Do I have to pay Spanish social security on a digital nomad visa?

Checked on 2026-10-25

Consular guidance asks every digital nomad applicant to sign a declaration committing to Spanish social security obligations before starting work. You then prove coverage: your employer's registration in Spanish social security, your own registration as self-employed, or, for employees covered by a social security agreement, a certificate from your home country.

Key facts

What	The source says	Source
The law	The law applies without prejudice to the tax and social security obligations that apply to you	Ley 14/2013, art. 62.5
Declaration	A sworn declaration that you will meet Spanish social security obligations before you start working	Washington guidance, point 14; Istanbul guidance, point 12
Option 1	Proof that the company is registered in Spanish social security	Washington guidance, point 13.a
Option 2	Proof that you are registered, or have asked to register, as self-employed (RETA)	Washington guidance, point 13.b
Option 3 (employees only)	A certificate of coverage under a social security agreement between your country and Spain, plus health insurance for the risks the Spanish public system covers	Washington guidance, point 13.c
No NIE yet	Your passport is enough to register with social security during the first six months	Ley 14/2013, art. 76.5

What the consulates ask for

Both the Washington and Istanbul consulates ask for a sworn declaration (declaración responsable) that you will meet your Spanish social security obligations before starting work.

The Washington consulate then asks for one of three proofs: your employer’s registration in Spanish social security; your own registration, or registration request, in the Spanish self-employed scheme (RETA); or, for employees whose company agrees to the remote work, a certificate of coverage under the US–Spain social security agreement together with health insurance.

The Istanbul consulate puts it this way: if you are an employee and no international social security coordination rule covers you, show the company’s registration in Spanish social security or its request to register.

Registering without an NIE

Ley 14/2013 (art. 76.5) says that for the permits in this part of the law, your passport is enough to register with Spanish social security during the first six months of your stay or residence if you have no NIE yet; you apply for the NIE later.

The Washington consulate notes that without a Spanish electronic certificate or Cl@ve you cannot file the online registration yourself and can use an authorised representative in Spain (Washington guidance, point 13.b).

Sources

Change history

2026-10-25: Page created

This is general information, not legal advice, and Lumen is not a law firm. Rules change and offices differ: check the official sources above before you act. Found something wrong or out of date? Write to support@lumen.observer.