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

Yes, either a certificate of coverage from your home country or registration in the Spanish system.

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

Through the SSA Office of International Programs, usually requested by your employer. See the SSA's certificate of coverage page.

I'm a freelancer. Does the SSA certificate work for me?

It depends on whether the agreement covers your situation. Many self-employed applicants register in Spain instead. Check with the SSA and your consulate.

How do I get a certificate of coverage from the SSA for Spain?

Updated 2026-11-12 · Documents guide · Not legal advice

Request it from the Social Security Administration's Office of International Programs under the US–Spain social security (totalization) agreement; it shows you remain covered by US Social Security while working in Spain. Spain accepts this type of certificate, or registration in Spanish social security, as proof for the digital nomad visa.

Social security proof by situation
Your situation	Usual proof	Where
Employee of a US company	Certificate of coverage (US–Spain agreement)	SSA Office of International Programs
Self-employed American	Registration in Spain's self-employed regime (RETA), or certificate if the agreement covers you	Seguridad Social / SSA
Employee of a company in another agreement country	That country's certificate of applicable legislation	That country's social security agency
No agreement applies	Registration in Spanish social security	Seguridad Social

How to request it

The SSA explains how to request a certificate of coverage on its certificate of coverage page. Employers usually submit the request for employees. Ask for it early; it is often one of the last documents to arrive.

Why Spain asks for it

Spain requires that your social security is covered somewhere. You also sign a responsible declaration committing to meet social security obligations before you start working in Spain.

Quick answers

Do I need a social security certificate for the Spain digital nomad visa?: Yes, either a certificate of coverage from your home country or registration in the Spanish system.
How do I get a certificate of coverage from the US Social Security Administration?: Through the SSA Office of International Programs, usually requested by your employer. See the SSA's certificate of coverage page.
I'm a freelancer. Does the SSA certificate work for me?: It depends on whether the agreement covers your situation. Many self-employed applicants register in Spain instead. Check with the SSA and your consulate.

What to do next

Not sure which social security route applies to you? Check your case for free.

Run the free eligibility check

Sources

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