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.

How to get a Social Security number in Spain

There are two main ways to get your Social Security number:

1. Online. You can be assigned a Social Security number by following this online form. To do so, however, you will need to be registered with Cl@ve or have a certificado digital (see below).
2. In person. If you prefer to do this in an office or over the phone, you can make an appointment here.

TIP: If you need an in-person appointment as a matter of urgency, select the option “Primera cita disponsible en cualquier centro de esta provincial” (note that these could be very far away). If, however, you would prefer an appointment in Malaga city, choose “Primera cita disponsible en el centro más próximo a este código postal” and enter your postcode.

If attending an office in person, 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.

Social Security offices in Malaga city

There are three Social Security offices close to Malaga city centre: one in the area next to El Corte Inglés, another on Avenida Andalucía, and a third in El Palo. You can use this tool to find out the office closest to you.

The usual opening hours at INSS offices are from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 2 pm.

Cl@ve and the certificado digital

Cl@ve and the certificado digital are two ways that allow you to carry out important administrative tasks online. If you’re planning on staying in Spain in the long term, it’s advisable to get access to these as soon as possible to make everything else smoother.

You must set up your accounts for these through Social Security, too, and you can make an appointment here.

Daryl Finch

Daryl is the co-founder of Malaga Guru. He is a copywriter, editor and translator who moved to Malaga a decade ago 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 this site in 2016.