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SIP card and health card in Spain: how to apply
How to get the SIP card in the Valencian Community (Alicante, Torrevieja): confirm your healthcare entitlement, then file SIP procedure GVA 21561.
Updated 4 October 2026
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National entitlement + regional card · SIP is specific to the Valencian CommunityPublic healthcare: entitlement first, health card second
Use this guide to separate two steps that are often confused: Spain-wide healthcare entitlement and the regional health card that gives you practical access to your autonomous community's health service. In the Valencian Community, that regional card is the SIP card.
Procedure
First confirm whether your public healthcare entitlement is already recognized in Spain. If recognition is needed, use the Social Security healthcare-entitlement procedure. In the Valencian Community, then register or reactivate yourself in the Sistema de Información Poblacional (SIP) using Generalitat procedure GVA 21561.
Where to go
Healthcare entitlement is handled through the national Social Security system/INSS. Valencian SIP registration is filed with the Generalitat Valenciana; after the electronic request, you go to the health centre assigned to your address to collect the card or inclusion document.
What to select
If Social Security already shows your healthcare right, move on to the regional card step. In Valencia choose 'Alta de un ciudadano en el Sistema de Información Poblacional (SIP)' — GVA 21561. Do not use the lost/damaged-card renewal procedure for a first registration.
Forms and fee
The initial Valencian SIP registration is an electronic procedure and carries no fee. If healthcare entitlement itself still needs recognition, use the INSS online service or the official healthcare-entitlement application route before relying on the regional card step.
Prepare
- Identity details and your DNI/NIE or other accepted identity document for your case
- Your current address in the Valencian Community
- Padrón evidence if the administration cannot verify it electronically or you oppose the electronic check
- Any Social Security or healthcare-entitlement evidence relevant to your coverage situation
- A supported electronic identification/signature method for the Generalitat online filing
- Identification when you attend your assigned health centre to collect the card or inclusion document
What happens after
The Valencian electronic SIP request is designed for an immediate response, followed by an in-person visit to the assigned health centre for collection. SIP records your identification, address and healthcare-coverage status; it does not replace the national decision on entitlement when that decision is required.
Valencian SIP initial registration (GVA 21561)Social Security: healthcare entitlementSocial Security number guide
Official sources checked:
Public health card
What it is: Spain-wide healthcare entitlement and your regional health card are related but separate. The national system determines or records your right to publicly funded healthcare; your autonomous community then uses its own health-card system to give you practical access to local services.
Valencian Community: The regional system is called SIP (Sistema de Información Poblacional). The initial SIP procedure can check healthcare rights and padrón information electronically and records your identification, address, coverage status, assigned health centre and doctor where applicable.
Practical sequence: Confirm your healthcare entitlement first when recognition is needed, then complete the regional card registration. In Valencia, GVA 21561 is the initial SIP registration/recovery procedure and the card or inclusion document is collected at the assigned health centre.
This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.
SIP card: quick answers
What is the SIP card?
SIP (Sistema de Información Poblacional) is the Valencian Community's public health card system, used in Alicante, Torrevieja and the rest of the region. Other regions use names such as TSI or Tarjeta Sanitaria.
How do I get a SIP card in Alicante or Torrevieja?
First make sure your public healthcare entitlement is recognized through Social Security. Then file the Generalitat's initial SIP registration (GVA 21561) and collect the card or inclusion document at the health centre assigned to your address.
Do I need the padrón for the SIP card?
The SIP procedure can check your padrón electronically. Bring padrón evidence if the administration cannot verify it or you opt out of the electronic check.
Does the SIP card cost anything?
No. The initial Valencian SIP registration carries no fee.
Documents that often slow people down
Identity and civil records
- Valid passport or EU national ID.
- Birth, marriage, or partnership records where relevant.
- Legalization or Hague apostille for many foreign public documents.
- Sworn Spanish translations when documents are not accepted as-is.
Spain-side basics
- Address in Spain and, when requested, padrón certificate.
- Immigration appointment confirmation.
- Correct EX form for your procedure.
- Paid tasa receipt, often Modelo 790 with the matching code.
Money, health, purpose
- Proof of economic means for routes that require it.
- Health insurance or public coverage proof where required.
- School admission, remote-work evidence, family link, or permit approval.
- Criminal record certificate for some visas and residence routes.
Not every document applies to every route. The guide should help you narrow this down.
Official sources
Appointments and fees
Identity and residence
Digital access
Residence routes
This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.
Last reviewed: July 2026