Why Open a Merchant Account in Spain?
A merchant account is essential if you want to accept credit card payments, either online or in-store, in Spain. Whether you run a retail shop, e-commerce business, or a service company, a Spanish merchant account enables you to:
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Accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and EU cards
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Settle payments in EUR
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Integrate with local banks and Spanish payment gateways
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Build trust with Spanish and EU customers
📌 Spanish banks follow strict KYC/AML rules — proper setup is key.
🏦 What Is a Merchant Account?
A merchant account is not a typical business account. It’s a banking arrangement that processes card payments and deposits funds into your linked business account.
🧾 You’ll need both:
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A business current account in Spain
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A merchant services provider (bank or PSP)
🧰 Requirements to Open a Merchant Account in Spain
Whether you’re a resident or foreign investor, these are the main requirements:
📄 Legal Documents
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Company formation certificate (Escritura de constitución)
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Tax Identification Number (NIF)
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Proof of business address in Spain
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Business bank account details
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Passport or NIE of company directors
📈 Business Details
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Description of your business model
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Website or app (if applicable)
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Estimated monthly turnover and average ticket size
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Industry risk profile (especially for high-risk sectors)
📌 For high-risk industries (e.g. travel, CBD, crypto), extra vetting applies.
💻 Online Merchant Accounts & PSPs
Spain supports online payment processors that integrate with your e-commerce store or app, including:
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Stripe, PayPal, Adyen, Redsys, BBVA, CaixaBank, and Sabadell
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Integration with WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, and Prestashop
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Support for 3D Secure, SEPA Direct Debit, and digital wallets
📦 Most Spanish providers require EU business registration for onboarding.
🧮 Tax and Accounting for Merchant Accounts
You must declare all sales processed via your merchant account to the Spanish tax authorities:
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💶 VAT (IVA) declarations
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📊 Monthly and quarterly income reports
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💼 Annual corporate tax reporting
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🔍 Periodic audits or inspections (if applicable)
We help ensure your merchant transactions are tax-compliant and your books are accurate.
🔐 Fraud & Data Compliance
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Comply with PSD2 and SCA (Strong Customer Authentication)
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Protect customer data under GDPR
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Avoid chargeback penalties with proper billing policies
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Implement fraud detection tools (especially for high-volume sites)
🛡️ Failure to meet data standards can result in blocked accounts or legal penalties.
🌍 Services for Foreign Business Owners
At Borderless Lawyers, we support entrepreneurs, e-commerce startups, and global companies with:
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✅ Spanish company formation and NIF registration
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✅ Business bank and merchant account setup
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✅ Drafting refund, terms, and payment policies
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✅ Full tax and bookkeeping for merchant operations
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✅ Integration with PSPs and legal risk review
📞 Available remotely — no need to visit Spain for setup.
💬 Real-World Example
Case: A US-based SaaS business registered an SL in Barcelona. We helped open their BBVA merchant account, integrate Stripe with local EU settings, and secure SCA-compliant billing procedures.
🚀 Open Your Merchant Account in Spain with Legal Precision
Accepting payments in Spain requires careful planning. Let Borderless Lawyers help you open a merchant account with legal, banking, and compliance support every step of the way.