Requirement Overview
As a digital nomad freelancer applying under Spain's Ley 28/2022 (Startup Law), you must prove that you possess sufficient financial resources to support yourself while residing in Spain. A key checklist item is the submission of bank certificates or evidence covering the previous 3 months of activity.
Why It Is Needed
Under the legal framework established by the Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income approximately equal to 200% of the Salario Mínimo Interprofesional (SMI). The 3-month history serves as proof of consistency in your relationship with foreign clients and your ability to maintain the required income levels.
Satisfactory Evidence
To meet this requirement, you should provide:
- Bank Statements: Full monthly statements showing your name, bank logo, and transaction history.
- Bank Certificates: Official letters from your financial institution confirming current balance and account standing.
- Income Connection: The statements should clearly reflect the payments received from the clients or companies you have been working with for at least 3 months.
Formalities: Apostille and Translation
According to official guidelines for foreign documents:
- Sworn Translation: If your bank statements are not in Spanish, a sworn translation (Traductor Jurado) is typically required by the consulate or UGE.
- Apostille: While the visa law focuses on the authenticity of contracts and criminal records, bank documents should be official. Check with your specific consulate if they require bank stamps or signatures on every page.
Common Pitfalls
- Insufficient Income: Ensure the average of the 3 months meets the 200% SMI threshold.
- Unclear Source: Payments that do not match your submitted contracts or invoices may cause delays.
- Incomplete History: Providing only a current balance without the previous 90 days of transactions.