Requirement Overview
As part of the professional documents section for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), freelancers must provide invoices covering at least the previous 3 months of activity. This requirement stems from Ley 28/2022 (Startup Law), which mandates that applicants demonstrate an established professional relationship with their non-Spanish clients for a minimum period before applying.
Why it is Needed
According to the Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, the goal is to verify that the remote work relationship is not speculative. You must prove:
- A minimum of 3 months of prior relationship with your clients or employer.
- Proof that your income meet the threshold of approximately 200% of the SMI (Salario Mínimo Interprofesional).
Satisfactory Evidence
To satisfy this requirement, you should provide:
- Monthly Invoices: Clear, dated invoices issued to your non-Spanish clients over the last 90 days.
- Corresponding Bank Statements: While not strictly part of the invoice itself, showing the credit entries matching the invoice amounts is standard practice to prove payment.
- Contractual Proof: Ensure these invoices align with the terms of your professional service agreement or contract.
Translation and Legalization
- Sworn Translation: Any invoice not issued in Spanish must typically undergo a sworn translation (traducción jurada).
- Apostille: Generally, commercial documents like invoices do not require an apostille, but the underlying contracts or professional certificates may depending on the consulate's specific instructions.
Common Pitfalls
- Inconsistency: Ensure the amounts on your invoices match the income declared in your application and the deposits in your bank account.
- Spanish Clients: Under DNV rules, your primary income must come from companies located outside of Spain.
- Missing Dates: Ensure all invoices clearly show the date of issuance to prove the 3-month continuity.