Social security registration for employees

Overview

When you start a job as an employee in Spain, your employer is legally responsible for registering you (alta) with Social Security before your first working day. This registration is what activates your healthcare cover, pension contributions and access to benefits like unemployment or sick pay.

Requirements

• A valid NIE and, where required by your nationality, work authorisation
• An employment contract with an employer who registers you before your start date

Step-by-step process

• Get your Social Security number (NUSS) first, if you don't already have one from a previous stay
• Confirm with your employer that they've submitted your alta (registration) before or on your first day of work — this is their legal obligation, not yours
• Once registered, your healthcare coverage, pension contributions and benefit eligibility all become active
• Check your registration status yourself via the Social Security electronic office (Sede Electrónica) or the Tu Seguridad Social app, using your digital certificate or Cl@ve

Required documents

• NIE
• Employment contract
• Social Security number (NUSS), if already assigned

Common mistakes

• Starting work without confirming your employer has actually filed your alta — this leaves you without active cover in the meantime, and is a legal risk for your employer
• Assuming healthcare and benefit eligibility is automatic from day one — some benefits require a minimum contribution period first

Practical tips

• You can check your own alta status online at any time — don't rely solely on your employer's word
• If you change jobs, each new employer files a fresh alta; there's a corresponding baja (deregistration) each time you leave a role

How Tuchati can help

If you're not sure whether you've been correctly registered by your employer, Tuchati can help you check and, if needed, know what to raise with them.