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Tuchati

Transfers and International Banking

Receiving money from abroad

What you need to provide to receive an international transfer into your Spanish bank account.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-15SEPA transfers typically arrive within 1 business day; transfers from outside the SEPA zone can take longer, from 1-5 business days depending on the countries and banks involved.

This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.

Overview

Receiving money from abroad into a Spanish account is usually simple, but the sender will need accurate details from you, and larger amounts can trigger extra verification questions from your bank.

Requirements

  • An active Spanish bank account
  • Your account's IBAN and the bank's BIC/SWIFT code, to share with the sender

Step-by-step process

  • Share your correct IBAN and your bank's BIC/SWIFT code with whoever is sending the money
  • For transfers from within the EU/EEA (SEPA transfers), only the IBAN is generally needed
  • For transfers from outside the SEPA zone, the BIC/SWIFT code is also required
  • For larger or unusual transfers, be prepared for your bank to ask about the source of funds — this is a standard anti-money-laundering check, not a sign of a problem

Required documents

  • Your IBAN and BIC/SWIFT code (to share, not submit)
  • Source-of-funds documentation, if requested by your bank for a larger transfer

Common mistakes

  • Sharing an incorrect or incomplete IBAN, causing delays or a returned transfer
  • Being caught off guard by a source-of-funds request — this is routine for larger transfers, not a sign your account is under suspicion

Practical tips

  • Double-check your IBAN directly from your bank's app rather than from memory before sharing it
  • If you're expecting a large transfer (for example, from a property sale abroad), it's worth informing your bank in advance to reduce the chance of delays from anti-money-laundering checks

How Tuchati can help

If a transfer you're expecting is delayed or your bank has asked for documentation you're unsure about, Tuchati can help you understand what's needed.

Receiving money from abroad — Help Centre — Tuchati