Requirement Overview
As a digital nomad freelancer applying under the Ley 28/2022 (Startup Law), you must demonstrate a sustained professional relationship with your non-Spanish clients. Specifically, you must provide invoices or proof of payment for at least the three months immediately preceding your application.
Why it is Needed
According to the Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, the law requires applicants to prove that a professional relationship has existed for at least three months with the foreign company or clients. This ensures the stability of the remote work activity and verifies that the applicant meets the minimum income threshold, which is approximately 200% of the SMI (Salario Mínimo Interprofesional).
Satisfactory Evidence
- Invoices: Issued to non-Spanish clients over the last 90 days.
- Bank Statements: Showing the corresponding deposits to verify the invoices were paid.
- Contracts: Documentation proving the relationship with the client started at least 3 months ago.
- Company Certificate: A letter from the foreign client confirming they permit remote work from Spain.
Translations and Legalization
- Sworn Translation: Any documents and invoices issued in languages other than Spanish must typically be translated by a Spanish sworn translator (traductor jurado).
- Apostille: While private commercial invoices generally do not require an apostille, official government documents (such as business registration or tax certificates used for context) must be apostilled according to the Hague Convention.
Common Pitfalls
- Insufficient Income: Ensuring the total across all invoices meets the 200% SMI requirement.
- Spanish Clients: Revenue from Spanish companies must not exceed 20% of your total income.
- Missing History: Failing to show a clear 3-month history prior to the submission date.