Spanish pensioners abroad must certify alive twice yearly for payments
Starting this year, expatriate Spanish pension beneficiaries must verify their status biannually via app or in person to avoid payment disruptions.
Key Points
- Applies to all pensioners living outside Spain, twice yearly from 2024 (Q1 and September).
- Free VIVESS app enables verification worldwide, plus updates to details.
- In-person options at Social Security offices or consulates available.
- Aims to confirm living status while minimizing admin burdens; three times/year from 2027.
Spanish pensioners living abroad must now certify they are alive twice a year to continue receiving payments, starting this year.
The requirement applies to all beneficiaries residing outside Spain. They will need to complete the process once during the first quarter—by 31 March—and again in September. From 2027, this will increase to three certifications annually.
Officials announced the change on Monday at the Social Security Attention and Information Office (CAISS) in La Seu d'Urgell. José Crespín, the Spanish government's subdelegate in Lleida, and Núria Llebot, director of Spain's National Social Security Institute (INSS), provided details during their visit.
To simplify the procedure, pensioners can use the free VIVESS mobile app, available since 2023. It allows users to verify their status from anywhere in the world, avoiding unnecessary travel. The app also supports updates to bank details, addresses, or submission of tax residency certificates.
Crespín emphasised that the goal is to enable pensioners to complete the process "in an agile way and without the risk of temporarily losing their pension."
Alternatively, the certification can be done in person at Social Security offices or Spanish consulates.
The measure aims to ensure payments reach only living recipients while minimising administrative burdens. Authorities have not specified further details on enforcement or penalties for non-compliance.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: