Why Prepare This Checklist?
As explained on the page on proving the origin of funds, Spanish banks apply enhanced due diligence to clients with an Iranian connection. The biggest cause of delays or case rejections is an incomplete or unsuitable type of document submitted, not necessarily the origin of the funds itself. The table below shows the most common documents, together with what each is used for and its legalization route.
| Document | What It Is Used For | How to Legalize and Translate It |
|---|---|---|
| Official property sale deed | Proving funds received from selling a house, land or commercial property in Iran | Legalization by Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs → legalization by Spain's embassy in Tehran → official translation from Persian to Spanish |
| Payslips and an employment certificate for recent years | Proving savings from ongoing employment income | Official translation; consular legalization of the employment certificate if requested by the bank |
| Income tax return | Showing official income declared to the Iranian tax authority | Official translation; some banks also request consular legalization |
| Estate settlement and inheritance division document | Proving funds received from an inheritance | Legalization by an Iranian court → legalization by Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs → legalization by Spain's embassy → official translation |
| Contract for the sale of shares or a business | Proving funds from the sale of a company or business share | Legalization by the chamber of commerce and a notary public → full consular legalization chain → official translation |
| Bank statements for the last 12 months | Showing the accumulation and movement of funds over time | Official translation; must bear the seal and signature of the issuing bank |
| Bank balance or deposit certificate | Proving the existence of cash savings on a specific date | Official translation + the seal of the issuing bank, dated close to submission to the Spanish bank |
| Official family gift (donation) deed | Proving funds received as a gift from a family member | Official gift deed before an Iranian notary public → full consular legalization chain → official translation |
Bank statements and balance certificates usually need to be less than three to six months old. Official documents such as a property sale deed or an inheritance document have no expiration date, but it is best to have their official translation prepared close to the time of submission to the bank.
Why Is Only a Direct Official Translation Accepted?
As explained on the official translation page, every Iranian document must be translated directly from Persian to Spanish by a certified sworn translator-interpreter. Banks do not accept translations done by unofficial agencies or a two-step translation via English, and this mistake is one of the most common reasons for delays in a case's approval.
Personal letters, statements not written on official letterhead, or documents lacking the seal and signature of the issuing authority, even if their content is correct, are not accepted by banking due diligence. Always obtain the document from the relevant official authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all documents necessarily have to go through the full consular legalization chain?
It depends on the bank and the transaction amount. For small amounts, some banks accept an official translation together with the original document, but for significant amounts or a property purchase, the full consular legalization chain is usually required.
If I only have an English translation of the document, will the bank accept it?
No. The official translation must be done directly from Persian into Spanish by a certified sworn translator-interpreter. A two-step translation via English is not accepted.
How recent do the documents submitted to the bank need to be?
A statement or balance certificate should be relatively recent (usually less than three to six months old), while official documents such as a property sale deed have no expiration date.