Move to Spain
NIE, TIE, padrón, EU registration, visas, and residency.
ExploreWhere should we begin?
Vacation in Spain
Short visits, entry rules, transport, places to stay, and practical trip planning in Spain.
Live in Spain
Healthcare, banking, taxes, digital access, and the key admin steps for everyday life in Spain.
Not legal advice. Always verify with official sources before filing.
Social Security number
What it is: Your Social Security number, often shown as NUSS or número de afiliación a la Seguridad Social, is assigned when you start employed or self-employed work in Spain, or when you register as an autónomo.
What it is not: It is separate from your NIE, though both are usually needed for employment.
What it connects to: The number stays with you for life and links your contributions to your future pension, unemployment benefits, sick pay, and healthcare entitlement.
Practical note: If you are employed, your employer typically requests it. If you need it earlier or for another procedure, you can request it directly online through Social Security if you can identify yourself, including with a digital certificate.
Next 3 steps
- Confirm whether you need it for employment, self-employment, or another official procedure.
- Prepare identity documents and NIE/TIE or passport details if requested.
- If you have a digital certificate, use it to identify yourself and request the NUSS online through Social Security.
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.
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