Totalization Agreements: Social Security for Expats and Digital Nomads

For expats and digital nomads from a country like the United States, Totalization Agreements with countries like Portugal and Spain help determine where you pay social security taxes – and most importantly, avoid being double-taxed.

What is a Totalization Treaty?

International Social Security agreements, also known as Totalization Agreements do a few things for citizens.

1. Prevents double social security taxation, and
2. Allows workers to combine work credits for eligibility in retirement, disability, and survivor benefits

 The agreements help fill in gaps in protections for those who have different careers in the U.S. and another country. 

How do I get a Certificate of Coverage?

To avoid double taxation, you must get a Certificate of Coverage from your home country’s social security office. This proves you’re exempt from the host country’s system.

• From the U.S.:
  • Request from SSA here
    Or contact the U.S. SSA office that handles international operations.

• From Portugal:
  • Contact Segurança Social: seg-social.pt
• From Spain:
  • Contact Seguridad Social: seg-social.pt