Moving to Spain means sorting out a lot, from paperwork to housing, learning the language, and opening a Spanish bank account.
There are mainly two types of accounts. If you live in Spain, you will want a resident account. If you don’t live here but need an account, for example, if you own a property, then a non-resident account is the one to go for.
Choosing a bank for your account
For everyday spending, most people living in Spain use a current account (cuenta corriente). Other types include savings accounts, where you can earn a bit of interest; deposit accounts, which hold larger amounts but don’t let you withdraw easily; and salary accounts, mainly for receiving pay. Most people have a current account at least, and sometimes more than one.
When it comes to choosing a bank, you can go with a traditional high street bank or an online-only bank. It helps to check if you can open the account online, if the bank offers services in English, and what fees they charge for things like keeping the account, cards, or using cash machines. Using bank websites or comparison sites can make finding the right bank easier.
Opening a Spanish bank account
Opening an account is usually simpler once you’re in Spain because banks often want a local address. After picking a bank, you’ll get your account details and card, usually sent through the post.
Online banks are a fast and easy option. You can open an account from your phone using your ID and sometimes a quick video call, with no paperwork involved.
Fees vary and can include monthly or yearly charges for the account, fees for debit or credit cards, charges if you use cash machines outside your bank’s network, and fees for sending money abroad. Some banks offer free accounts or deals, so it’s worth shopping around.
Documents for a Spanish account
You’ll normally need a few documents to open an account: your passport or ID, proof of your Spanish address, your NIE number (foreigner ID), and proof of work, study, or another status. Non-residents may also need documents from their home country to show they don’t live in Spain.
You have to be 18 or older to open a standard account, but some banks allow minors to open one with parental consent.
