How to Open a Bank Account in Spain in 2025

What to expect when opening a bank account in Spain?

The Spanish banking system is centrally regulated by the Bank of Spain, which ensures that banks operate under fair and transparent conditions. The main high street banks include Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell, Bankinter, and Bankia, although you will also find several regional and digital banks with their own offerings.
In Spain, banking is not usually free. Most accounts carry maintenance or management fees, which typically range from seventy to one hundred and forty euros per year. However, these fees can often be avoided or reduced by maintaining a regular deposit into your account and by using your debit or credit card for everyday spending. Every bank has slightly different conditions, so it’s always worth comparing different accounts and packages.
Spanish banks now commonly offer apps and internet banking as standard. Some have digitised the account-opening process entirely, while others still require documents to be printed, signed, and returned. If in doubt, ask your bank what format they require.

Do you need a Spanish bank account?

Opening a Spanish bank account is not compulsory for all foreign buyers, but it is strongly recommended. You do not need to be a resident in Spain to open one, and most banks will ask whether you plan to live in the country when you apply. If you are not planning to move permanently, they will usually open a non-resident account for you.
Having a Spanish bank account is particularly important if you are buying a home. After your purchase is complete, your lawyer or gestor will often use this account to set up all your local payments, including utility bills, community fees, town hall taxes, and service charges. Most utility providers in Spain expect to be paid via direct debit from a Spanish bank account, so setting one up early can help ensure a smoother transition.
Even if you are only planning to stay part-time or use the property as a holiday home, a local account avoids international transfer delays and currency conversion costs.

Choosing the right bank for your Spanish account

Most major banks in Spain offer a wide range of account types, including specific options for non-residents. These typically come with a debit card and allow you to make regular transactions in euros. Some accounts offer perks like limited free international transfers or reduced foreign exchange fees, while others may have better access to English-speaking staff or more extensive ATM networks.
Some banks are more accommodating to foreign clients than others. If you are not confident speaking Spanish, look for branches that offer assistance in English or that advertise international client services. You may also want to choose a bank with good digital tools if you plan to manage your account remotely.
It is also worth considering how often you will need to transfer money from your home country. Some banks charge commission for currency exchanges or international transfers, so make sure you ask about these fees before choosing your provider.

What documents are required to open a Spanish bank account?

To open a bank account in Spain, you will need to provide several documents that verify your identity and your address. At a minimum, you will need your passport and your NIE number, which is your foreign identification number in Spain. You will also be asked to provide a recent tax return, a utility bill that shows your current address, and proof of income. This could be a payslip, pension statement, or benefits letter.
If you are applying for a resident account, you will need to show proof of your Spanish address. For non-resident accounts, a certificate of non-residency may be required, although this can often be arranged after the account is opened.
Some banks also require that any non-Spanish documents be officially translated and certified by a sworn translator, known in Spain as a traductor jurado. These certified translators can be found in both Spain and many other countries.
If you are applying in person, you will usually need to bring printed copies of your documents to a branch appointment. If you are applying online or by post, check the bank’s instructions carefully, as requirements may vary.

Find out more about getting your NIE number in Spain.

Opening a Spanish bank account from abroad

If you are not in Spain yet, it is still possible to open a bank account using a power of attorney. This is a common approach for foreign buyers, particularly those in the early stages of purchasing a home. The power of attorney can be signed in your home country in front of a notary or at a Spanish consulate, or it can be signed in Spain. Once this is in place, your lawyer or legal representative can open the account on your behalf.
The bank will usually ask for a copy of the signed power of attorney along with your NIE, passport, tax return, and a utility bill. Once the account is open, the bank will send you the contracts to sign, either digitally or by post. You will then return the signed documents to activate your account. Some banks allow this to be done entirely online, while others still require printed signatures.
This option allows you to get everything in place in advance so that your banking is ready by the time your property purchase is complete.

What happens with my Spanish bank account once I’ve bought a property?

Once you have completed the purchase of your Spanish property, your local lawyer or gestor will usually help set up standing orders from your Spanish bank account. These regular payments typically include local taxes, utility bills such as water and electricity, internet and phone services, and, if applicable, community fees for shared buildings or gated developments.
Having a Spanish bank account makes it easier to manage these recurring payments, especially if you will not be living in Spain full-time. It also ensures that essential services remain connected and paid for on time, avoiding any disruption while you are away.
If your circumstances change and you decide to become a full-time resident, it is a good idea to inform your bank. Resident accounts may come with different terms, and some banks offer additional services or reduced fees for residents.

Final thoughts on opening a bank account in Spain

Opening a bank account in Spain is not difficult, but it does require preparation. Whether you apply in person, online, or through a power of attorney, having the right documents ready and choosing the right bank for your needs will make the process faster and easier. For property buyers, it is one of the first steps toward making Spain feel like home.