How to Open a Bank Account in Spain: Peculiarities of the Procedure for Residents and Non-Residents

Opening a bank account in Spain in 2025 may be necessary for various reasons: to receive salaries, pay utility bills, arrange mortgages, or use mobile payments for residents and to simplify financial transactions, avoid high fees for foreign cards, and manage investments for non-residents.

Local banks and digital platforms provide all the necessary services for both categories of clients, but the account opening procedure differs slightly. For EU citizens, an identity document is usually sufficient, while third-country nationals are required to obtain a foreigner identification number (NIE) and meet additional requirements.

In this article, we explain how to open a bank account in Spain and which documents are required depending on the applicant’s status.

Spain’s Banking System

Spain’s banking system comprises several categories of institutions. As of today, the local financial services market is led by traditional banks such as Banco Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Banco Sabadell, and Bankinter. These institutions operate extensive branch networks and serve all types of clients.

Their main competitors are online banks and neobanks, which offer fully digital services through mobile applications. Such banks rarely maintain physical branches, which limits their services; for example, they typically do not issue mortgages. However, they continue to grow in popularity, mainly due to their simplified account opening process, which is particularly attractive for non-residents.

Main types of bank accounts:

• Current account (Cuenta Corriente). Designed for everyday transactions (salary payments, utilities, purchases, and transfers) with minimal fees.
• Savings account (Cuenta de Ahorro). Offers a modest annual interest rate of 0.5–2%, but with limited functionality and a cap of 2–4 free transactions per month.
• Basic payment account (Cuenta de Pago Básica). Provides only essential functions with up to 120 free transactions per year.
• Non-resident account (Cuenta para No Residentes). This is a special bank account in Spain for foreigners and non-residents, including property owners or investors. This account does not allow access to credit or mortgages, and its opening requires a non-resident certificate (in some cases, an NIE may suffice).

Differences Between Resident and Non-Resident Accounts

Opening a bank account in Spain, as well as the range of services available, differs depending on whether the client is a resident or a non-resident. For example, residents have access to the full spectrum of banking services, while non resident bank account in Spain are limited to basic functions and generally face higher fees.

A person qualifies as a resident if they spend more than 183 days per calendar year in Spain or if they have fiscal residency (i.e., their main economic interests, such as work or business, are located in Spain). EU/EEA citizens are automatically treated as residents.

Key differences between resident and non-resident accounts:

If a non-resident changes status and becomes a resident, opening a new account is not required. Instead, the client simply needs to request a change in the account type at their bank. The main detail to clarify in advance is whether the existing IBAN will remain the same or whether a new one will be issued.

Opening a Bank Account in Spain for Residents

As mentioned earlier, residents of Spain have access to a broader range of banking services, but they must first provide proof of residency status. This is typically done through the Certificado de Registro como Residente Comunitario (CUE), submitted to the bank along with a minimum set of documents:

• Identity document. National ID card or passport + CUE.
• Proof of address. Certificate of residence registration (Empadronamiento).
• Proof of income. Employment contract, payslip, or bank statement (for employed persons). For students, a student card or a university letter is required.

The account opening process starts with selecting a bank and submitting an application, either online or in person. If completed digitally, identity verification is carried out via a video call or electronic identification (eID). Once verified, the account is activated, and the client receives an IBAN and access to mobile online banking. A debit card is produced within 3–7 days and delivered by post.

Opening a Bank Account in Spain for Non-Residents

Individuals spending fewer than 183 days per calendar year in Spain, regardless of nationality, are considered non-residents. This category often includes tourists, expatriates, and digital nomads without a long-term visa.

Required documents for Spanish non resident bank account:

• Identity document. International passport and a certified copy.
• Non-Resident Certificate (Certificado de No Residente).
• Proof of address. If applying from abroad a utility bill from the country of residence. If in Spain a property purchase/rental contract or a local utility bill.
• Proof of income. Tax return, income statement, or employment contract with apostille and sworn translation into Spanish.
• Proof of purpose of stay. Short-term visa, property purchase contract.

The process usually begins with obtaining the Non-Resident Certificate (Certificado de No Residente). This document confirms that the applicant does not permanently reside in Spain and is required by most banks. It should not be confused with the NIE: while the NIE is mandatory for taxes and property transactions, it does not always suffice for opening a bank account.

• In Spain: application via the Ministry of the Interior’s digital platform; form EX-15; government fee approx. €15; processing time 5–10 business days.
• Abroad: application via the Spanish consulate; processing time 1–2 weeks.

Next, the applicant chooses a bank. For EU citizens, opening an online bank account in Spain is often the simplest way: Santander offers Cuenta Online, while BBVA usually requires a branch visit. Alternatively, digital banks providing Spanish IBANs — Revolut, N26, Wise — are also viable. For non-EU citizens, more reliable options include CaixaBank (HolaBank), Sabadell (Key Account), and Santander Mundo.

Non-residents from third countries must apply in person at a Spanish branch. Even if the bank provides an online application, a physical visit is required at the final stage. In this case, the Non-Resident Certificate is mandatory, and banks may also request apostilled and translated income documents.

Verification takes 15–30 minutes in-branch or about 10 minutes via video call. For non-EU applicants, banks always check the source of funds, particularly for deposits over €10,000.

Account activation is relatively quick:

• IBAN is assigned within 1–3 days.
• Debit cards arrive within 5–10 days by post.
• Online banking is activated immediately.

The Bizum service is available for expat bank accounts in Spain only at traditional banks such as Santander, BBVA, Sabadell, and CaixaBank.

The entire process typically takes 1–2 weeks: 5–10 days for the Non-Resident Certificate plus 1–5 days for the bank’s account opening procedure. Costs include at least €15 for the certificate and from €0—192 per year for account maintenance, depending on the chosen plan.

Potential Issues When Opening a Bank Account in Spain

Even with properly prepared documentation, the process of opening a bank account in Spain is often accompanied by bureaucratic delays due to additional requirements imposed by banks.

Delays in Obtaining the Non-Resident Certificate

The Non-Resident Certificate (Certificado de No Residente) is mandatory for opening an account in most banks. Long queues at police offices (especially in Madrid and Barcelona) or consulates can extend the process by weeks. The problem is particularly acute if applying without a prior appointment or during «peak» months (summer and autumn).

Solution: schedule an appointment 2–3 weeks in advance. Alternatively, hire a lawyer or a gestor (administrative consultant). For €50—100, they can speed up the procedure through their professional channels and generally assist with the account-opening process. However, the optimal strategy is to obtain the certificate through the Spanish consulate before traveling.

Rejection Due to Missing Apostille or Translation

Banks in Spain require proof of income or source of funds. Documents issued abroad must be legalized with an apostille and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traducción jurada). It is best to obtain the apostille in the country of issuance and arrange for the certified translation there as well. Average costs are around €30—50 per page.

Account Freeze After Visa Expiry or Change of Status

Banks periodically review the status of bank accounts for non residents in Spain. If a non-resident’s visa expires or their residence status changes, the account may be temporarily frozen until updated documents are provided. This situation is particularly common for students and freelancers. To avoid disruptions, clients should update their records with the bank in advance or consider opening an account with an online bank that offers fintech-based accounts not tied to visa status.

Blocked Transfers from «High-Risk» Countries

Transfers from Russia, Belarus, and certain countries in Asia or Africa often face significant delays or outright blocks. The most practical solution is to route funds through intermediary services or transfer them first to an account in the EU or U.S. before forwarding them to Spain. This issue can also affect routine payments such as rent or utilities, since many landlords and providers accept payments only from accounts with an ES IBAN.

Popular Banks in Spain

Most Spanish banks work with EU citizens, with only a few small local institutions focusing exclusively on Spanish nationals. However, not all banks serve non-residents, especially among traditional institutions.

List of banks in Spain for residents:

Best bank for expats in Spain:

Non-residents often face higher account maintenance fees. This is because Spanish banks classify non-resident accounts as higher risk. According to market practice, around 70% of third-country nationals are required to visit a branch in person to present original documents and undergo enhanced AML (anti-money laundering) checks when opening an account.

Top 10 Banks in Spain

The top banks in Spain are based on assets (total funds), market capitalization (share value), popularity among residents and non-residents, as well as consumer reviews.

Top 10 banks in Spain:

• Banco Santander. The largest bank in Spain and the leader in global presence (operates not only in Europe but also in Latin America). Residents often use it for mortgages, while non-residents typically choose it for online account opening.
• BBVA (Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria). The second bank in Spain by assets and market capitalization, which surpasses Santander in mobile app quality, recognized with awards. Offers zero-fee accounts for residents but provides limited online services for non-residents from third countries.
• CaixaBank. A bank with a broad branch network (around 4,000) and the HolaBank program for expats. It counts as the best bank in Spain for non residents due to English-language service and assistance with account opening.
• Banco Sabadell. Specializes in SMEs and real estate (Key Account for non-residents, €160/year). For Europeans — basic accounts under the EU directive; for non-Europeans with NIE — access to mortgages.
• Bankinter. Known for personalized services and zero fees for youth and retirees. Residents can access Payroll Accounts with no fees, while non-residents are offered Currency Accounts for international transfers.
• Unicaja Banco. A regional leader in Andalusia, focused on ethical banking and low rates. Weakness: limited online banking and English-language support only in branches.
• Kutxabank. A cooperative bank in the Basque Country with a strong focus on savings accounts.
• Abanca. A local Galician bank specializing in digital banking services.
• Ibercaja Banco. The ninth largest bank in the country by assets, headquartered in Aragon. Its main focus is corporate banking, providing services to businesses and investors.
• Banco Cooperativo Español (Cajamar). A cooperative bank in southern Spain primarily targeting residents. It also provides banking in Spain for non-residents but only on a basic level.