Obtain the S1

Ask the responsible institution in the competent country to issue the document for each eligible person.

  • S1 issued for the correct person
  • Personal details checked
  • Copies retained before submission

Prepare for INSS recognition

Check the current INSS service for the available submission route and exact supporting documents.

  • Identity document
  • S1 form
  • Spanish address and residence evidence requested by the service
  • Appointment or online-access requirement checked

Keep proof of recognition

Retain the decision or receipt. The physical S1 and the health card are not the same document.

  • Submission receipt retained
  • Recognition decision retained
  • Each dependant checked separately

Register with the regional service

Take the recognised entitlement to the regional health service or assigned health centre and follow its local procedure.

  • Padrón evidence prepared
  • Regional application completed
  • Health centre assigned
  • Temporary access arrangements asked about if the card is pending
Official sources used for this pageSpanish Social Security: register an S1 European Commission: S1 form

What to do next

Complete the recognition or registration process for the public route that applies to you before deciding whether private cover is needed.