Registering and getting a Social Security number in Malaga
Registering with Seguridad Social (social security) is another essential step for anyone who would like to stay long term in Malaga, get a job and have access to free healthcare.
You require a social security number for any work contract in order to start working legitimately and to begin making pension contributions.
There are a number of social security offices close to the centre, in the area next to El Corte Inglés, as well as in El Palo. You can use this tool to find out the office closest to you.
There are two main ways to get your social security number:
- Online. You can be assigned a SS number by following this online form.
- In an office. If you prefer to do this in an office, you can make an appointment here. The usual opening hours at INSS offices are from Monday to Friday, from 9.00 am to 2.30 pm. Once there, when called to an agent’s desk, they will ask for your NIE and passport (as well as copies) before providing you with your social security number on the spot.
It’s important to note that getting a number does not mean that you are ‘affiliated’. This only happens when an employer (or yourself) officially registers the start of a work contract.
Daryl moved to Malaga permanently in 2014 having first fallen in love with the city on his Erasmus year. After working for many years at local expat newspaper SUR in English, Daryl gained expert knowledge in life from the perspective of foreign residents and decided to co-found Malaga Guru in 2016.