Yes, non-residents can open a bank account in Spain, but the process and requirements differ from what residents face

Non-residents — people without a Spanish address or residency status — can open a bank account at most Spanish banks, but you will need to provide more documentation than a resident would, and some banks have stricter rules about which non-residents they accept. The main barrier is not your residency status itself; it is proving your identity and source of funds to comply with Spanish anti-money-laundering law. Banks must verify who you are, where your money comes from, and why you need the account.

The process typically takes one to three weeks from the time you submit all required documents. You can open an account in person at a branch, by video call with some banks, or occasionally by mail if you use a Spanish tax identification number. The account itself is free at most banks, though monthly fees vary by bank and account type.

Key Takeaways

  • Non-residents can open accounts at Spanish banks, but must provide a passport, proof of address in their home country, and documentation of income or funds.
  • You will need a Spanish tax identification number (NIE or NIF) to open most accounts; obtaining one requires an appointment at the National Police or a Spanish consulate.
  • Some banks accept non-residents by video call; others require an in-person visit to a Spanish branch, which means you must travel to Spain.
  • Banks are required by law to verify the source of your funds and your reason for opening the account, so be prepared to explain both clearly.
  • Account opening takes one to three weeks after you submit complete documentation; delays are common if the bank requests additional proof of income or address.

What documentation you will need to provide

Spanish banks require a valid passport or national identity card. If you hold a passport from outside the EU, bring the original or a certified copy. Some banks will accept a scanned copy if you open the account by video call, but others insist on seeing the document in person.

You must prove your address in your home country. A utility bill, rental agreement, or official letter from your government showing your name and address will work. The document should be dated within the last three months. If you do not have a current utility bill, a recent tax return or bank statement showing your address is acceptable at most banks.

Banks must document the source of the funds you plan to deposit. Bring recent bank statements (usually the last three months), a letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your employment and salary, or tax returns from your home country. If you are self-employed or a business owner, provide business registration documents and recent profit-and-loss statements. If you are retired, bring pension statements or proof of retirement income.

You will also need a Spanish tax identification number, called a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) if you are not an EU citizen, or NIF (Número de Identidad Fiscal) if you are. Obtaining one requires an appointment at a Spanish National Police office or at a Spanish consulate in your home country. The process takes one to two weeks. Some banks will help you obtain a NIE as part of the account-opening process, but do not count on this — it is faster to get one before you approach the bank.

How to obtain a Spanish tax identification number before opening an account

If you are outside Spain, contact the Spanish consulate nearest to you and request an appointment to obtain a NIE or NIF. You will need your passport, a completed application form (available on the consulate website), and proof of your reason for needing the number — in this case, opening a bank account. Bring a letter from the bank stating they require a NIE to open your account, or simply explain that you are opening a Spanish bank account. The consulate will issue the number on the same day or within a few days.

If you are already in Spain, you can visit a National Police office (Policía Nacional) in any city. Walk-in appointments are sometimes available, but booking ahead online through the Spanish Interior Ministry website is more reliable. Bring your passport, a completed form EX-15 (available at the police station or online), and proof of your reason for the NIE. Processing takes one to two weeks; you will receive a letter with your number by mail.

Some banks, particularly larger ones like BBVA, CaixaBank, and Santander, have agreements with the police to issue NIEs on-site or to fast-track the process. Ask the bank whether they offer this service when you contact them about opening an account.

Which Spanish banks accept non-residents and how to contact them

Most major Spanish banks accept non-residents, though policies vary. BBVA, Santander, CaixaBank, and Banco Sabadell all have non-resident account options. Smaller regional banks and online-only banks like Revolut, Wise, and N26 also serve non-residents, though these are not traditional Spanish banks and may have different rules.

Contact the bank directly before visiting a branch or submitting documents. Call their customer service line or visit their website to ask whether they open accounts for non-residents and what documents they require. Some banks have dedicated teams for non-resident accounts and can walk you through the process by phone or email. Others will tell you to visit a branch in person.

If you are in Spain, visit a branch with all your documents. Bring originals and copies of everything; the bank will keep copies on file. If you are outside Spain, ask whether the bank offers video call account opening. BBVA and Santander both offer this for some non-residents, though availability depends on your country of residence and the bank's current policies.

Opening an account by video call versus in person

Video call account opening is faster and does not require travel, but not all banks offer it to all non-residents. The bank will schedule a video appointment, usually within a few days of your request. During the call, a bank representative will verify your identity by asking you to show your passport, confirm details from your documents, and answer questions about the source of your funds and the purpose of the account. The call typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes.

In-person account opening at a Spanish branch is more widely available and sometimes preferred by banks because they can verify your documents directly. If you travel to Spain, you can open an account the same day or within a few days. Bring all original documents, your NIE or NIF, and be prepared to sign paperwork in person. Some branches will issue a debit card on the spot; others will mail it to your home address.

If you cannot travel to Spain and the bank does not offer video call opening, some banks will accept account opening by mail. You send copies of your documents, a signed application form, and proof of your identity. This route is slower — expect four to six weeks — and carries a higher risk that the bank will request additional documentation or reject your application.

What happens after you submit your application

After you submit all documents, the bank enters a verification period that typically lasts one to three weeks. During this time, the bank's compliance team reviews your documents, checks your identity against government databases, and verifies the source of your funds. They may contact your employer, your bank in your home country, or other institutions to confirm the information you provided.

If everything checks out, the bank will send you a confirmation letter with your account number and instructions for activating your account online. Your debit card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. You can usually begin using the account online before the card arrives.

If the bank has questions, they will contact you by email or phone and ask for additional documents. Common requests include a more recent bank statement, a letter from your employer on official letterhead, or clarification about the purpose of the account. Respond as quickly as possible; delays in providing documents can extend the process by weeks.

If the bank rejects your application, they are required by law to tell you why. Common reasons include insufficient proof of income, unclear source of funds, or a mismatch between your stated purpose and your financial profile. If you are rejected, you can try a different bank or address the bank's concerns and reapply.

Fees, minimum deposits, and account maintenance

Most Spanish banks do not charge a monthly fee for a basic non-resident account, though some charge a small annual fee (typically €20 to €50) or require a minimum balance. Online-only banks like Wise and Revolut usually have no monthly fees and no minimum balance.

Minimum opening deposits vary. Some banks require no minimum; others ask for €300 to €1,000 to open the account. Ask the bank about this before you apply.

International transfers into your Spanish account usually cost €3 to €15 per transfer, depending on the bank and the amount. Transfers out of Spain to your home country cost more — typically €15 to €30. Online banks like Wise often charge less for international transfers than traditional banks.

ATM withdrawals in Spain are usually free if you use the bank's own ATMs. Withdrawals at other banks' ATMs may cost €1 to €3. If you withdraw cash outside Spain, expect fees of €3 to €5 per withdrawal plus a currency conversion charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be in Spain to open a bank account?

No. Many banks offer video call account opening for non-residents outside Spain. If your bank does not, you can open an account by mail, though it takes longer and carries a higher risk of rejection. Some banks do require an in-person visit, so confirm this with the bank before you start the process.

What if I do not have a Spanish tax identification number yet?

Obtain one before you approach the bank. Contact your nearest Spanish consulate or, if you are in Spain, visit a National Police office. The process takes one to two weeks. Some banks will help you get one, but it is faster to do it yourself first.

Can I open an account if I am not employed?

Yes, but you must document your source of funds. If you are retired, bring pension statements. If you have investment income, bring statements from your investment accounts. If you are supported by family, bring a letter from the person supporting you and their bank statements. Banks need to know where your money comes from; they do not require you to be employed.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

After your account is approved, your debit card usually arrives within one to two weeks by mail to your home address. You can use your account online before the card arrives. Some branches will issue a card on the spot if you open the account in person.

What if the bank asks why I am opening an account in Spain?

Be honest and specific. Common reasons include: you own property in Spain, you work for a Spanish company, you plan to move to Spain, you receive income from Spain, or you want to manage finances across multiple countries. Banks ask this to comply with anti-money-laundering law. A vague answer may trigger additional scrutiny or rejection.