Self-employed workers face not only the responsibilities of running a business but also the burdensome extra tasks of paperwork and bureaucracy that come with being self-employed. They must account for taxes, administrative matters, and invoice management, so keeping this paperwork up to date is crucial to prevent long-term problems.
One of the most requested documents for freelancers is the social security registration certificate, also known as the duplicate of the self-employed registration. For this reason, and to spare workers from visiting offices, the General Treasury of Social Security (TGSS) offers an online service within the RED system to request a duplicate of the registration or deregistration in the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA).
This certificate serves to verify the self-employed status. It proves that the worker is operating under the required regulations and has contributed to the social security fund through contributions.]
How to request the self-employed registration certificate in the Social Security
The Social Security has prepared a manual with the steps to follow to request this certificate, but to perform this process through RED one must have authorized access from TGSS and an assigned Social Security affiliation number. In other words, access to Social Security must be via an official channel: electronic certificate, user and password, or SMS via the Cl@ve Pin app. The steps to request the self-employed registration certificate are as follows:
- Once inside the RED service, access the online affiliation menu, specifically the section for the Special Regime of Self-Employed Workers.
- When this menu expands, select the option duplicate of resolution of registration/deregistration in RETA and click on it.
- Next, the freelancer must identify themselves with the Social Security affiliation number and with the ID card number or NIE. It will also be necessary to choose the date and the resolution (registration or deregistration) of the self-employed certificate.
- After selecting the certificate or duplicate of the self-employed registration, the option to continue will appear, and the document can be downloaded as a PDF.
Another way to obtain the self-employed registration certificate in Social Security is through the electronic headquarters. For this path, it is necessary to access the Social Security electronic headquarters, have the electronic certificate, user and password, or use SMS, and then click on the citizens section. There, select the “reports and certificates” option. Finally, click on the section for the ‘Duplicate of resolution/registration/deregistration in the Special Regime for self-employed workers’.
Notes to keep in mind: this certificate attests to the employment status of the self-employed professional and confirms that the person operates under the required regulations and has contributed to the social security fund through mandatory quotes. [Citation: TGSS guidance and official RED procedures]