Social Security in Spain: Complete Guide

Social Security in Spain (Seguridad Social) is the system that provides healthcare, pensions, unemployment benefits, and other protections for workers. This guide explains everything you need to know.

What is Spanish Social Security?

The Spanish Social Security system provides:

• Healthcare coverage (public health system)
• Pension (retirement, disability, survivor)
• Unemployment benefits
• Maternity/paternity leave
• Sick leave (temporary disability)
• Work accident coverage
• Family benefits

Who Must Register?

Registration is mandatory for:

• Employees: Employer registers you automatically
• Self-employed (autónomos): Must register yourself
• Company directors
• Domestic workers

Both Spanish citizens and foreign residents working in Spain must register.

How to Register for Social Security

For employees:

1. Employer handles registration
2. Provide NIE and personal details to employer
3. Employer submits to Social Security (Tesorería General)
4. Receive Social Security number within days

For self-employed (autónomos):

1. Register as self-employed (alta de autónomo)
2. Choose contribution base (cuota)
3. Submit online via Sede Electrónica or in person
4. Receive Social Security number
5. Start paying monthly contributions

Contribution Rates

Employee contributions (2026):

• Employee pays: 6.35% of gross salary
• Employer pays: 29.9% of gross salary
• Total: 36.25% of salary
• Deducted automatically from paycheck

Self-employed (autónomo) contributions:

• Minimum quota: €230-294/month (2026)
• Based on income: New system since 2023
• Flat rate for new autónomos: €80/month for first year
• Covers: Healthcare, pension, sick leave

Benefits and Coverage

What Social Security covers:

• Healthcare:
  • Free GP and specialist visits
  • Free hospital treatment
  • Subsidized medications (40-90% discount)
• Pension:
  • Retirement pension (65-67 years)
  • Requires minimum 15 years contributions
  • Full pension: 37 years contributions
• Unemployment benefits:
  • Requires 12 months contributions
  • 70% of average salary (first 6 months)
  • 50% thereafter
  • Duration: 4-24 months depending on contributions
• Maternity/Paternity:
  • 16 weeks paid leave each parent
  • 100% of salary
• Sick leave:
  • 60-75% of salary
  • Paid from day 4 onwards

Social Security Number

Your Social Security number (Número de Afiliación):

• Unique 12-digit number
• Stays with you for life
• Required for all employment
• Different from NIE (though often linked)
• Appears on payslips and official documents

To check your Social Security status, use the online portal: Sede Electrónica de la Seguridad Social.