Spanish Pension Life Certificate from the Philippines
How pensioners in the Philippines prove they are alive to the Spanish INSS: VIVESS app, Consulate in Manila, deadlines and what happens if you miss them.
Community article, editorially reviewed. Opinions are the author's, not ArchipelagoExpat's.
What is the fe de vida
If you live in the Philippines and receive a Spanish pension from the INSS, you must prove you are alive on a schedule: the fe de vida. The INSS does not receive death records from abroad.
Deadlines: twice in 2026, three from 2027
- 2026: twice — 1 January to 31 March, and September (1–30).
- From 2027: three times — January, May and September.
Official dates: seg-social.es.
How to submit it
- VIVESS app (recommended): free, facial recognition; register with Cl@ve, DNI/NIE or expediente number.
- Consular Civil Registry in Manila: in person (appointment via con.manila@maec.es); bring passport or DNI.
- Consejería de Trabajo y SS at the Embassy: in person or remote.
- Local authority with apostille: valid but cumbersome — avoid if you can.
If you miss the deadline
Payment is suspended as a precaution, not lost: once regularised, payments resume and withheld amounts are paid retroactively.
Outside Manila and getting paid
No Spanish consulate in Cebu — plan the trip or use VIVESS. Get paid into a Philippine account by international transfer, or keep a Spanish account (SEPA) and use Wise or Revolut.
Related guide: Nuestra guía completa del convenio INSS-SSS.
Archipelago Team
TrustedThe Archipelago Expat editorial team.
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