In Spain, there are two types of healthcare: public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) and private healthcare services. Access to the public healthcare system for foreign residents depends heavily on the type of visa you are holding and whether you contribute to the Social Security System.

Public Healthcare Access for Digital Nomads

As a Digital Nomad, you get access to Spain’s public healthcare system if you meet any of the following conditions:

• You are an employee paying through social security through your employer; or
• You are a freelance/self-employed individual registered with the Spanish tax and social security systems.

Once registered, you are entitled to public healthcare under the same conditions as Spanish citizens.

What You Need to Do

In order to access public healthcare in Spain, you must obtain a health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria) from your local health care centre (Centro de Salud).

This card allows you to:

• Register with a family doctor
• Access specialist care
• Receive prescriptions at a reduced cost
• Use public hospitals and emergency services

Documents Required to apply for Tarjeta Sanitaria

To obtain your health card from your nearest Centro de Salud, you have to bring the following documents:

• TIE (Tarjeta Identidad Extranjero)

  Your foreign resident ID card

• Empadronamiento

  Proof of registration at your local town hall

• Social Security Registration certificate

  (Documento de afiliación a la seguridad social)

Additional Documents (Varying per Region)

Since Spain’s public healthcare system is decentralized, processes and documents can vary per region or comunidad autónoma. While the above documents are what’s generally required, here are some additional documents that might be requested:

• Completed health card application form

  Provided by the regional health authority or health centre

• Passport (original and copy)

  Some centres require this in addition to the TIE

• Proof of employment

  • For employees: work contract or recent payslips (nóminas)
  • For freelancers/self-employed: Social Security registration form (TA.0521) or Tax registration form (Modelo 036 or 037)

Important Notes

Remember: Most requirements still vary depending on the region or autonomous community. Some regions also issue a temporary health card if your Social Security registration is still being processed.