Open a Bank Account in Spain Online (2025) – Non-Resident Guide
Trying to open a bank account in Spain online as a non-resident? This guide explains what Spanish banks can legally ask for, how remote onboarding works and when you’ll need the EX-15/NIE or the certificado de no residente. Looking for the complete overview? Read Opening a Bank Account in Spain for Non-Residents.
Key Takeaways
- Yes, fully online is possible — Remote video identification is allowed under SEPBLAC.
- Docs at a glance — Passport, proof of address, CRS/FATCA; sometimes NIE (EX-15) or certificado de no residente.
- No NIE yet? — You can get a certificado de no residente or NIE in Spain or via a Spanish consulate; fee Modelo 790-012.
- Spanish IBAN vs SEPA IBAN — N26/Revolut can be fully online; ES IBAN depends on eligibility. IBAN discrimination is illegal under SEPA.
- Legal fallback — If refused a standard account, ask for a cuenta de pago básica (RDL 19/2017).
- Timelines — Online onboarding: minutes; bank review: same day–3 days; certificado de no residente: up to 5 business days.
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Can a non-resident open a Spanish bank account entirely online?
Yes, if the bank offers remote onboarding and you pass their due-diligence checks.
- Legal basis: Spanish anti-money-laundering law obliges banks to identify clients and assess risk (Ley 10/2010↗ and RD 304/2014↗).
- Remote ID permitted: SEPBLAC (Spain’s AML supervisor) authorized video-identification procedures for non-face-to-face onboarding. Autorización de procedimientos de vídeo-identificación (2017)↗.
- Tax-residency self-certification: Under the OECD CRS/AEAT rules, banks must identify your residencia fiscal and may report accounts accordingly: see AEAT Modelo 289 page (procedimiento↗ and FAQs↗).
What this means for you: you can open an account online as a non-resident if the bank supports remote KYC. Expect a selfie/video call, passport scan and economic profile questions.
Fully online options (Spanish IBAN vs SEPA IBAN)
- N26 (Spain): Mobile onboarding; customers in Spain get a Spanish IBAN. If you’re EU-resident but not yet resident in Spain, you may receive a non-ES IBAN (still SEPA-valid). See: N26 Spain↗ and How N26 IBANs work↗.
- Revolut (Spain): Operates a Spanish branch; many customers in Spain get an ES IBAN after migration/eligibility. If you’re EU-resident but not in Spain, you may have a non-ES IBAN (SEPA-valid). See: Revolut help – Spanish IBAN migration↗ and Account details availability↗.
Examples of Banks Offering Online accounts
Documents you’ll likely need (non-resident profiles)
Below is the typical checklist banks request. Each entity sets its own policy under AML rules, so consider this as a baseline.
| Document | Why it’s requested |
|---|---|
| Passport (valid) | Primary identification |
| Proof of address (abroad or Spain) | Correspondence & risk assessment |
| Tax residency self-certification (CRS/FATCA) | AEAT/CRS reporting duties |
| Income/activity info | Source of funds (AML) |
| NIE (EX-15) or certificado de no residente (if the bank asks) | To evidence your non-resident status or assign a foreigner ID |
| Spanish mobile number & device with camera | For video-identificación and Two-Factor Authentication |
NIE (EX-15) vs. Certificado de No Residente: which one do I need?
NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero – EX-15): An identification number assigned by Spanish authorities; you can request it without becoming a resident.
Certificado de no residente: A police certificate stating you are not resident in Spain; often requested by banks for non-resident accounts. You apply through Policía Nacional. See Trámites Extranjería↗ and pay fee with Modelo 790-012: Tasa 790-012 (Sede Policía)↗.
Which to choose?
- If your bank accepts video-ID + passport: you may not need either immediately.
- If your bank requests a Spanish identifier: they will specify NIE or certificado de no residente. Check their policy first.
- If you expect to sign contracts (rent, utilities) soon: consider getting NIE early.
Step-by-step: open your account online as a non-resident
Path A – 100% online onboarding (when the bank supports video-ID)
- Choose account type: Standard non-resident account or cuenta de pago básica (see below). Read fee schedule and limits.
- Start application: Complete personal data and tax residency self-certification (CRS) online. Banks must collect it per AEAT/CRS (Modelo 289 info↗).
- Remote identification: Complete video-identificación with passport and liveness checks, as allowed by SEPBLAC (autorización 2017↗).
- Economic profile: Answer questions about income, job, expected account use (AML diligence per Ley 10/2010↗).
- Activation: Once verified, sign digitally. You’ll receive IBAN and online banking access.
Path B – When the bank asks for a certificado de no residente or NIE
You can do this either in Spain or from abroad via a Spanish Consulate.
If you’re in Spain
- Book appointment (if required): Look for POLICÍA – CERTIFICADOS (residencia / no residencia / concordancia) under Trámites Extranjería (oficial↗).
- Pay the fee (tasa 790-012): Fill and print Modelo 790-012 (descarga↗) and pay at a collaborating bank in Spain (no Spanish account needed). Keep the stamped receipt.
- File EX-15: Submit EX-15 (tick NIE or Certificado de no residente) with passport and fee proof. Official form: EX-15↗.
- Collect the document: Resolution is typically a few days (varies by province). You’ll pick it up at the office where you filed. A certificado de no residente is usually valid ~3 months from issue.
- Upload to your bank: Attach a scan/PDF to complete onboarding.
If you’re outside Spain (via Spanish Consulate)
- Check your consulate’s instructions: Find EX-15 / NIE / certificado de no residente requirements and booking on your consulate’s site.
- Prepare documents: EX-15 (mark certificado de no residente or NIE), passport copy and any extras the consulate requests.
- Pay the fee: Consulates generally collect the 790-012 fee (local currency/money order). Follow their method and keep the receipt.
- Submit at the consulate: They forward your file to Spain’s National Police. Delivery varies by consulate: email, in-person pick-up, or postal return. They’ll confirm how you’ll receive the certificate/NIE.
- Upload to your bank: Once received, attach the certificate/NIE to finish onboarding.
The cuenta de pago básica: a legal fallback if you’re eligible
Spain transposed the EU Payment Accounts Directive through Real Decreto-ley 19/2017, creating the cuenta de pago básica. Key points:
- Right to request: Consumers can request a basic account providing essential services (deposits, withdrawals, card, transfers, direct debits). See the law: RDL 19/2017 (BOE)↗.
- Bank obligations & fees: Banks must offer these accounts and disclose features and commissions. Banco de España explains how they work and monitors commissions (¿Qué es la cuenta de pago básica?↗ and Cuentas de pago básica: comisiones↗).
- Eligibility nuance: The law focuses on consumers legally residing in the EU and certain vulnerable cases. If you’re temporarily in Spain and not EU-resident, some banks may still propose a non-resident account instead; confirm your options.
Timeline & costs: what to expect
| Task | Typical timing | Cost notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online application + video-ID | 15–45 minutes | Usually free; standard account fees apply |
| Bank compliance review | Same day to 3 business days | Varies by entity risk checks (AML) |
| Certificado de no residente (if asked) | Up to 5 business days | Modelo 790-012 fee via Policía: pago/descarga↗ |
| NIE (EX-15) via Spain/consulate | Days to weeks (depends on office) | Fee per EX-15 procedure; see Modelos generales – Inclusión↗ |
Troubleshooting: banking friction points (and fixes)
- Bank insists on NIE but you prefer the certificado de no residente: Policies differ. Send a polite email citing you’re opening a cuenta de no residente and ask if a certificado de no residente + passport suffices. If not, begin EX-15.
- No Spanish phone yet: Use your foreign number to start; switch later in profile settings. For video-ID, ensure a good camera and light.
- Rejected due to address mismatch: Upload an alternative proof (bank statement or utility in your name) showing your current foreign address.
- Need an account fast for a property deposit: Consider starting with the bank suggested by your notary or agency and ask for a temporal limitation (lower limits) until full documentation is delivered.
- Bank says “in-branch only”: Not all entities offer remote onboarding to non-residents. Try another bank or ask about the cuenta de pago básica (Banco de España overview↗).
Legal & compliance corner (for peace of mind)
- AML framework: Ley 10/2010↗ + Reglamento RD 304/2014↗.
- Remote onboarding: SEPBLAC authorizations for video-identificación 2017 (PDF)↗ and videoconferencia page↗.
- Basic payment accounts: Real Decreto-ley 19/2017↗ + Banco de España summaries (qué es↗, comisiones↗).
- Police fees & forms: Modelo 790-012 – Sede Policía↗; EX-15 at Modelos generales – Inclusión↗.
- CRS/AEAT reporting obligations: Modelo 289 (AEAT)↗.
Template: compliance-friendly cover letter (optional)
After applying, send a note via the bank's messaging center. It can speed up reviews.
Subject: Non-resident account – supporting information
Dear Compliance Team, I am applying to open a non-resident account online. I confirm my tax residency is [Country], TIN [123456789]. I intend to use the account for [purpose: study/living/property expenses]. My expected monthly incoming/outgoing is [amount range]. Attached are my passport, proof of address and income evidence.
If you require the EX-15 NIE or a certificado de no residente, please let me know and I will provide it.
Kind regards,
[Full name]
Checklist: before you click “Apply”
- Valid passport (clear scans)
- Current proof of address (utility or bank statement)
- Tax residency & TIN(s)
- Spanish mobile number (or plan to add later)
- Decide: NIE (EX-15) vs certificado de no residente
- Short note explaining source of funds and purpose of account
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Frequently Asked Questions
Gerard B.
An expat who's done it, so you don't have to!
After spending years in Spain and thousands of euros on lawyers, tax advisors, and residency applications, only to realize that doing it yourself is often easier, cheaper, and just as effective. Gerard is an expat on a mission to help others avoid the same costly mistakes. By creating LiveLoveSpain, Gerard aims to share first-hand experiences, practical tips, and plenty of "Why didn't anyone tell me this?!" moments. Whether it's filing taxes, understanding visas, or just mastering the art of the sobremesa, he's here to help fellow expats integrate seamlessly without breaking the bank.