Quick answer
The fastest way is a digital bank — Revolut, Wise or N26 — opened with your passport, often before you move, and no NIE needed (Revolut even gives a Spanish IBAN). For a traditional Spanish bank (useful for a mortgage), you'll usually need a NIE or a certificate of non-residency and, often, a branch visit.
Resident vs non-resident accounts
Resident account
For those living in Spain with a NIE/TIE. Full features, direct debits, salary. Standard choice once you're set up.
Non-resident account
For foreigners without residency — needs a certificate of non-residency. Handy for buying property or paying Spanish bills from abroad.
Digital vs traditional
For day-to-day money, a digital bank is faster, cheaper and English-friendly. For a mortgage or serious bureaucracy, a traditional Spanish bank still helps. Most expats use both. Our digital banks guide compares Wise, Revolut and N26 and explains the Spanish-IBAN question in detail.
Documents you'll need
- ✓Passport / ID: Always required.
- ✓NIE or non-residency certificate: For a traditional Spanish account (not for digital banks).
- ✓Proof of address: A rental contract, utility bill or empadronamiento.
- ✓Proof of income (sometimes): Payslip or contract, depending on the bank.
Not sure which account you need?
Compare the digital options, or get a free intro to an English-speaking specialist who can help you open a Spanish account (and the rest of your setup).
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a Spanish bank account without residency?▼
Yes. Spain offers non-resident accounts (cuenta de no residente) to foreigners without residency — you'll usually need a passport and a certificate of non-residency (certificado de no residencia), which the bank can often request for you. Digital banks like Revolut, Wise and N26 don't require this at all.
Do I need a NIE to open a bank account in Spain?▼
For a full resident account at a traditional Spanish bank, usually yes (or a non-residency certificate). But digital banks (Revolut/Wise/N26) can be opened with just your passport and an EU/EEA address — often before you even move.
Can I open a Spanish bank account before I move?▼
Yes — the easiest route is a digital bank (Revolut gives you a Spanish IBAN), which you can set up from home. For a traditional Spanish bank, some let you start a non-resident account remotely, but most want you to visit a branch.
Which Spanish banks are best for foreigners?▼
For everyday use, digital banks (Revolut, Wise, N26) are simplest. If you want a branch — for a mortgage or heavy admin — Sabadell, Santander, BBVA and CaixaBank all handle non-residents and some have English-language services.
What documents do I need to open a Spanish bank account?▼
Typically: passport, NIE or certificate of non-residency, proof of address, and sometimes proof of income or employment. Digital banks need far less — usually just ID and a selfie.
Related guides
General information, not financial advice. Banks' requirements change — confirm with the provider.