NUSS in Spain: what is the social security number

What is NUSS?

NUSS - Número de la Seguridad Social, on Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS), he is also called Número ~nicco de la Seguridad Social, identifying a person in his relationship with Seguridad Social. [1][2]Sometimes it's called NEXS, but in the official Spanish sources we've opened, NUSS is used, and that's what we write.

NUSS coincides with Número de Aphiliación (NAF): it "turns" into NAF when a person first starts the work that causes the system to enter in any mode: general, autonomos, marine [1][2]Article 15 Ley General de la Seguridad Social calls itself afiliación unified for all life and the whole system [4]. TGSS adds that there is no need to update the NUSS [2].

How does NUSS differ from NIE and Tarjeta Sanitaria?

For NUSS, you'll need NIE, DNI or passport data, but NIE itself does not give Seguridad Social. NIE, TIE and residence permit: What's the differenceWhat is an alta and NETA explains the article RETA and Alta.

Who needs NUSS?

NUSS is needed for the first registration at Seguridad Social at the beginning of work, pensions, benefits and other benefits [3]The regional health system uses it to formalize the Tarjeta Sanitaria and the right to health care [1][3]If you're hired by a Spanish company, she'll have to sign the number. [1].

There are other groups: students under 28 years of age, students in official programmes (from the third year of ESO to the end of the third university cycle) receive their own number as part of Seguro Escolar; since 1 January 2024 students have been included in the system in practice, whether paid or not, and they also need NUSS [1].

Whether the DNV holder who works for a foreign employer and is not registered with Seguridad Social in Spain, TGSS sources do not speak. This depends on the case and your work pattern: there is a separate material for DNV. Social insurance on DNV.

How do you get NUSS?

1. If you are hired by a company and no number, she will request it; otherwise, ask for the number yourself at the Importasse service "Socitar el Número de la Seguridad Social" [1][3].
2. Prepare the data of the NIE or DNI, mobile phone, e-mail and address of residence [3].
3. Identify via Cl@ve, electronic certificate or DNIe [1]If not, attach a photo of both sides of the document and the selfie, fill in the TA.1 model. [3].
4. When requested, the system assigns a number, and you save a document confirmation that can be downloaded and printed. [1][2].

The stepwise order is described in the article How to get a social security numberFor the child, the request is made by the parent or guardian with the child ’s documents and confirmation of parental authority. [3]The price for NUSS is not included on the service page; the value is not mentioned on any of the TGSS pages we read.

Where do you find the NUSS already assigned?

You may have the number if you have already worked in Spain or have been covered by Seguro Escalar. [3]You can find it in the Importasse private office after identification, download a document of confirmation, and the number is also listed in nómina, the employment contract and informe de vida laboral. [1]Do not open any external sites for request for number: the service is available on the official TGSS portal.

What we don't know is whether the TGSS offices require additional documents when they are delivered face to face, and how quickly Barcelona handles the request without electronic identification. We haven't found any official data on this. If you choose the basis for a residence permit with the right to work, look at this. Worksheet Overview on the page Residence permit in Barcelona.

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The source is viewed on 02.10.2026 · NEXO · Drafting Draft · Sources do not replace individual legal advice.