I’ve recently seen many newcomers on forums asking how to get so-called ‘bank statements’ or ‘proof of funds,’ like a [Spanish bank statement], when applying for residency or renting an apartment. Today, I’m sharing my experience to help everyone out.
What is a Bank Statement?
In Spain, the document you need is generally one of two types, depending on your specific requirements:
- Certificado de Saldo (Balance Certificate): This certifies the amount of money in your account on a specific date. It’s typically used as proof of funds, for example, when applying for a visa or residency to demonstrate you have sufficient financial means.
- Certificado de Movimientos (Transaction History Certificate): This shows all the transactions in your account over a period of time, which is what we commonly refer to as a ‘bank statement.’ Landlords might ask for this [bank statement] when you’re renting to assess the stability of your income.
Knowing which one you need will make communicating with officials much smoother!
How to Get Your Bank Statement?
There are basically three ways: in person at a branch, at an ATM, and via the mobile app/online banking. I personally recommend the third option as it saves time and effort, and it’s usually free! Here are some examples from major banks; the process is very similar for all of them.
| Bank | App/Online Banking Path | In-Branch Service | Fees |
|---|
| Santander | App > Menú > Mis Certificados > Solicitar nuevo certificado | Available | Free on app, may be a fee at the branch |
| BBVA | App > Seleccionar cuenta > Más > Certificados | Available | Free on app, may be a fee at the branch |
| CaixaBank | App > Mis Cuentas > Certificados > Solicitar | Available | Free on the app; there might be a fee for obtaining a bank statement certificate at the branch |
Friendly Reminder: After requesting it through the app, the bank will typically generate a PDF document with an official digital signature. You can download, print, or email it directly to whoever needs it. This document has the same legal validity as one issued at a branch. Don’t just take a screenshot—that won’t be considered valid!
Getting a bank statement isn’t that complicated. The key is to first clarify whether you need a balance certificate or a transaction history, and then try to get it yourself through the bank’s app. If you’re really stuck, it’s not too late to go to a branch for help. Hope all your administrative procedures in Spain go smoothly!
