DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED a) A valid
passport or national identity card APPLICATION PROCRESS TESORERÍA
GENERAL DE LA SEGURIDAD SOCIAL When you enter the offices, head straight for the clerk sitting behind desk nearby and explain that you want to apply for a social security number. (If your language skills are not up to scratch, simply handing over the completed form tends to get across the message.) You’ll be handed a skip of paper with an appointment number printed on it. And then it’s simply a case of sitting and waiting for that number to appear on the screen above the desk. When it does appear, make your way to the desk number shown and hand over your paperwork to the clerk. Assuming everything meets the requirements, you will be handed back a certificate of social security registration on which you’ll find your number. |
Note: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid for healthcare if the holder is resident in Spain. |
If you
plan to live and work legally in Spain and contribute into the
system, you need to apply for a social security number in order to qualify for
benefits such as public healthcare. This number can be obtained from the
Seguridad Social office in Paseo Saladar in Denia. 
Armed with
a social security registration number, you can apply for a health card (SIP
card) at the Centro de Salud in
Javea. When you enter the health centre, turn right and head for the desk to
the right of the stairs. Hand over your paperwork to the clerk – you’ll need
your social security registration, a padron certificate and a form of
identification, such as a passport or national identity card; if you have an
employment contract, it’s a good idea to present that as well. (It’s always
beneficial to take several copies of everything so speed up the process.)
Assuming everything is satisfactory, the clerk will hand back a temporary SIP
card. A permanent SIP card will often be issued months after the temporary
one has expired although it will still accepted. The
clerk in the health centre will normally let you know
if you need to upgrade to a permanent card.
