Social Security: National Provisions

Monthly dues are paid in the form of a percentage of the contribution basis. There are different contribution bases, with lower and upper limits for the different groups into which the professional categories are classified. The types of contribution normally vary each year.

In the general scheme, the contribution basis corresponds approximately to the actual salary of the employed person. There is, however, a minimum limit, equal to the minimum wage (SMI) in the case of full-time employment (reduced proportionally for part-time workers), and a maximum limit, equal to slightly more than five times the minimum wage.

Scheme Types

Spain’s social security system comprises two types of schemes: 

1. Contributory scheme: covers people who live or legally reside in Spain, provided they are employed or self-employed within Spain.
2. Non-contributory scheme: this Social Security system applies to all Spaniards resident within Spain; Latin Americans, Portuguese, Brazilians, Nationals of Andorra and the Philippines and nationals of other countries covered by treaties, bilateral agreements or conventions.

The contributory level comprises: a general scheme covering all employed persons not included in special schemes as well as some categories of civil servants, and five special schemes for the agricultural sector, for mariners, for self-employed persons, for domestic servants and for coal miners.

• Registration is compulsory: every worker is obliged to pay contributions to the scheme corresponding to his or her field of activity. No-one can be simultaneously insured under two schemes for one and the same occupation.
• Protection covers sickness and maternity benefits, invalidity benefits, old age pensions, survivors' benefits, death grants, industrial accidents and occupational diseases, unemployment and family benefits.

In order to receive health care you must be in possession of a health card entitling you to social security medical treatment, which can only be provided in social security health centres.

• For relevant Social Security addresses: Click here
• See also AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Social Security and Health Insurance in Spain

Last updated: 08/08

Source: European Union
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