Social Security
Getting a Social Security Number before starting work
Why you need a Social Security number (NUSS) before your first job in Spain, and how it differs from being registered as active.
This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.
Overview
Before you can legally start any job or self-employed activity in Spain, you need a Social Security number (NUSS, Número de la Seguridad Social) — a separate identifier from your NIE. If you've never worked in Spain before, this is normally the first step, done either by you or, in some cases, arranged by your first employer.
Requirements
- A valid NIE
- Residency and work authorisation appropriate to your situation, where required by your nationality and visa type
Step-by-step process
- Check first whether you already hold a NUSS from a previous stay in Spain — you should never be issued a second one
- If you don't have one, complete form TA.1 via the Social Security electronic office (Sede Electrónica) if you hold a digital certificate or Cl@ve, or in person at a Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS) office
- Some employers handle this application for you as part of onboarding a first-time worker — ask before doing it yourself to avoid duplicating the request
- Once assigned, keep your NUSS on file — you'll need it for every job, benefit claim or healthcare registration going forward
Required documents
- NIE
- Passport
- Residency/work authorisation, where applicable
- Completed form TA.1
Common mistakes
- Confusing the NUSS with your NIE — they're separate numbers issued by different authorities for different purposes
- Applying for a new number without checking whether you already have one from an earlier period in Spain
Practical tips
- Having a NUSS is not the same as being actively registered (alta) — you still need your employer to complete that step once you start working
- This process is identical whether you're applying for general administrative reasons or specifically because you're about to start a job — see our Paperwork guide for the general version
How Tuchati can help
If you're not sure whether you already have a Social Security number from a previous stay, or need help completing the TA.1 before starting a new job, Tuchati can guide you through it.