Yes, you can open a Spanish bank account from the UK, but most banks require you to be physically present or already a resident
The short answer is that it depends on the bank. Some Spanish banks will open an account for non-residents through video verification or by mail, but the majority require you to visit a branch in person with your passport and proof of address. A few UK-based banks and fintech services offer Spanish IBAN accounts without travel, though these come with different features and limits than a traditional Spanish bank account.
If you are moving to Spain, planning to work there, or need a local account for regular transactions, you have three realistic routes: open an account at a Spanish bank before you arrive (if they offer it), open one in person once you land, or use a UK-based service that issues a Spanish IBAN. Each has different timelines, costs, and what you can do with the account once it is open.
Key Takeaways
- Most major Spanish banks (BBVA, CaixaBank, Santander) require you to visit a branch in person with your passport and a UK utility bill or council tax letter as proof of address.
- Some Spanish banks accept video verification or remote opening for non-residents, but availability varies by bank and changes frequently.
- UK fintech services like Wise, Revolut, and N26 issue Spanish IBANs without travel, but these are not full bank accounts and have transaction limits and different features.
- Opening a Spanish account in person takes one to three days once you arrive; remote opening can take one to four weeks.
- You will need a Spanish tax identification number (NIF) for some accounts and services, which you can obtain before or after opening the account.
Spanish banks that accept remote applications from the UK
Remote opening is possible but not standard. Santander has historically offered video verification for UK residents, though this is not may provide and depends on the specific product and current policy. BBVA and CaixaBank occasionally accept applications by post or video, but you should contact them directly to confirm current options. Smaller regional banks and online-only Spanish banks (such as Evo Banco or Openbank) are more likely to accept remote applications than the major high-street banks.
When you contact a Spanish bank to ask about remote opening, have your UK passport number, a UK address, and proof of that address (a utility bill or council tax letter dated within the last three months) ready. The bank will tell you what documents they need and whether they can send you an application pack by post or conduct verification by video call. Processing time for remote applications is typically two to four weeks, and the bank will post your card and PIN to your UK address.
Do not assume a bank offers remote opening just because it has a website in English. Call or email the international customer service line and ask specifically whether they open accounts for non-resident UK citizens. Policies change, and what worked for someone else six months ago may not be available now.
Opening an account in person when you arrive in Spain
This is the fastest and most reliable route. Walk into any branch of a major Spanish bank with your UK passport, a UK utility bill or council tax letter (dated within the last three months), and your UK address. You do not need a Spanish address yet. The bank will ask you to complete an application form, verify your identity, and confirm your address. Most branches can open a basic current account on the same day or within one to three business days.
Bring originals of your documents, not photocopies. If your utility bill or council tax letter is in a language other than Spanish or English, bring a certified translation as well (though most UK documents in English are accepted without translation). Some banks may ask for a reference from your UK bank, though this is not always required. Have your UK bank's sort code and account number handy in case they ask.
Once the account is open, the bank will issue you a Spanish IBAN (starting with ES), a debit card, and online banking access. You can usually set up online banking on the same day. The card will arrive by post within one to two weeks. If you need the account urgently, ask whether the bank can issue a temporary card or allow you to make transfers before the physical card arrives.
Getting a Spanish tax identification number (NIF)
You may need a NIF (Número de Identidad Fiscal) to open certain accounts or to work in Spain. If you are a UK citizen living in Spain, you can obtain a NIF from the Spanish tax office (Agencia Tributaria) or through a gestoría (a tax and legal services firm). You do not need a NIF to open a basic current account at most banks, but you will need one if you are self-employed, opening a business account, or registering for Spanish tax purposes.
You can apply for a NIF in person at a local tax office (oficina de la Agencia Tributaria) with your passport, or you can ask your bank or a gestoría to help you obtain one. The process takes a few days to a week. Some banks will help you apply for a NIF as part of the account opening process, so ask when you visit the branch.
Using UK fintech services for a Spanish IBAN
Wise, Revolut, N26, and similar services issue Spanish IBANs without requiring you to travel or visit a branch. You download the app, verify your identity through the app (usually with a photo of your passport and a selfie), and receive a Spanish IBAN within hours or days. These are not full bank accounts in the traditional sense—they are multi-currency accounts or payment accounts—but they work for receiving money, making transfers, and paying bills.
The advantage is speed and no travel. The disadvantages are that these accounts have lower transaction limits than a traditional bank account, may not offer a full range of banking services (such as mortgages or loans), and some employers or government bodies in Spain may not recognise them as a primary bank account. Use these if you need a Spanish IBAN quickly for receiving salary or making payments, but plan to open a traditional Spanish bank account as well if you are moving to Spain permanently.
Check the current limits and features of each service before opening, as they change frequently. Wise, for example, allows you to hold and transfer money in multiple currencies but does not offer overdrafts. Revolut offers a debit card and spending controls but has daily transaction limits depending on your account tier.
Documents you will need
| Document | Why it matters | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UK passport | Proof of identity and citizenship | Must be valid. Expired passports are not accepted. |
| UK utility bill or council tax letter | Proof of UK address | Must be dated within the last three months. Original only, not a photocopy. |
| Proof of Spanish address (if you have one) | Some banks ask for this; others do not | A rental agreement, lease, or letter from your landlord works. Not required if you are opening remotely. |
| Certified translation of documents | Required only if your documents are not in Spanish or English | Most UK documents in English are accepted without translation. |
| Reference from your UK bank | Optional; some banks request it | Ask your UK bank for a letter confirming you hold an account with them. |
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, you can receive salary, make transfers, pay bills, and use your debit card immediately or within one to three days. Your Spanish IBAN will be active for receiving money as soon as the account is created, even if your physical card has not arrived yet. Most banks offer online banking and a mobile app, so you can check your balance and make transfers from your phone.
If you are moving to Spain permanently, you will eventually need to register with the Spanish tax authorities and update your address on your account. Your bank will send you information about this, or you can do it through the Agencia Tributaria website or in person at a local tax office. Changing your address on your bank account is straightforward and can usually be done online or by visiting a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Spanish bank account without a UK address?
Most banks require proof of your current address, which for remote applications means your UK address. If you already have a Spanish address (a rental agreement or lease), some banks will accept that instead. If you have neither, contact the bank directly to ask whether they can make an exception or whether you can provide an alternative proof of address.
Do I need a Spanish address to open an account?
No. You can open an account with a UK address and update it to a Spanish address later. Most banks do not require a Spanish address at the time of opening, especially if you are opening in person with your passport and a UK utility bill.
How long does it take to open a Spanish bank account remotely?
Remote applications typically take two to four weeks from the date you submit all documents. The bank will verify your identity, process your application, and post your card and PIN to your UK address. In-person opening at a branch takes one to three days.
Can I use my UK bank account while I am in Spain?
Yes, your UK account will continue to work in Spain. However, you may face foreign transaction fees, currency conversion charges, and slower transfer times for international payments. A Spanish bank account avoids these costs for local transactions and is usually required if you are receiving a Spanish salary.
What is the difference between a Spanish IBAN from Wise or Revolut and a real bank account?
A Spanish IBAN from a fintech service works for receiving money and making transfers, but it is not a full bank account. You cannot get a mortgage, overdraft, or business loan through these services. Use them for convenience and speed, but open a traditional Spanish bank account if you need full banking services or if your employer requires it.