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Your roadmap: the Social Security number

You need your Social Security number (NUSS) to start working.

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  1. Get your NIE first

    The Social Security application asks for your foreigner ID. If you do not have a NIE yet, start there; this order saves you a wasted trip.

    How to do it, step by step

  2. Get your Social Security number

    It is free, you get it once for life, and it is often issued online. Your employer needs it to register you before your first day of work.

    You need first: step 1

    How to do it, step by step

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Frequently asked questions

Does the Social Security number expire?

No. You get it once and it stays with you for your whole working life in Spain, even if you change jobs, move province or leave the country for a few years.

Do I apply for it or does my employer?

If you never had a number, either your employer or you can request it. Doing it yourself speeds up your hiring, and the guide shows how to do it online.

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