Diplomatic relations

The Agreement on Diplomatic Relations was signed in Vienna on 18 April 1961 and came into force in Spain on 21 December 1967. It was published in the Official State Gazette on 24 January 1968.

This applies only to workers who work for Spanish organisations abroad, that depend on the Embassy in countries which have not signed a Social Security Agreement with Spain, or where such an agreement refers to this Agreement.

General regulations

Diplomatic agents are exempt from the Social Security regulations in force in the foreign country for the services that they perform for the country they represent.

The personal servants who work exclusively for the diplomatic Agent are also exempt from the Social Security regulations in force in the foreign country, if:

• They are not citizens or permanent residents of the foreign country, and
• They are protected under the Social Security regulations in force in the country that they represent or a third country.

Diplomatic agents who employ people to whom the exemption described in the previous section does not apply must meet the obligations that the foreign country's Social Security regulations require of employers.

The exemptions described in the previous sections do not prevent them from participating voluntarily in the Social Security scheme of the foreign country, if this is permitted by that country.

The administrative and technical personnel of the mission are exempt from the Social Security resolutions in force in the foreign country, if they are not citizens or permanent residents of that foreign country.

The service personnel of the mission who are not citizens or permanent residents of the foreign country are also exempt from the Social Security resolutions in force in that foreign country.

Processing applications

The General Sub-Directorate for Affiliation, Contributions and Management of the RED System will issue the E/R.DIP (Cert.) certificate form at the request of the interested parties. This form certifies that the worker is subject to Spanish Social Security legislation, and does not have an expiry date.

Medical Assistance

With regard to healthcare in the foreign country, article 3 of Royal Decree 2234/1981 of 20 August regulates Social Security for Civil Service personnel working abroad.

"Art.  3 of Royal Decree 2234/81":

Healthcare will be provided by the healthcare entities in the country of residence, preferably in official health centres or those belonging to the local Social Security system.

The managing body will compensate the insured person for his or her healthcare costs according to the terms of this article.