Best bank accounts for non-residents in Spain

Whether you’re paying bills, receiving income, or transferring money, having a Spanish bank account can make managing finances easier. Banks offer full-service accounts with in-branch support, while digital and specialist providers such as Wise allow you to open and manage your account remotely, as well as handle multiple currencies from one place. The best choice depends on your personal needs, so it’s important to compare fees, features, and accessibility before deciding.

Can I open a Spanish bank account as a non-resident?

Yes, you can open a Spanish bank account as a non-resident. Nowadays, many Spanish banks, including BBVA, Santander, Sabadell, and CaixaBank, accept non-resident clients, although requirements may vary and the process can be more bureaucratic than for residents. Alternatively, specialist providers like Wise and Revolut offer simple and fast options that are often easier to open remotely. They allow you to hold and use EUR alongside other currencies, making them convenient for an international lifestyle.

Importantly, if you are a legal resident in another EU country, no bank can refuse your application for a basic payment account – which covers standard transactions like deposits, cash withdrawals, and sending or receiving payments – simply because you don’t live in Spain.

Can I open a Spanish bank account online before moving?

Yes, it is possible to open a Spanish bank account online before moving, though options are somewhat limited. Increasingly, banks offer accounts specifically designed for international customers that can be opened via video call. Keep in mind that availability may depend on your nationality or country of residence, and some banks may require you to complete the process in person within a few months. Appointing a legal representative in Spain may facilitate the process.

By contrast, specialist providers like Wise and Revolut allow you to open an account fully online from abroad and are often the easiest way to set up a EUR account (alongside other currencies) before arriving in Spain.

Can I open a bank account in Spain without an address?

You can open a bank account in Spain without a Spanish address in some banks, but you must always provide an address, even if it is abroad. Spanish banks are required to verify your identity and residence for compliance reasons, so you will need to submit valid proof of address (such as a recent utility bill, bank statement, or official document) showing your name and the address you declare, whether in Spain or in another country.

What is the best Spanish account for expats?

There isn’t a single best Spanish account for expats, the ideal choice depends on what you prioritise. Factors to consider include monthly fees, branch access, cards included, and additional perks.

Here are some providers and account options:

• Wise multi-currency account: with no opening or maintenance fees, this account allows you to hold and manage 40+ currencies from a single account;
• BBVA Pago Básica account: available to legal residents of any EU country, this basic account includes essential banking services and a debit or prepaid card;
• Santander Non-Resident account: a fee-free account for non-residents, with one debit and an optional credit card, opened entirely online;
• Sabadell Key account: non-resident account with one debit and an optional credit card, opened in-person at a branch, with a monthly fee of 13.33 EUR;
• CaixaBank HolaBank account: with a monthly fee of 11.67 EUR, this account comes with a credit card and comprehensive multilingual support for non-residents.

Wise multi-currency account

This account has no opening or monthly maintenance fees and can be opened fully online, even before you arrive in Spain. It allows you to manage and hold 40+ currencies and order a debit card to spend and withdraw cash in 140+ countries. Wise is not a bank and has no branches, so it is not ideal if you prefer in-person banking, but it provides flexibility and ease of use for managing money across borders.

BBVA Pago Básica account

This account is available to legal residents of any EU country, making it a practical option if you are already living elsewhere in the EU. It is designed to provide access to essential banking services in Spain. The account includes basic operations such as cash withdrawals and payments with a debit or prepaid card. With a monthly maintenance fee of 3 EUR, it offers a simple and functional solution for those who need straightforward everyday banking. Keep in mind that, as an EU resident, you cannot, in principle, be refused a basic account at any bank.

Santander Non-Resident account

Designed for individuals who live outside Spain, this account has no maintenance fees and does not require a minimum salary, direct debits, or other conditions. It allows you to receive payments and make transfers, and includes a debit card with no issuance or maintenance fees. You may also apply for a credit card with no issuance or maintenance fees, subject to approval. If you do not have a physical address in Spain, both cards will be issued in virtual format only. 

Account opening is completed online, with identity verification done by video, and is currently available from the following countries: Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Uruguay.

Sabadell Key account

For non-residents managing finances in Spain, this account includes a debit card and an optional credit card, plus free cash withdrawals at Banco Sabadell ATMs. It also provides a free translation service for texts up to 500 words, with up to 10 requests per year. The account must be opened in person at a branch and carries a monthly maintenance fee of 13.33 EUR. With support from a dedicated account manager, it offers a practical solution for everyday banking and international clients.

CaixaBank HolaBank account

HolaBank is a specialised branch of CaixaBank designed specifically for international customers. The account carries a monthly maintenance fee of 11.67 EUR and includes a credit card, with an optional debit card available for an additional 36 EUR per year. You also get 24/7 telephone assistance in English, French, German, Russian, and Italian, as well as unlimited telephone interpreter service in the first four languages.

Account opening is completed online, with identity verification done by video, and is currently available from the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. After signing, you have 6 months to visit a branch in Spain to show a valid ID or passport to unlock full account functionality.

How to open a Spanish bank account as a non-resident?

As a non-resident, you can open either an account with a Spanish bank or with a specialist provider. Banks may require an in-person appointment and more paperwork, while specialist providers often allow remote verification through video identification and a simpler online process. The right choice depends on factors such as whether you need a full Spanish banking relationship (for example, for mortgages) or just a flexible account for everyday use.

The exact steps to open an account with a Spanish bank vary, but generally include:

• Compare banks in terms of fees, included services, and the account opening process;

• Gather the required identification and proof documents;

• Book an appointment if required by your chosen bank;

• Submit documents and complete identity verification.

Required information and documents

When opening a Spanish bank account, the documents you need vary depending on the account and provider. You might be asked for:

• Passport or national identity card: A valid government-issued photo ID.

• Proof of address (comprobante de domicilio): A recent utility bill, bank statement, or official document showing your name and address.

• Proof of employment and employer: An employment contract, payslip, or a letter from your employer (constancia laboral). If you are self-employed, you may need to provide proof of activity. If you are not currently working, studying, or retired, some banks may require documentation confirming your status.

• Tax identification number (Número de Identifición Fiscal, NIF): If a Spanish NIF is required, your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) also serves this purpose for foreigners. Once you have an NIE, you can use it for banking and tax matters. It can be obtained at a Spanish consulate abroad or in Spain through the relevant authorities.

• Certificate of non-resident (certificado de no residente): Some bank accounts that are only available to non-residents may require this certificate. If needed, it must be obtained in person, either at a Spanish immigration office , a police station, or at a Spanish consulate abroad.

Do you need a local bank account in Spain?

Legally, you do not need a Spanish bank account. Under the SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) rules, an IBAN issued in any of the 41 participating European countries must be accepted for EUR transfers and direct debits on the same terms as a national IBAN. In other words, if you already have a European IBAN, it should be sufficient for receiving a salary, paying rent, or setting up utilities, and you should not be required to open a local account solely for that purpose.

However, in practice, having a Spanish bank account can make everyday life easier. For instance, Spain has a widely used local payment system called Bizum. It’s a mobile peer-to-peer and merchant payment network that allows you to make instant transfers via phone number, pay in shops and online, and even register or log in to websites and apps. Bizum is linked directly to Spanish bank accounts, meaning you can only use it if you hold an account with a Spanish bank. In addition, if you do not yet have a European IBAN, opening a local bank account in Spain will almost certainly be necessary in order to receive payments, set up contracts, or handle routine financial matters.

Strong alternatives such as Wise can be particularly useful if you move between countries, need to send money home, receive income in different currencies, or travel frequently. Wise is a multi-currency account and uses the mid-market exchange rate for conversions, which can be more transparent and competitive than some banks. In addition to EUR, it provides local account details in 8+ other currencies, making it a flexible option for people living an international lifestyle. 

How to move your money to Spain

Moving your money to Spain for the first time can feel complicated, but there are a few straightforward options depending on your needs, the amount you want to transfer, and how often you plan to move money. Some of the factors to consider include transfer fees, exchange rates (if you are converting from another currency into EUR), and processing times.

You can usually choose between the following options:

• Bank transfer: This is the traditional method. You instruct your current bank to send money directly to your Spanish (or European) bank account using an IBAN and SWIFT/BIC code. Within the SEPA area, transfers are typically straightforward and low-cost. If you are transferring from a non-SEPA country, your bank will convert the money into EUR, often applying its own exchange rate and fees, which can become quite expensive.

• Specialist provider: Companies that specialise in international transfers can sometimes offer better exchange rates and lower fees than banks. You send money from your home bank account to the provider, and they transfer it to your Spanish account. This option is sometimes faster and often more transparent in terms of fees, particularly for regular transfers.

• Multi-currency account: A multi-currency account allows you to hold, send, and receive money in different currencies within the same account. For example, with Wise, you can receive money in one currency, convert it to EUR at the mid-market exchange rate when it’s more convenient, and then spend it when you need it. This can be especially useful if you still have financial ties to another country, such as income, savings, or family expenses abroad.

FAQ

Can I open a bank account in Spain if I am not a resident?

Yes, you can open a bank account in Spain as a non-resident. Some banks allow non-residents to open an account, but you will always need to provide proof of address (even if it’s abroad) and other identification documents. Non-resident accounts may have different requirements and features compared to resident accounts.

Which Spanish bank is best for non-residents?

There is no single “best” bank for non-residents, as it depends on your individual needs and priorities, such as how much you are willing to pay and whether you want credit cards or premium benefits. Banks such as BBVA, Santander, and Sabadell have extensive branch networks across Spain, making in-branch support easy to access. Digital providers like Wise can be a good option if you are looking for flexible, multi-currency solutions. It is advisable to compare features, fees, and services carefully to find the account that best suits your situation.

Useful resources:

• Wise – Landing page for Wise Spain (last checked 20th February 2026)
• BBVA Pago Básica account – BBVA account for EU residents (last checked 20th February 2026)
• Santander Non-Resident account – Santander account for non-residents (last checked 20th February 2026)
• Sabadell Key account – Sabadell account for non-residents (last checked 20th February 2026)
• CaixaBank HolaBank account – CaixaBank account for international customers (last checked 20th February 2026)
• Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación – Foreigner Identity Number (NEI) (last checked 20th February 2026)
• Sede electrónica de la Policía Nacional – Certificate of non-resident (last checked 20th February 2026)
• Bizum – The primary mobile payment system in Spain (last checked 20th February 2026)