Good to know · Work

US-Spain Social Security totalization agreement

Under the US-Spain Social Security (totalization) agreement, a US worker temporarily sent to work in Spain (or a self-employed person moving their activity for 5 years or less) can remain covered solely by the US system and obtain a certificate of coverage/exemption to avoid also paying Spanish social security contributions; the agreement also lets a worker combine US and Spanish coverage credits to help qualify for retirement benefits in either country where they otherwise lack enough credits under one system alone.

Why it matters

US citizens moving to Spain for work (especially short-term assignments or self-employment) can avoid paying into both countries' social security systems simultaneously, and can protect their eventual US and/or Spanish retirement benefit eligibility even with a split work history.

When

A US citizen begins working for a US employer in Spain, becomes self-employed while living in Spain, or is approaching retirement with contribution history split between the US and Spain.

How long it takes

Not confirmed for current processing times.

Official page

Last checked

15 Oct 2026