Key Takeaways
- Spain’s social security system (Seguridad Social) covers healthcare, pensions, unemployment, maternity/paternity, disability, and sick pay.
- Employees contribute ~6.35% of gross salary; employers contribute ~30% on top of that.
- You need a minimum of 15 years of contributions to qualify for a pension. Full pension requires 37+ years.
- Unemployment benefit (prestación por desempleo) pays 70% of salary for 6 months, then 50% — for a maximum period based on contribution history.
- The Convenio Especial allows non-working residents to buy into public healthcare (EUR 60-157/month) even without employment.
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Spain’s social security system is one of the most comprehensive in Europe — and one of the most expensive to fund. Understanding how it works matters whether you’re employed, self-employed, retired, or just trying to access healthcare as an expat.
How You’re Covered
Employed Workers (Régimen General)
If you work for a Spanish employer, you’re automatically enrolled. Your employer registers you, and contributions are deducted from your salary:
- Employee contribution: ~6.35% of gross salary
- Employer contribution: ~30% of gross salary (paid by the employer on top of your salary — you never see this on your payslip)
What EUR 2,000/month gross salary actually costs:
- You receive: ~EUR 1,720 (after ~6.35% social security + income tax withholding)
- Employer pays: EUR 2,000 salary + ~EUR 600 employer contributions = EUR 2,600 total cost
Self-Employed (Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos — RETA)
If you’re an autónomo, you pay your own social security:
- Since 2023, contributions are based on actual income (not a flat rate)
- Minimum: ~EUR 230/month (for income under EUR 670/month)
- Scales up to ~EUR 500+/month for higher earners
- New autónomos get a reduced rate of EUR 80/month for the first 12 months (tarifa plana)
Non-Working Residents
If you’re not employed or self-employed but want public healthcare:
- Convenio Especial: Voluntary social security subscription. EUR 60/month (under 65) or EUR 157/month (65+). Covers healthcare only — not pension contributions.
- S1 form (UK/EU pensioners): If you receive a state pension from your home country, the S1 entitles you to Spanish public healthcare paid for by your home country.
What Social Security Covers
Healthcare (Asistencia Sanitaria)
Full access to the Spanish public healthcare system:
- GP visits, specialist referrals, hospital treatment, emergency care — all free at point of use (see what expats actually pay)
- Prescriptions: co-payment based on income (working adults ~40-60%, pensioners ~10%, capped)
- Covers your dependent family members (spouse, children under 26)
Pension (Pensión de Jubilación)
- Minimum contribution period: 15 years (at least 2 of the last 15 years must be recent)
- Full pension: 37 years of contributions (100% of calculation base)
- Retirement age: 66 years and 4 months (2026), rising to 67 by 2027. Can retire at 65 with 37+ years of contributions.
- Pension calculation: Based on the last 25 years of contributions (being extended from the previous 20 years)
- Maximum pension (2026): ~EUR 3,175/month (14 payments)
- Minimum pension: ~EUR 1,033/month with spouse (14 payments)
For expats: If you’ve contributed to social security in multiple EU countries, your contribution years are combined (EU coordination regulations). Non-EU countries with bilateral social security agreements (US, UK, Canada, Australia) may also allow combining contribution periods.
Unemployment (Prestación por Desempleo)
- Eligibility: Minimum 360 days of contributions in the last 6 years
- Duration: 4 months per year contributed (minimum 120 days, maximum 720 days/2 years)
- Amount: 70% of your base reguladora for the first 180 days, then 50%
- Maximum: ~EUR 1,575/month (no dependents) to ~EUR 1,980/month (2+ dependents)
- Requirements: Must register at the Oficina de Empleo (SEPE) within 15 days of job loss, actively seek work, accept reasonable offers
Sick Leave (Incapacidad Temporal)
- Days 1-3: No payment (unless your convenio colectivo covers it — many do)
- Days 4-15: Employer pays 60% of base salary
- Day 16-20: Social security pays 60%
- Day 21 onwards: Social security pays 75%
- Maximum duration: 365 days (extendable to 545)
Maternity and Paternity Leave
- Maternity: 16 weeks at 100% of base salary (6 weeks mandatory immediately after birth, rest flexible)
- Paternity: 16 weeks at 100% of base salary (equal since 2021 — Spain is among the most generous in the world)
- Both parents can take leave simultaneously — giving 32 weeks of parental care
Your Social Security Number (Número de Afiliación)
Everyone in the Spanish social security system has a unique affiliation number. You get it when you’re first registered — either by your employer or when you apply as an autónomo or for the Convenio Especial.
You need it for:
- Registering at your centro de salud (health centre)
- Getting your tarjeta sanitaria (SIP health card)
- Claiming any benefits (unemployment, sick leave, maternity/paternity)
- Checking your contribution history online at sede.seg-social.gob.es
Checking Your Contribution History
You can check your complete social security history online:
- Go to sede.seg-social.gob.es
- Log in with your certificado digital or Cl@ve
- Request your Informe de Vida Laboral (employment life report)
This shows every period of contribution, every employer, and your total accumulated days. It’s the document that determines your pension and unemployment entitlements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much social security do I pay in Spain?
Employees pay approximately 6.35% of gross salary. Employers pay approximately 30% on top of the gross salary. Self-employed (autónomos) pay EUR 230-500+/month based on income, with a reduced EUR 80/month rate for the first 12 months.
How many years do I need to contribute for a Spanish pension?
Minimum 15 years of contributions (with at least 2 of the last 15 being recent). Full pension requires 37+ years. The pension is calculated on the last 25 years of contributions. If you’ve contributed in multiple EU countries, periods are combined.
Can I access Spanish healthcare without working?
Yes, through the Convenio Especial (EUR 60-157/month) or an S1 form if you receive a state pension from an EU country or the UK. Private health insurance is the alternative, required for Non-Lucrative Visa holders in any case. Our public vs private comparison breaks down the trade-offs.
How long can I receive unemployment benefit in Spain?
Maximum 2 years (720 days), calculated at 4 months of benefit per year contributed. You need at least 360 days of contributions in the last 6 years. Benefits pay 70% of your base for 6 months, then 50%.
Related Guides
- Healthcare in Spain: complete guide for expats (2026)
- Convenio Especial: buying into public healthcare
- What expats actually pay for healthcare in Spain
- Public healthcare access in Spain
- NIE in Spain: complete guide
- Padron registration in Spain
- Healthcare coverage during your first year
Last reviewed: February 2026. Contribution rates and benefit amounts are updated annually — verify current figures at sede.seg-social.gob.es.
