Requirement Overview
As a digital nomad employee, you must demonstrate a stable financial standing and a continuous relationship with your foreign employer to reside in Spain under the Startup Law (Ley 28/2022). Bank statements serve as corroborating evidence of the income generated through your professional activity.
Legal Context and Purpose
The primary purpose of this requirement, as outlined by the Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, is to verify that the applicant meets the minimum monthly income threshold, which is approximately 200% of the SMI (Salario Mínimo Interprofesional). These documents prove that the salary or fees mentioned in your employment contract are actually being received.
Documents and Evidence
To satisfy this requirement, applicants should provide:
- Historical Bank Statements: Typically covering the last 3-6 months.
- Proof of Relationship: Evidence showing a continuous relationship with the foreign employer for at least 3 months prior to the application.
- Salary Credits: Clear identification of incoming transfers that match the amounts stated in your payslips or employment certificate.
Translation and Legalization
Documents issued in foreign languages generally require a sworn translation into Spanish. While bank statements consist largely of numbers, the headers and bank certificates must be clearly understood by the Spanish authorities. Ensure the bank's stamp or a digital verification code is present.
Common Pitfalls
- Insufficient Income: Failing to meet the 200% SMI threshold consistently across all months.
- Unclear Origins: Deposits that do not clearly originate from the employer listed in the application.
- Tax Residency Awareness: Be aware that spending more than 183 days in Spain will make you a Spanish tax resident according to the Agencia Tributaria, meaning your worldwide income (as reflected in these bank statements) will be subject to Spanish IRPF.