Spain’s Social Security system

on October 6, 2020

Spain’s Social Security system is one of the best in the world. As a new resident in any country, we want to have all our documentation up to date. Although there are some documents that will be very specific to each country, the Social Security number is universal.

Now, in the Iberian territory this number is not automatically assigned with your residence or even being national, but you have to request it. Do not worry, we will be in charge of explaining everything, so keep reading!

What the Social Security does?

Social Security in Spain is an institution that is in charge of managing the resources collected by the economic activity of nationals and residents and redistributing it to ensure the social benefits established in the Constitution and laws.

Thus, anyone who generates an economic activity must contribute to Social Security. It does not matter if the activity is dependent or independent in nature, or if it is legally carried out by a natural or a legal person.

These contributions will depend on the income of the people and their situation to receive ti. Ddepending on it, they will contribute for certain things or not. For example, people in a situation of dependency contribute for unemployment benefit. However, those who are self-employed do not and everyone contribute to retirement.

And how do I sign up?

The Social Security number or affiliation code, that is its technical name, is a different number from the identification number of citizens or residents, To get a Social Security number, you must made a request in a Social Security office, which are located throughout the national territory.

You must assist with the identification document that applies according to the nature of the person DNI or NIE and passport to the Social Security office and they will issue your contribution number.

Once obtained, it must be shared with your employer to make the different deductions from wages and “deposit” it in your security account. If you are a serlf-employed worker, you must have it to make the corresponding payments.

What happens to those people who do not carry out work activities?

All those who do not carry out work activity will not be able to obtain a Social Security number. In the case of Spaniards, they will be able to obtain it.

In the case of foreigners, they will not be able to obtain said number if they do not demonstrate the reason why they require said number, that is, their economic activity regardless of which of the two cases it is.

However, you can always make use of health services even if you do not have economic activity if it is an emergency.