Opening a Bank Account in Spain as a Foreigner

If you want to invest in real estate in Spain, you will need a bank account to transfer money, apply for a loan, and pay for your new home's maintenance or utility costs. There is a wide range of banking institutions, including state-owned, private, foreign, cooperative, and mobile banks, in the country. So, it is easy to reach a flexible and efficient banking system that can meet a variety of demands and preferences.

But first, residents and non-residents have different bank accounts here. Non-resident bank accounts in Spain are only available to persons who do not have legal residency in the country. The application details are provided below.

How to Open a Bank Account in Spain?

First, we recommend that you think long-term and choose a bank that will meet all your needs, such as applying for a home loan. At this point, TEKCE experts list the banks with the most advantageous rates for you and help you collect your documents through lawyers. Since your documents may vary depending on the situation, TEKCE offers you a personalized service.

The general documents you need to set up a bank account in Spain as a non-resident are:

• Your valid/unexpired passport.
• Your national identity card (for EU citizens).
• Proof of address in Spain, such as a utility bill (less than 3 months old) or a recent Spanish bank statement.
• Proof of employment status (a payslip, tax return, or government documents to prove you are either unemployed or receiving a state pension).
• Certificate of non-residency (Certificado de No Residente) or proof you are not a resident of Spain. By presenting your passport, you can obtain this from a police station in Spain.

Depending on the bank, accounts are typically opened quickly between 1–5 days with the correct documents. If you email us copies of your utility bill and passport before you come, we can prepare the required paperwork.

FAQ About Opening a Spanish Bank Account

Here are the most frequently asked questions:

Q: Do I need a bank account in Spain?
A: If you buy a property or get a residence permit in Spain, you need to have one; but if you only intend to live temporarily in Spain, it is not compulsory.

Q: What kind of bank accounts are available in Spain?
A: There are two types of bank accounts: a resident account and a non-resident account. If you are considering applying for a residence permit, we recommend that you obtain a residence account.

In detail, you can come across with standard one (cuenta bancaria or cuenta corriente), sav,ng account (cuenta de ahorros), deposit account (cuenta de depósito), and salary account (cuenta nomina).

Q: Can a foreigner open a bank account in Spain?
A: Yes.

Q: Can a non-resident open a bank account in Spain?
A: Yes.

Q: What are the requirements to open a bank account in Spain as a non-resident?
A: The essential documents are a valid and unexpired passport, NIE number, proof of address in Spain, such as a utility bill, proof of employment status, such as a payslip, and certificate of non-residency.

Q: Can I open a bank account in Spain with my passport?
A: Yes, along with other documents.

Q: Can I open an online bank account in Spain?
A: You may need to apply to the bank beforehand with the necessary documents. Conditions vary depending on the bank.

Q: What are the fees for maintaining a bank account in Spain?
A: There are differences in financial issues and fees from one bank to the next, therefore you may expect to find some banks with lower/higher fees. For your account to be activated, some banks may require a minimum account opening fee. There are also maintenance fees, ATM fees, and transfer fees based on your transactions.

Q: Can you open a Spanish bank account from the UK?
A: It might be possible if you come across a Spanish bank that has offices abroad, but mostly, you need to be physically present in Spain and be able to provide the necessary documents to identify yourself and your address.

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