NUSS (Número de la Seguridad Social)
The NUSS is your personal social security number in Spain. It identifies you within the Seguridad Social system, which manages your healthcare entitlements, pension contributions, unemployment insurance, and other social benefits. Everyone who interacts with the Spanish social security system, whether as an employee, self employed worker, or pensioner, needs a NUSS.
NUSS versus NIE
The NIE is your tax and identification number as a foreigner. The NUSS is your social security number. They are separate numbers issued by separate institutions. Your NIE is issued by the Policía Nacional and identifies you across all government systems. Your NUSS is issued by the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS) and identifies you specifically within the social security system. You need both. They serve different purposes and neither replaces the other.
Who needs a NUSS
You need a NUSS if you are employed by a Spanish company (your employer typically requests it on your behalf), if you register as autónomo (you request it yourself as part of the registration at the TGSS), if you register as a pensioner or dependent for Spanish public healthcare, or if you are a family member being registered under someone else's social security coverage.
How it connects to your healthcare
Your NUSS is the number printed on your Tarjeta Sanitaria (health card). When you register with a Centro de Salud, your NUSS is what links you to the public healthcare system. Without it, you cannot get a health card or access your assigned GP (Médico de Cabecera).
How to get a NUSS
If you are an employee, your employer handles the registration and you receive your NUSS as part of the alta (registration) process at the TGSS. If you are self employed, you register at the TGSS yourself when you become autónomo. If you are a pensioner registering with an S1 form from your home country, the INSS assigns your NUSS during the registration process. In all cases, you need your NIE or TIE, your passport, and proof of your situation (employment contract, S1 form, or autonomo registration)
