Financial access starts with knowing your rights
Fundolario is a foundation offering free guidance to migrants in Spain on opening a basic bank account, sending money abroad, registering as a resident, and understanding Social Security. Information you can actually use.
We provide information and orientation only. We do not process documents, manage transfers, or act as legal representatives.
Guidance on four
essential topics
Spain's financial and administrative systems can feel opaque when you're new. We break down exactly what you need to know — without jargon, without cost.
Basic Bank Account
Understanding which banks offer accounts to non-residents, what documents are typically requested, and how the basic payment account (cuenta de pago básica) works under EU law.
Sending Remittances
Information on remittance channels available in Spain, how fees and exchange rates work, and what to consider when choosing how to send money to family abroad.
Empadronamiento
How municipal registration works, why it matters for accessing services, which documents are needed, and what the process looks like at your local town hall (ayuntamiento).
Social Security
An overview of how Spain's Social Security system is structured, what affiliation means, how to get a Social Security number, and what basic rights apply to workers.
Anyone navigating Spain's systems for the first time
Whether you arrived recently or have been here for years without clear guidance, Fundolario's information resources are open to all migrants regardless of nationality or legal status.
Recent arrivals
People who have just arrived in Spain and need to understand where to start with banking and registration.
Families sending money home
People who regularly send remittances and want to understand their options and the associated costs.
Workers entering the formal economy
People starting formal employment who need to understand Social Security affiliation and basic labor rights.
Informing, not replacing
We believe access to clear, honest information is itself a form of support. Our role is to help you understand — not to act on your behalf.
Frequently asked
Real questions we hear from migrants navigating Spain's systems.
Can I open a bank account in Spain without a residence permit?
Yes. EU law grants everyone the right to a basic payment account (cuenta de pago básica) regardless of residence status. Some banks are more straightforward to work with than others. We can point you toward general information about what documents are typically accepted.
What is empadronamiento and why does it matter?
Empadronamiento is registration on the municipal census (padrón). It is one of the most important steps you can take after arriving in Spain. It gives you access to public healthcare, schools for your children, and is often required for other administrative processes. It does not affect your immigration status.
How much does Fundolario's guidance cost?
Nothing at all. Our informational support is entirely free. We are a foundation, not a commercial service. We do not charge for access to our resources, our contact channel, or any of the orientación we provide.
Do you manage transfers or process documents?
No. This is important to understand. Fundolario does not process, manage, or handle any documents or financial transactions on your behalf. We provide information so that you can make your own informed decisions and take your own steps. We are an information resource, not an agency or intermediary.
What should I know about sending remittances from Spain?
Spain has a range of licensed remittance operators and banks that offer international transfer services. Fees, exchange rates, and transfer speeds vary significantly between providers. We can share information about how to compare these options and what regulations apply to international transfers in Spain.
How does Social Security work for migrants in Spain?
Spain's Social Security system (Seguridad Social) covers workers through employer and employee contributions. When you start a formal job, your employer registers you (afiliación). You receive a Social Security number which entitles you to healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pension rights. We can explain the structure and what to expect.
Have a question? Send it our way.
Our team reads every inquiry and responds with clear, relevant information. No bureaucracy. No cost. Just a human response to your real question.