residence card (TIE), as your identity document.

• The application form to assign a social security number (model TA.1), filled in.

• A proof of address or other residence papers, if the office asks for them.

Checklist

• Check whether you already have a number on a payslip, Social Security card or vida laboral.

• Remember your NIE is a different number from your social security number, and do not give one where the other is asked.

• Ask your employer whether they will request the number when they register you.

• Book a cita previa at a TGSS office, or apply online with Cl@ve or a digital certificate.

• Bring your passport or NIE and the filled-in TA.1 form to the office.

• Check that the number you receive has 12 digits and appears on your alta confirmation or Social Security card.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a proof of address to apply for a social security number?

Yes, you may need one, because some offices ask for a proof of address or other residence papers on top of your ID and the TA.1 form. Ask the office when you book your appointment so you bring everything.

What can I do if I lose my social security number?

You can get it again online, by phone or in person. Online, use the number-of-affiliation report on the Seguridad Social electronic office with Cl@ve or a digital certificate. By phone, call 901 50 20 50 or 91 541 13 94.

Where can I find my social security number on my documents?

You can find your 12-digit number on your Social Security card, your payslips and your employer's alta confirmation. It also appears on your vida laboral, the report of your work history.

Can my employer get my social security number for me?

Yes, your employer can request a number for you when they register you as a worker. If you apply yourself, you can do it online or at a TGSS office, and in-person applications are often answered the same day.