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Lifetti covers Spain, Germany, France, Netherlands, and Italy with country-specific crisis guides and bureaucracy checklists for expats.

Can I open a Spanish bank account without a NIE?

It's very difficult but possible in limited circumstances. Some banks (especially digital banks like N26 or Revolut) may open accounts with just a passport, but you'll have restricted services and higher fees. Traditional Spanish banks (Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank) almost always require NIE for resident accounts. Non-resident accounts are possible with just a passport but have high fees (€20-40/month) and limited functionality. Best approach: get a digital bank account immediately upon arrival, then switch to a traditional Spanish bank once you have your NIE.

Which Spanish bank is best for expats?

It depends on your needs. Santander has a partnership with UK banks making it easiest for British expats. BBVA has excellent digital banking and English app. CaixaBank has the widest ATM network in Spain. Sabadell offers dedicated expat services in some branches. For quick setup, N26 offers Spanish IBAN with no fees and full English interface. Many expats use both: a digital bank initially, then add a traditional bank for mortgages and better integration.

What documents do I need to open a Spanish bank account?

Required documents: valid passport, NIE number (green certificate preferred), proof of Spanish address (Padrón certificate or rental contract), Spanish phone number, and proof of income (employment contract or last 3 payslips). Self-employed need tax registration (alta en Hacienda) and recent tax returns. Non-residents need proof of home country address. Bring 3 photocopies of everything. Requirements vary slightly by bank.

How long does it take to open a Spanish bank account?

With all documents ready, you can open an account in 30-60 minutes at your appointment. Booking the appointment takes 1-3 days. Your debit card is either issued immediately or mailed within 1 week. Online banking is activated same day. Digital banks like N26 can be opened in 10 minutes entirely online. The main delay is usually waiting for your NIE, which can take 1-4 weeks.

Open Bank Account Spain: Best Banks 2025

Quick Overview

Opening a Spanish bank account requires NIE, passport, and proof of address. Traditional banks (Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank) charge €0-20/month with fees often waivable with direct salary deposit. Digital banks like N26 offer Spanish IBAN with no fees and can be opened with just passport. Non-residents face higher fees (€20-40/month) and limited functionality. Most landlords and utilities require a Spanish bank account with Spanish IBAN.

Key Facts

Bank account fees

€0-20/month (often waivable)

Required documents

NIE + passport + proof of address

Without NIE

Limited to digital banks or non-resident accounts

Debit card

Issued same day or within 1 week

Best for UK expats

Santander (partnership)

Best digital option

N26 (Spanish IBAN, no fees)

How It Works

Open Bank Account for Expats in Spain

Opening a Spanish bank account is essential for rent payments, utility bills, and receiving salary. Traditional banks (Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell) require NIE, passport, proof of address (Padrón or rental contract), and often proof of income. Monthly fees range €0-20 but are typically waivable with minimum balance (€400-600) or direct salary deposit. Digital banks like N26 and Revolut offer faster setup with just passport, but some landlords and utilities won't accept non-Spanish IBANs. Without NIE, your options are limited to: (1) Non-resident accounts with high fees (€20-40/month), or (2) Digital banks as temporary solution. Process: Book appointment (most banks require this), bring all documents plus photocopies, expect to sign 10-20 pages, set up online banking immediately. Debit card issued same day or mailed within a week. Negotiate fees - everything in Spain is negotiable.

Essential for rent, utilities, and daily life in Spain

Research and choose a bank

Compare Spanish banks and digital options.

Book bank appointment

Schedule appointment to open account.

Gather required documents

Prepare all paperwork for bank account opening.

Attend appointment and open account

Complete account opening at bank branch.

Set up online banking and services

Activate digital services, direct debits, and transfers.

Alternative: Digital bank accounts

Open N26, Revolut, or Wise for quick solution.

Open Bank Account for Expats Costs in Spain (2025)

Bank account opening€0-300

Some banks require opening deposit

Monthly maintenance fee€0-20/month

Often waivable with salary deposit or minimum balance

Debit cardFree

Included with account

Credit card (optional)€0-50/year

Annual fee varies by card type

International transfers€0-30

Varies by bank and amount

Digital bank (N26/Revolut)€0-10/month

Free tiers available

Total

€0-50 initial setup, €0-20/month ongoing

Service	Cost	Notes
Bank account opening	€0-300	Some banks require opening deposit
Monthly maintenance fee	€0-20/month	Often waivable with salary deposit or minimum balance
Debit card	Free	Included with account
Credit card (optional)	€0-50/year	Annual fee varies by card type
International transfers	€0-30	Varies by bank and amount
Digital bank (N26/Revolut)	€0-10/month	Free tiers available
Total estimate	€0-50 initial setup, €0-20/month ongoing

*Traditional banks offer more services but higher fees. Digital banks are great for starting out. Most fees are negotiable or waivable. Prices current as of January 2025.

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