What you need to open a Spanish bank account
Spanish banks require a valid passport or national ID card, proof of address, and a Tax Identification Number (NIF). If you are a resident, you can get a NIF from the National Police or your local town hall. If you are a non-resident foreigner, you can open an account at most banks with just your passport, though some banks will issue you a temporary NIF on the spot to complete the process.
The proof of address can be a utility bill, rental contract, or official letter from your employer—anything dated within the last three months showing your name and Spanish address. Banks vary on what they accept, so call ahead if you are uncertain. You will also need to bring a small amount of money to deposit; most Spanish banks require a minimum opening deposit between €0 and €600, depending on the bank and account type.
If you are opening an account remotely—which some banks now allow—you may be able to upload documents digitally and complete a video verification call instead of visiting a branch in person. This is faster but not yet standard across all banks.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid passport or ID, proof of address dated within three months, and a NIF (or your passport if you are a non-resident).
- Most Spanish banks require a minimum opening deposit between €0 and €600, though this varies by bank and account type.
- Residents can obtain a NIF from the National Police or town hall; non-residents can often get a temporary one from the bank itself.
- Some banks now offer remote account opening with digital document upload and video verification, though in-person visits remain the standard route.
- Processing time is usually one to three business days once you have submitted all documents.
Getting a Tax Identification Number (NIF) before you apply
A NIF is Spain's tax ID number and is required by most banks. If you are a Spanish resident (someone who spends more than 183 days per year in Spain), you can obtain one from the National Police's Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjería) or your local town hall (Ayuntamiento). You will need your passport, proof of address, and a completed form EX-15. The process usually takes one to two weeks.
If you are a non-resident foreigner, you have two options: apply for a NIF from the Spanish tax authority (Agencia Tributaria) before you travel, or let the bank issue you a temporary one during account opening. The temporary NIF is valid for banking purposes and can be converted to a permanent one later if you become a resident. Many people choose this route because it is faster and requires no separate trip to a government office.
Some banks will not open an account without a NIF or a clear path to one, so confirm this when you call the bank. Larger banks like BBVA, CaixaBank, and Santander are more flexible with non-residents than smaller regional banks.
Which documents to bring to the bank
Bring your original passport or national ID card (not a photocopy), your proof of address, and your NIF or passport number. If you are a non-resident, bring your passport. Bring your opening deposit in cash or be prepared to transfer it from another account—most banks can process a transfer on the spot if you have the details of your sending bank.
If you are opening an account on behalf of a minor or as a joint account, bring the minor's birth certificate or ID and the other account holder's ID as well. Some banks require a parent or guardian to be present for minors under 18.
Bring a phone number where the bank can reach you and an email address for account notifications. Spanish banks will set up online banking (banca electrónica) during your visit, so you will leave with login credentials the same day.
The account opening appointment and what happens next
Call the bank's main number or visit a branch to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are usually possible but appointments are faster, especially if you are a non-resident or need a NIF issued on the spot. The appointment itself takes 20 to 40 minutes. The bank representative will verify your documents, confirm your address, take your opening deposit, and set up your online banking access.
You will sign a contract (contrato de cuenta) that outlines the account terms, fees, and your rights. Read it carefully or ask the representative to explain any section you do not understand. Spanish banks are required to disclose all fees upfront, so the contract will list monthly maintenance charges, ATM fees, transfer fees, and overdraft rates if applicable.
Once you sign, the bank will issue you a debit card (tarjeta de débito) on the spot or mail it within five to seven business days. Your account is active immediately, and you can begin using online banking and receiving transfers the same day. Your first statement will arrive by mail or email within 30 days.
Fees and account types to compare
Spanish banks offer several account types: basic accounts (cuentas básicas), which are free and designed for low-income earners; standard checking accounts (cuentas corrientes), which charge monthly fees ranging from €3 to €15; and premium accounts, which cost €20 or more per month but include travel insurance, higher ATM limits, and other perks.
Most banks waive monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance (usually €1,000 to €3,000) or set up a direct deposit of your salary. Ask about this when you open your account—it can save you €36 to €180 per year. Transfer fees within Spain are typically €1 to €3 for standard transfers and free for SEPA transfers (transfers within the EU). International transfers cost €10 to €30 depending on the destination.
ATM withdrawals at your bank's machines are free, but withdrawals at other banks' ATMs cost €1 to €2 per transaction. Using ATMs abroad carries a currency conversion fee of 1 to 3 percent plus the ATM operator's fee. Compare these costs across banks before you open an account if you plan to travel frequently or send money internationally.
Opening an account remotely or as a non-resident
Several Spanish banks now allow non-residents to open accounts entirely online: Revolut, Wise, and N26 are digital banks that serve Spain and do not require a Spanish address. Traditional banks like BBVA and Santander also offer remote opening for non-residents, though the process varies. You will upload a photo of your passport, take a selfie for identity verification, and complete a video call with a bank representative. The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Remote accounts are usually active within one to three business days. Your debit card will be mailed to your address (in Spain or abroad, depending on the bank). Digital banks like Revolut and Wise offer instant virtual cards you can use online immediately while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
The trade-off is that remote accounts often come with lower ATM withdrawal limits (€200 to €500 per day) and may not offer the full range of services a branch account provides. If you plan to conduct business in Spain, receive large transfers, or need a mortgage later, a branch account is more practical despite the extra effort.
What to do if the bank rejects your application
Banks can refuse to open an account if you have a history of fraud, unpaid debts reported to Spanish credit bureaus, or sanctions against you. If you are rejected, ask the bank for the specific reason in writing. You have the right to this explanation under Spanish banking law.
If the reason is a credit history issue, you can check your file with Asnef or Equifax (Spain's two main credit reporting agencies) and dispute inaccurate information. If the reason is unclear or you believe it is discriminatory, you can file a complaint with the Spanish Financial Conduct Authority (CNMV) or your regional banking ombudsman (defensor del cliente bancario).
If one bank rejects you, try another. Smaller regional banks and digital banks are sometimes more flexible with applicants who have minor credit issues or unusual circumstances. Revolut and Wise, for example, have fewer restrictions than traditional banks and may open an account for you even if a Spanish bank declined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Spanish bank account without a Spanish address?
Yes. Non-residents can open accounts at most major banks and all digital banks using just a passport. Some banks will mail your debit card to a foreign address. Remote account opening is the fastest route if you do not want to visit Spain in person.
How long does it take to get a NIF if I am a resident?
One to two weeks if you apply at the National Police or town hall. If you let the bank issue a temporary NIF during account opening, you have one immediately and can convert it to permanent later by visiting the tax authority (Agencia Tributaria).
Do I need a job or income to open a Spanish bank account?
No. Banks do not require proof of employment or income to open a basic account. You only need valid ID, proof of address, and a minimum opening deposit. Some premium accounts may require proof of income, but basic accounts are open to anyone.
What is the difference between a SEPA transfer and a standard transfer?
SEPA transfers are free and take one to two business days within the EU. Standard transfers (sometimes called wire transfers) cost €1 to €3 and may take longer. For transfers within Spain or the EU, always request SEPA.
Can I close my Spanish bank account remotely?
Most banks allow you to close an account by phone or email, though some require a visit to a branch. Contact your bank's customer service to ask their specific process. Make sure your account balance is zero and all pending transactions have cleared before you close it.