Getting Spanish Social Security card without residence?

linsaywv · 2025-09-28T23:35:01+02:00

Explore how to obtain a Spanish Social Security card from Canada using a relative's residency. Share experiences and tips on this process.

linsaywv Active member

Member since 06 July 2022

linsaywvActive member28 September 2025 21:35:01

I live in Canada. But I acquired a Spanish passport last year and got my DNI card as well. I have some cousins that live in Spain.

The consulate here told me that if I get my cousin to come with me to the Social Security office and found for me including signing a paper saying that I live with them, I would be eligible for Social Security card.

Other than renting an apartment in Spain and being able to provide residency that way I understand that would be the only other way.

Does anyone have experience with getting a Social Security card or the scenario of a relative vouching for their opinions on the subject.

Thank you.

SimCityAT Expert

Member since 08 April 2014

SimCityATExpertYesterday 02:37:46

12551

@linsaywv

I am not sure that is even legal.

gwynj Bulgaria Expert

Member since 30 June 2020

gwynjBulgaria ExpertYesterday 09:11:31

2514

@linsaywv

If you have friends/relatives who own a Spanish property you can certainly ask them to provide you with a letter / quasi rental contract that confirms that you have a room in the property for the next year. This should be accepted for most bureaucratic formalities including padron (might need this first), social security, bank account, etc. It's a bit of a cheapskate move, but I doubt you'd be the only one doing it. :-) You might get away with just rocking up with the paperwork, but it will be more certain if they accompany you to confirm everything personally (and show their Nota Simple to confirm their ownership/entitlement to give you permission to live with them).

However, if you live in Canada I'm not sure why you'd want/need to do something like this (unless you're simply taking care of a few formalities before you relocate and buy/rent your own place).

Immigration and visa assistance

Comprehensive support with Spain visa applications and immigration procedures.

Mariposabicolor Member

Member since 17 January 2025

MariposabicolorMemberYesterday 14:27:24

@linsaywv

To access the Spanish public healthcare system you need a health card, which you can only get if you麓re officially registered in the city or community where you live. If you麓re visiting Spain, you won麓t be able yo apply for that card, but as a Spanish Citizen you can still receive medical attention, you just need to go to a hospital and show your passport or DNI.