How to get your Spanish social security number (NUSS) online in 2026

TL;DR

TL;DR — In 2026 you can request your Spanish social security number (NUSS) fully online in most cases. Fill the ImportASS form on the Seguridad Social website, upload ID, and get the NUSS by email within 3–7 working days. No appointment needed.

What is the NUSS and when do you need it?

The Número de Usuario de la Seguridad Social (NUSS) is your unique social security ID. You need it whenever you:

• Sign a Convenio de Prácticas (paid or unpaid, since the 2023 reform)
• Start any paid work in Spain
• Register with a public health centre (in most regions)
• Apply for public benefits or subsidies

If your internship is under the current regulation, your host company or your university's coordinator will ask for it before day one.

The online route (2026, works for most cases)

Step 1: Go to the ImportASS portal

Navigate to Seguridad Social → ImportASS → "Ciudadanos" → "Asignación de NUSS".

Step 2: Choose the identification method

Three options:

1. Cl@ve PIN or Cl@ve permanente (needs a Spanish DNI/NIE + prior registration)
2. Digital certificate (needs a Spanish resident certificate)
3. Sin certificado — the route most foreign students take

The "sin certificado" option is what you want first time.

Step 3: Fill the form

You'll enter:

• Full name, birth date, nationality
• Passport or NIE number
• Address in Spain (if you have empadronamiento)
• A valid email address
• Reason for request (Convenio de Prácticas, employment, etc.)

Step 4: Upload documents

• Passport (photo page)
• NIE certificate if you have one
• Convenio or offer letter if requested (some cases)

Step 5: Submit and wait

Confirmation email arrives immediately. NUSS by email typically within 3–7 working days.

When online doesn't work

• You've been assigned a NUSS previously but can't recall it → use "Consulta y firma de la asignación de tu NUSS" instead of a new request
• Data mismatch flagged by the system → book an in-person appointment at your local INSS office

In-person route

If the online path errors out:

1. Book cita previa at Seguridad Social → INSS/TGSS
2. Bring passport + NIE + one document proving the reason (Convenio, offer letter)
3. Walk out with the NUSS on paper the same day

What the NUSS looks like

It's a 12-digit number formatted XX/XXXXXXXX/XX. Save it to your password manager. You'll be asked for it repeatedly during any paid activity in Spain.

Common issues

• "NUSS already exists" error — you probably got one during a previous study period; use the consultation flow, not a new request
• Documents rejected — passport image blurry or under 300 DPI. Rescan.
• Name mismatch — Spanish systems are strict on hyphens and spaces. Match your passport exactly.

Timeline expectations

Key takeaways

1. NUSS is mandatory for interns under the 2023 regulation.
2. Do it online via ImportASS — no digital certificate needed.
3. Save the number in a password manager the day you receive it.
4. If flagged, book a cita previa at your local INSS office.

FAQ

Can my employer or university get the NUSS for me? Yes — the Convenio process usually triggers it if you don't already have one. Confirm with your placement coordinator before doing it yourself.

Do I need my NIE first? Passport alone works for the online request. Adding the NIE speeds up validation.

Does the NUSS give me access to public healthcare? It's a prerequisite. Actual healthcare enrolment happens at your regional Centro de Salud with the NUSS + TIE + empadronamiento.