Registering with social security
Registering with Seguridad Social (social security) is another essential step for anyone who would like to stay long term in Malaga, get a job and have access to free healthcare.
There are a number of social security (‘seguridad social’) offices close to the centre, but if you live in or close to the historic centre, unfortunately you will have to head to the office in El Palo (Avda. Juan Sebastián Elcano, 177). Luckily, if you’re not familiar with this area, the number 3 and 11 buses stop within 50 metres of the entrance.
You need to enter the building and bypass reception on the ground floor, moving into the waiting room behind it and to the right. There you need to take a ticket and wait your turn.
When called to an agent’s desk, they will ask for your NIE and passport (as well as copies) before providing you with your social security number on the spot.
Daryl moved to Malaga permanently in 2014 having first fallen in love with the city on his Erasmus year. Having worked for many years in local expat media, Daryl gained expert knowledge in life from the perspective of foreign residents and decided to co-found Malaga Guru in 2016.
