How do I get a certificate of coverage from the US Social Security Administration?

Your employer (or you, if self-employed) requests it from the SSA's Office of International Programs. See the SSA guide.

Does my employer need to sign anything?

Yes: a letter authorising remote work from Spain, and typically their part of the certificate-of-coverage request. See employer letter.

Do I need a social security certificate for the Spain digital nomad visa with a foreign employer?

Updated 2026-11-12 · Spain nomad visa guide · Not legal advice

Yes, you must show how you will be covered by social security while working from Spain. Employees of a foreign company usually provide a certificate of coverage under their country's social security agreement with Spain (for Americans, from the SSA under the US–Spain agreement) or the employer registers them in the Spanish system; self-employed applicants register in Spain's self-employed regime (RETA) or show a certificate if their country's agreement covers them.

Social security options by situation
Your situation	Usual option	Document
Employee of a US company	Stay in US social security under the US–Spain agreement	SSA certificate of coverage
Employee, country with an agreement with Spain	Certificate under that agreement	Certificate from your home system
Employee, no agreement	Employer registers you in Spanish social security	Spanish registration
Self-employed / freelancer	Register in Spain's self-employed regime (RETA)	Proof of registration after approval
All applicants	Commit to comply with social security obligations	Signed responsible declaration (declaración responsable)

How Americans get the certificate

Under the US–Spain totalization agreement, a US employer can request a certificate of coverage from the Social Security Administration's Office of International Programs, showing you keep paying US social security and are exempt from Spanish contributions for the covered period. See SSA certificate of coverage for the request process.

If your employer won't help

Ask HR whether they can request the SSA certificate. It is usually a short form for them.
If they won't, the alternative is Spanish registration, which may mean employer-side obligations in Spain. Get advice before you file.
Contractors paid through a US company of their own are treated differently; see freelancers.

Quick answers

Do I need a social security certificate for the Spain digital nomad visa?: If you are an employee and want to stay in your home system, yes: a certificate of coverage under the bilateral agreement. Otherwise you need Spanish registration.
How do I get a certificate of coverage from the US Social Security Administration?: Your employer (or you, if self-employed) requests it from the SSA's Office of International Programs. See the SSA guide.
Does my employer need to sign anything?: Yes: a letter authorising remote work from Spain, and typically their part of the certificate-of-coverage request. See employer letter.

What to do next

Tell us whether you are an employee or freelancer and we'll list the exact social security documents for your case.

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Sources

Checked: 2026-11-12. Rules change; confirm current values on the official pages above before you file.