What you need to open a Spanish bank account
To open a bank account in Spain, you need a valid passport or national ID card, proof of your current address (a utility bill or rental contract dated within the last three months), and your tax identification number. If you are a Spanish resident, you will have a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) or NIF (Número de Identidad Fiscal). If you are not yet registered as a resident, most banks will open an account using your passport alone, though some require you to obtain a NIE first through your local police station or the National Police office.
The process differs slightly depending on whether you are a Spanish citizen, an EU citizen, or a non-EU citizen. Spanish citizens and EU nationals can open accounts with minimal documentation. Non-EU citizens may face additional verification steps, and some banks will ask for proof of legal residence or a work contract. A few banks now offer remote account opening through video verification, but most still require an in-person visit to a branch.
You do not need to have a job or a certain income level to open a basic account. However, banks may ask about your employment status or source of funds as part of standard anti-money-laundering checks. Be prepared to explain how you plan to use the account.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid ID (passport or national card), proof of address, and a tax ID number (NIE or NIF) to open an account in Spain.
- Most banks require an in-person visit to a branch, though some now offer video verification for remote opening.
- Spanish and EU citizens face fewer documentation requirements than non-EU citizens, who may need to prove legal residence.
- The entire process typically takes one to two weeks from your branch visit to receiving your card and online access.
- Monthly fees, minimum balances, and included services vary widely between banks, so compare terms before choosing.
Which banks accept foreign residents and non-EU citizens
The major Spanish banks—CaixaBank, BBVA, Santander, and Sabadell—all open accounts for foreign residents and non-EU citizens, though their requirements and timelines vary. CaixaBank and BBVA have the most extensive branch networks and tend to process accounts faster. Santander is widely available but sometimes requests additional documentation from non-EU applicants. Sabadell is generally more flexible with non-residents but has fewer branches outside major cities.
Smaller regional banks and online-only banks like Revolut, Wise, and N26 offer faster remote opening and lower fees, but they operate differently from traditional Spanish banks. Revolut and Wise are designed for international transfers and multi-currency accounts rather than everyday Spanish banking. N26 allows remote opening but has limited customer service in Spanish. If you need a traditional Spanish bank account for direct deposits, standing orders, or local bill payments, a major bank branch is still the most reliable choice.
Some banks have specific programs for expats or international customers. Ask at the branch whether they offer an expat package, which sometimes includes waived fees for the first year or simplified documentation.
Documents to bring to your bank appointment
Bring your original passport or national ID card and a photocopy. Bring proof of your current address: a utility bill (electricity, water, or gas), a rental contract, or a letter from your landlord dated within the last three months. If you have already obtained a NIE or NIF, bring that as well. If you have not yet obtained one, ask the bank whether they can help you apply or whether you must do it beforehand.
Bring any employment documentation if you have it: a work contract, a letter from your employer, or proof of self-employment registration. If you are retired or receiving income from another source, bring documentation of that income—a pension statement, investment account statement, or letter from your home country's tax authority. Banks use this to verify your source of funds, not to judge your worthiness; the documentation simply shows where money entering your account will come from.
Bring a completed account application form if the bank provides one online beforehand. Some branches ask you to fill it out in person, so ask when you book your appointment. Bring a phone number where the bank can reach you and an email address for account notifications.
How to get a NIE if you do not have one yet
A NIE is a tax identification number assigned to all foreign residents in Spain. You obtain it through the National Police (Policía Nacional) at your local police station or through the National Police's immigration office. The process is free and usually takes one visit, though you may need to book an appointment in advance through the police website for your region.
Bring your passport, a completed application form (EX-15, available at the police station or online), and proof of your reason for being in Spain—a work contract, university enrollment letter, or rental contract. The police will issue a temporary NIE certificate on the spot, valid for three months while your permanent NIE is processed. Most banks will accept this temporary certificate to open an account. Your permanent NIE arrives by mail within two to four weeks.
If you are not yet a Spanish resident and do not plan to become one, some banks will open an account using only your passport. However, you will eventually need a NIE if you want to work, rent, or stay longer than 90 days as a non-EU citizen. EU citizens do not need a NIE to open a bank account, though they may need one for tax purposes if they work in Spain.
Timeline and what happens after your appointment
Your in-person appointment at the branch takes 20 to 45 minutes. The bank will verify your documents, ask you questions about your employment and the purpose of the account, and have you sign the account agreement and terms and conditions. They will assign you an account number on the spot.
Your debit card arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days. Your online banking access (username and password) is usually activated within 24 to 48 hours, though some banks send this by mail instead. Your IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is provided immediately and can be used for transfers right away, even before your card arrives. If you need to make a payment urgently, you can use your IBAN for bank transfers as soon as you leave the branch.
Some banks charge a one-time account opening fee (typically €0 to €50), and most charge a monthly maintenance fee (typically €5 to €15) unless you meet certain conditions—such as maintaining a minimum balance or receiving a monthly direct deposit. Ask about these fees before opening the account, as they vary significantly between banks.
Opening an account remotely or online
A growing number of Spanish banks now offer remote account opening through video verification. You download the bank's app, upload a photo of your ID and proof of address, and complete a video call with a bank representative who verifies your identity. This process takes 15 to 30 minutes and can be completed from anywhere. However, not all banks offer this, and availability depends on your nationality and residency status.
Online-only banks like Revolut, Wise, and N26 allow full remote opening without any in-person visit. You download the app, verify your identity through the app using your passport or ID, and your account is active within hours. However, these accounts are not traditional Spanish bank accounts; they are payment accounts or e-money accounts. They work well for international transfers and spending abroad, but they may not work for Spanish direct deposits, standing orders, or local bill payments. Some employers and landlords in Spain do not recognize them as valid Spanish bank accounts.
If you choose remote opening, confirm with the bank that your account will work for the specific payments you need to make in Spain—such as rent, utilities, or salary deposits. Ask whether they issue a Spanish IBAN and whether they are registered with the Spanish financial regulator (Banco de España).
Fees, minimum balances, and account types
Spanish bank accounts come in several types, each with different fees and features. A basic current account (cuenta corriente) is the most common and costs €5 to €15 per month, though some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance (typically €1,000 to €3,000) or receive a monthly direct deposit. A savings account (cuenta de ahorro) usually has no monthly fee but offers lower interest rates and may limit the number of withdrawals per month.
Most banks charge for individual services: €1 to €3 per bank transfer, €2 to €5 per standing order setup, and €5 to €10 per international transfer. However, many accounts include a certain number of free transfers per month. Overdraft fees, if you go into the red, typically range from €15 to €30 per occurrence. ATM withdrawals at your own bank are free; withdrawals at other banks' ATMs cost €1 to €2.
Compare the total monthly cost across banks before opening an account. A bank with a higher monthly fee but free transfers may be cheaper than one with a lower fee but high per-transaction costs. Ask the bank for a written summary of all fees before you sign the account agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Spanish bank account without a NIE?
Yes, most major banks will open an account using only your passport if you are a foreign resident. However, you will need a NIE eventually if you plan to work, rent long-term, or stay longer than 90 days as a non-EU citizen. Some banks prefer to see a NIE upfront, so call ahead to confirm their requirements.
How long does it take to open a bank account in Spain?
The in-person appointment takes 20 to 45 minutes. Your account is active immediately, and your debit card arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Online banking access is usually available within 24 to 48 hours. The entire process from appointment to receiving your card takes one to two weeks.
Do I need to be a Spanish resident to open a bank account?
No, but you must have proof of a current address in Spain, whether that is a rental contract, utility bill, or letter from your landlord. Non-residents can open accounts, but some banks require additional documentation or proof of legal presence in the country.
What is the difference between a Spanish bank account and an online account like Revolut?
A Spanish bank account is a traditional current account with a Spanish IBAN, issued by a bank regulated by the Spanish financial authority. Online accounts like Revolut are payment or e-money accounts designed for international transfers and spending abroad. Spanish employers and landlords typically expect a traditional bank account for salary deposits and rent payments.
Can I open a bank account in Spain if I am not working?
Yes, you do not need employment to open an account. Banks ask about your source of income as part of anti-money-laundering checks, but you can explain that you are retired, receiving support from family, or living off savings. Bring documentation of your income source if you have it.