Opening a Bank Account in Spain 2025: Complete Guide for Expats

Why do you need a Spanish bank account?

Opening a bank account in Spain is practically mandatory for anyone planning to live or work in the country for more than a few months.

Without a Spanish account, you'll face significant challenges with everyday activities:

• Receive your salary - Most employers only pay to Spanish accounts
• Pay rent - Landlords prefer direct debits from Spanish banks
• Set up utilities - Electricity, gas, internet, mobile phone
• Get a mortgage - Impossible without Spanish banking history
• Avoid fees - Foreign ATMs charge up to €5 per transaction

Basic requirements to open an account

Requirements vary depending on your legal status in Spain. The documentation needed depends mainly on whether you're a legal resident or non-resident.

Below, we detail the documents you'll generally need:

For legal residents:

• NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) - Mandatory
• Passport - Original and copy
• Empadronamiento certificate - No older than 3 months
• Proof of income - Payslip, work contract, or self-employment declaration
• Initial deposit - Between €150-600 depending on the bank

For non-residents (tourists, short-term students):

• Passport - Original and copy
• Non-residence certificate - From your home country
• Proof of income - Recent payslips or bank statements
• Higher initial deposit - Between €3,000-6,000 depending on the bank

Best banks for expats in Spain

Choosing the right bank can make a huge difference in your banking experience in Spain. Each institution has its strengths and weaknesses, and what works for one person might not be ideal for another.

Here's a comparison of the best options available:

1. Santander - Most international

• Pros: Global presence, app in multiple languages, English customer service
• Cons: High fees, €600 minimum deposit
• Best for: Corporate expats, high earners

2. BBVA - Most digital

• Pros: Excellent online banking, cheap international transfers
• Cons: Fewer physical branches
• Best for: Digital users, digital nomads

3. CaixaBank - Most accessible

• Pros: Many branches, low minimum deposit (€150)
• Cons: Limited English service
• Best for: Tight budgets, need for physical branches

4. Sabadell - The balance

• Pros: Good personal service, competitive products
• Cons: Less international than Santander
• Best for: Long-term residents

Online banks: N26, Revolut, Wise

• Pros: No fees, quick opening, multicurrency
• Cons: Not accepted for mortgages, problems with direct debits
• Best for: Secondary account, travel

Step-by-step process to open your account

Once you've chosen your bank and gathered the necessary documentation, the opening process is quite straightforward. We'll guide you through each step:

Step 1: Prepare your documentation

Before going to the bank, make sure you have all necessary documents. Call the bank to confirm exact requirements, as they may vary between branches.

It's advisable to bring both originals and copies of all documents to avoid any issues.

Step 2: Request an appointment

Most banks require appointments, especially in major cities. This guarantees they'll have enough time to serve you properly.

You can request one through these methods:

• By phone
• Through their website
• At the branch (but you'll have to come back another day)

Step 3: Attend the appointment

Arrive on time with all your documentation. The process usually takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your situation.

During the appointment, the bank representative will review your documents, explain available products, and help you choose the most suitable account type.

Step 4: Make the initial deposit

You'll need to make a cash deposit or transfer from your foreign bank. Some banks allow you to make this transfer after opening the account.

Step 5: Receive your card and access codes

Your card will arrive by mail in 5-10 business days to your empadronamiento address. Online banking codes are provided immediately, allowing you to access your account right away.

Typical fees and costs

Banking fees in Spain can vary significantly between institutions. It's important to understand all associated costs before making a decision.

Here's a summary of the most common fees you can expect:

Tips to avoid problems

The experience of opening a bank account can be much smoother if you follow some practical tips. Here are recommendations organized by stages of the process:

Before going to the bank:

• Call to confirm requirements - Each branch may have slightly different criteria
• Ask about fee-free products - Many banks have free accounts with conditions
• Negotiate the minimum deposit - Sometimes it's flexible, especially if you have demonstrable income

During the visit:

• Bring a Spanish friend if possible - They'll help with language and give confidence to the bank
• Ask about all fees - Read the fine print
• Request online banking immediately - It's free and very useful

After opening the account:

• Set up salary direct deposit - Many fees are waived with recurring income
• Download the bank's app - Essential for daily use
• Keep all contracts - You'll need them for future procedures

Common problems and solutions

Even with the best preparation, obstacles can arise during the opening process. Here are the most frequent situations and how to resolve them:

Problem: "You need more documentation"

Solution: Ask exactly what documents are missing and when you can return. Sometimes they accept documents from your home country with apostille.

Problem: "Minimum deposit too high"

Solution: Ask about basic accounts or try another branch. Some managers have more flexibility.

Problem: "They don't speak English"

Solution: Ask for international branches of the same bank. They exist in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.

Problem: "Application rejected without clear reason"

Solution: Try another bank. Each has its own internal policies.

Alternatives for difficult cases

If you've tried several traditional banks without success, don't despair. There are alternatives that can help you establish a banking presence in Spain.

Consider these options as a plan B:

1. Basic account (legal right)

Every legal resident in Spain has the right to a basic bank account. They cannot refuse you if you meet minimum requirements.

2. Banks specialized in foreigners

Some smaller banks specialize in expats and may be more flexible.

3. Online banking as temporary solution

While getting your traditional account, you can use N26 or Revolut for basic expenses.

Next steps after opening your account

Once you have your bank account active, there are several important actions you should take to optimize your banking experience and establish a good financial history:

1. Set up salary direct deposit - To avoid maintenance fees
2. Configure automatic payments - Rent, utilities, insurance
3. Apply for a credit card - After 6 months of history
4. Consider savings products - Deposits, investment funds
5. Stay informed about changes - Fees can change annually

Opening a bank account in Spain may seem complicated at first, but it's a fundamental step to properly establish yourself in the country. With the right documentation and choosing the correct bank for your situation, the process will be much simpler than you imagine.

Remember that having a Spanish bank account will not only make your daily life easier, but will also help you build a credit history that will be useful in the future for loans, mortgages, and other financial products.

Need help with other aspects of your move to Spain? Check out our guides on how to get your NIE or the empadronamiento process.