Spanish Social Security System: Registration and Benefits

System Security: Prevention and Relief

The security system is an integrated package for the prevention and relief of personal risks through individualized and measurable economic benefits.

General System Eligibility

• Persons aged 16 years and foreigners residing in Spain.
• Employed workers, salesmen, bullfighters, artists, professional athletes, prisoners, clergy.
• Individuals working in roles that necessitate inclusion in special work schemes.
• Individuals with marginal employment that does not constitute a primary way of life.

Special Arrangements

• Agrarian workers.
• Self-employed workers (autónomos).
• Special Scheme for domestic employees.
• Special Scheme for coal mining.

General Social Security Scheme

A) Company Registration

Any employer recruiting workers for the first time must apply for registration in the Social Security scheme. This request is performed at the Provincial Department of the Treasury of the SSES and is unique and valid nationwide for the company's lifetime. Employers must report any data changes within 6 calendar days to the General Treasury of Social Security.

B) Membership of Employees

Membership is an obligatory, unique, and lifelong act. It can be requested by the employer or the employee and must be addressed to the Provincial Directorate of the General Treasury. The application requires the employee's ID. The worker is assigned a membership number and an affiliation document.

C) High, Low, and Variation of Data

Employers must report additions, removals, or changes to their employees' data. If the employer fails to do so, the employee can initiate the process directly, or it may be processed automatically through the Labor Inspectorate.

• Added: Formal affiliation to a specific Social Security regime.
• Low: Must be reported within 6 calendar days of dismissal.
• Variations Data: Must be reported within 6 calendar days of the data change.