How do I open a bank account in Spain?

Opening a bank account in Spain is an essential step for expatriates, investors or retirees moving to the country. Whether you are a resident or non-resident, here are the steps to follow and the documents required.

✅ Choosing the type of account

There are two types of bank account:

• Account for residents: for people officially living in Spain with an EIN.
• Account for non-residents: available to foreigners not yet resident in Spain.

📄 Documents required

For residents:

• Valid passport or identity card
• NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
• Proof of address (bill, rental contract)
• Proof of income (sometimes optional)

For non-residents :

• Passport or identity card
• Certificate of non-residence to be obtained from the Spanish National Police
• Proof of residence in the country of origin
• Sometimes an NIE may be required
• For non-residents or foreigners without traditional proof of address, the empadronamiento may be a recognised means of proving your address in Spain.

🏦 Popular banks in Spain

🗓️ Deadlines and opening

Once the documents have been submitted, it can take between 24 and 72 hours to open an account. Some banks offer remote account opening, while others require you to attend a branch with an appointment.

💡 Useful advice

• Choose a bank with customer service in French.
• Compare bank charges (account maintenance, international transfers, withdrawals, etc.).
• Check the availability of a debit card and access to online banking.
• An NIE is strongly recommended, even for non-residents.

Good to know: Some Spanish banks refuse to open a bank account remotely without an EIN. It is better to go to the bank or contact an adviser to validate your application.