Opening a Bank Account in Spain for Non-Residents
Opening a bank account in Spain as a non-resident is a key step for expats, digital nomads, or second-home buyers. This guide outlines how to open a Spanish bank account from abroad without living there, the documents required, and the best banks to consider, including traditional and digital options.
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🌍 Can Non-Residents Open a Spanish Bank Account?
Yes even non-residents can open a bank account in Spain. Many banks offer specific 'non-resident' accounts designed for tourists, students, property buyers, and digital nomads. However, the features and requirements can differ from those for residents.
📑 What Documents Are Required?
You’ll typically need the following documents to open a non-resident bank account in Spain:
- Valid passport or national ID (non-EU citizens must use passport)
- Proof of address abroad (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
- Proof of income or occupation (pay slips, employment letter, tax return)
- Non-residency certificate (required by some banks like CaixaBank)
Note: Even though this guide is for non-residents, some banks (especially traditional ones) may ask for a national ID, especially if you are an EU citizen or if your account transitions to a resident account later.
💳 Digital vs Traditional Banks in Spain
Digital banks (like N26, Revolut, and Wise) offer fast, mobile-first account setup without requiring a Spanish address or NIE upfront. They often include multi-currency features, low fees, and strong English support. However, they may lack a full Spanish IBAN, which is sometimes needed for direct debits, utility bills, or government transactions.
Traditional banks (like CaixaBank, BBVA, Santander or Sabadell) offer physical branches and wider service acceptance in Spain but often require more documentation, longer setup, and sometimes in-person appointments. They typically provide a Spanish IBAN and work well with landlords, utilities, taxes and public services.
| Feature | Digital Banks (e.g., N26, Revolut, Wise) | Traditional Banks (e.g., CaixaBank, BBVA, Sabadell) |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | Online, no visit required | Often in-person or via video ID verification |
| IBAN Type | Non-Spanish (e.g., LT, BE, DE) - except N26 ES users | Spanish IBAN - accepted for all local payments |
| Best For | Digital nomads, travelers, short stays | Residents, property owners, long stays |
| Required Documents | Passport, address abroad, selfie/video ID | Passport, proof of address, NIE or non-resident certificate |
| NIE Required | Not needed initially (may ask later) | May be required by some banks and for some services |
| Physical Branches | ❌ None | ✅ Yes |
| English Support | ✅ App-based support in English | ✅ In select branches and via HolaBank/Sabadell Expat desks |
| Utility Payments / Rent | May not be accepted due to non-ES IBAN | Widely accepted for rent, bills, taxes |
| Fees | Low or no monthly fees | Monthly maintenance or account fees possible |
| Currency Exchange / FX | Excellent rates, multi-currency wallets | Higher fees for transfers and conversions |
| Credit / Loans / Mortgages | ❌ Not widely available | ✅ Available after relationship established |
🏛️ Major Banks for Non-Residents in Spain
Here are some major banks known to accommodate non-resident clients:
| Bank | Key Features | English Support | Notes | Bank Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBVA | Strong online banking, available in English | ✅ Partial | Fee‑free online account, video ID available | bbva.es↗ |
| CaixaBank | Online banking, cards, branches nationwide | ✅ Yes | Offers 'HolaBank' expat package, registration can be done online, only required to go to the branch within 6 months from opening the account | caixabank.es↗ |
| Banco Sabadell | Flexible options for foreigners | ✅ Yes | Popular with property buyers | bancsabadell.com↗ |
| Santander | Global reach, English documentation. | ✅ Moderate | Zero-fee account for non-residents, Online contracting not available for all countries' passport holders | bancosantander.es↗ |
| N26 (Spain) | Mobile-first, Spanish IBAN | ✅ App-based | Easy sign-up, digital-first, not all countries' passports are eligible | n26.com↗ |
| Revolut | Multi-currency, non-Spanish IBAN, investment options | ✅ App-based | Instant account setup, not for utility use | revolut.com↗ |
| Wise (formerly TransferWise) | Borderless account, competitive FX | ✅ App & web | Simple, but lacks full Spanish IBAN | wise.com↗ |
💡 Tips for Opening Your Account Smoothly
- Call ahead or visit the bank’s website to confirm required documents.
- Choose a bank that offers English support if you’re not fluent in Spanish.
- Ask for a non-resident account explicitly.
- Bring photocopies of your passport and other documents.
- Translate documents by a sworn Spanish translator.
- Digital banks are a good starting point, but traditional banks may be better for paying rent, utilities, or getting a mortgage.
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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.