← All guidesVISAS · REQUIRED
Obtain a social-security certificate of coverage (e.g. US/Spain totalization, UK A1) from your home country — or otherwise register with Spanish Social Security
Social security is the DNV's trickiest corner: Spain wants to know your contributions are handled somewhere. A certificate of coverage under a totalization agreement (the US one, or the UK's A1) keeps you in your home system; without one, the alternative is registering with Spanish Social Security. Which path applies depends on your employment structure — this is a question worth settling before the application, not after.
WHEN IT'S DUE
Due 60 days before you arrive in Spain.
WHY IT MATTERS
A legal requirement for your situation. Verified against an official government source (AEAT, extranjería, BOE).
WHAT COMES FIRST
• Identify your visa categoryView the official source ↗
LOLA'S TIP
Consulate appointments book out weeks ahead — secure the slot first, then assemble the paperwork.
Where does this fall in your move?
Whether this step even applies — and when it's due — depends on your passport, work, family and plans. Answer a few questions and Get Camino builds your full roadmap, every step in the right order with real deadlines.
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