Get your Social Security number
Your Número de Afiliación a la Seguridad Social (NAF) is required to work in Spain, register as autónomo, or access public healthcare through social contributions. Register at your local INSS office.
Official sources
- INSS — Afiliación a la Seguridad Social
Official INSS information on affiliation
- INSS — Online Services
Some registrations can be completed online with a digital certificate
The steps
- 1
Find your local INSS office (Tesorería)
The INSS (Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social) manages social security affiliation through its Tesorería offices. Find your nearest office based on your empadronamiento address.
- 2
If employed: your employer does this for you
If you are working for a Spanish employer, they are legally required to register you with social security as part of your employment contract. You do not need to visit the INSS office in this case — your employer handles it and provides your NAF number.
- 3
If autónomo: register yourself
Self-employed workers must register themselves with the INSS's RETA (Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos) scheme. This is part of the autónomo registration process — see the autónomo route for the full process.
Documents needed
- Valid passport or residence card
- NIE
- Empadronamiento certificate
- 4
If neither: apply directly at INSS
If you need a Social Security number for other reasons (e.g. accessing public healthcare as a contributor), bring your documents to the INSS Tesorería and request affiliation directly.
Time: 30 minutes