{"id":110831,"date":"2025-02-19T13:48:04","date_gmt":"2025-02-19T12:48:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/?p=110831"},"modified":"2025-02-19T13:48:04","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T12:48:04","slug":"how-open-bank-account-spain-foreigner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/how-open-bank-account-spain-foreigner\/","title":{"rendered":"How to open a bank account in Spain as a foreigner"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you are planning to move to Barcelona for a few months or permanently, one of the steps you will have to take is to open a bank account in order to facilitate your financial operations in the country.<\/p>\n<p>Here at ShBarcelona we have compiled a complete guide to <strong>the procedures and documentation required<\/strong> to open a bank account in Spain. Whether you are a resident or non-resident, an EU citizen or a citizen of the rest of the world, this article is for you. Let&#8217;s take it step by step!<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/how-open-bank-account-spain-foreigner\/#Who_can_open_a_bank_account_in_Spain\" title=\"Who can open a bank account in Spain?\">Who can open a bank account in Spain?<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/how-open-bank-account-spain-foreigner\/#I_am_a_resident_in_Spain_how_do_I_open_an_account\" title=\"I am a resident in Spain, how do I open an account?\">I am a resident in Spain, how do I open an account?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/how-open-bank-account-spain-foreigner\/#What_happens_if_I_am_not_a_resident_in_Spain\" title=\"What happens if I am not a resident in Spain?\">What happens if I am not a resident in Spain?<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-4\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-4\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/how-open-bank-account-spain-foreigner\/#I_reside_in_the_European_Union\" title=\"I reside in the European Union\">I reside in the European Union<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/how-open-bank-account-spain-foreigner\/#I_reside_outside_the_European_Union\" title=\"I reside outside the European Union\">I reside outside the European Union<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/how-open-bank-account-spain-foreigner\/#Which_is_better_opening_a_resident_or_non-resident_account\" title=\"Which is better, opening a resident or non-resident account?\">Which is better, opening a resident or non-resident account?<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/how-open-bank-account-spain-foreigner\/#Advantages_of_opening_a_resident_account\" title=\"Advantages of opening a resident account\">Advantages of opening a resident account<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/how-open-bank-account-spain-foreigner\/#What_is_the_best_option_when_choosing_a_bank\" title=\"What is the best option when choosing a bank?\">What is the best option when choosing a bank?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_can_open_a_bank_account_in_Spain\"><\/span>Who can open a bank account in Spain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Anyone can open a bank account in Spain, although <strong>the documentation and formalities vary<\/strong> depending on whether you are a resident or non-resident and whether you are a citizen of an EU country or a citizen of the rest of the world. Generally, banks ask for<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A valid identity document in force<\/li>\n<li>A document proving residence at an address (utility bills, registration in the municipal register, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Proof of income (payslip or employment contract, among others).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In addition, to open a bank account in Spain, <strong>it is not only necessary to identify yourself<\/strong>. There are also other conditions that must be met:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You must be of legal age (over 18).<\/li>\n<li>You must not appear on a list of debtors.<\/li>\n<li>Have a mobile phone (to validate the registration process) with an Internet connection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Related article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/nie\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Finding Work and Getting Your NIE in Barcelona<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_110834\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-110834\" class=\"wp-image-110834 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/bank-account-contract-pexels-andrea-piacquadio.jpg\" alt=\"Signing a bank account contract. Photo via pexels-andrea-piacquadio\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-110834\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Signing a bank account contract. Photo via pexels-andrea-piacquadio<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_am_a_resident_in_Spain_how_do_I_open_an_account\"><\/span>I am a resident in Spain, how do I open an account?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>To open a bank account in Spain as a resident, banks will ask you for your <strong>foreigner&#8217;s identity card (TIE)<\/strong> together with your <strong>foreigner&#8217;s identification number (NIE)<\/strong>. This will serve as your identity document and will allow you to open an account easily.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_if_I_am_not_a_resident_in_Spain\"><\/span>What happens if I am not a resident in Spain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you are not resident in the country, don&#8217;t worry because you can also open an account, although the documentation and procedures to be followed <strong>differ depending on whether you are resident in another EU country or not<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Related article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/consulates-barcelona\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Consulates in Barcelona: Everything you need to know<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_reside_in_the_European_Union\"><\/span><u>I reside in the European Union<\/u><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If you live in the European Union, banks will ask you for your <strong>identity card from your country<\/strong> of origin together with the <strong>Certificate of registration as an EU national (green NIE). <\/strong><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_reside_outside_the_European_Union\"><\/span><u>I reside outside the European Union<\/u><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If you live outside the European Union, you will need to <strong>present your passport as proof of identity<\/strong>. In addition, most banks also ask for a non-resident certificate.<\/p>\n<p>The non-resident certificate is issued at <strong>Foreigners&#8217; Offices or Police Stations<\/strong>. If you are not in Spain at the time you apply, you have the option of requesting it through <strong>the Spanish Consular Offices abroad<\/strong>. To do so, you must present your passport or other valid identification document, <strong>fill out an application form and sign the certificate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_110833\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-110833\" class=\"size-full wp-image-110833\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/bank-account-contract.jpg\" alt=\"Signing a bank account contract. Image from Pixabay.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-110833\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Signing a bank account contract. Image from Pixabay.<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_is_better_opening_a_resident_or_non-resident_account\"><\/span>Which is better, opening a resident or non-resident account?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you are hesitating about the best option for opening an account, most banks will make it <strong>easier for you if you are a resident in Spain<\/strong>. If you are in a situation where you will have the necessary documentation in a short period of time, perhaps the best option is to wait to open the account as a resident. You can also open an account as a non-resident and, once you have completed the corresponding procedures, <strong>convert it to a resident account<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Advantages_of_opening_a_resident_account\"><\/span><u>Advantages of opening a resident account<\/u><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Depending on the bank you choose, the conditions for opening an account will change, but broadly speaking these are the advantages of opening an account as a resident:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lower fees, especially those related to maintenance or the cost of transfers.<\/li>\n<li>Access to a greater number of banking products and services, such as having different accounts.<\/li>\n<li>Smoother opening process. Most banks provide an online registration option for residents, while non-residents usually have to go to a branch to register.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_best_option_when_choosing_a_bank\"><\/span>What is the best option when choosing a bank?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The conditions of Spanish banks can adapt better or worse depending on the personal circumstances of each person, but broadly speaking, these are <strong>the questions you should ask yourself<\/strong> before choosing your bank in Spain:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Do they charge opening and\/or maintenance fees?<\/li>\n<li>How much does it cost to make international transfers or withdraw cash?<\/li>\n<li>What services does the account include?<\/li>\n<li>What security measures does the bank use?<\/li>\n<li>How does mobile banking work and what about customer service?<\/li>\n<li>Is there an account closure fee?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-before fa-chevron-circle-right broken_link\" style=\"background-color: #850909; color: #ffffff;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/long-term-rental?order-by=5&amp;surface-to=288\">Contact us if you are looking for a monthly rental<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Now you have all the information you need to open a bank account in Spain. Remember that at <strong>ShBarcelona<\/strong> we have more than 25 years of experience managing homes, so we have a team of professionals with extensive experience.<\/p>\n<p>If you decide to trust <strong>ShBarcelona<\/strong> to find your ideal home in the city, you will have at your disposal a team of people who are used to solving problems and finding solutions to the challenges of moving to a big city. We are waiting for you!<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: none;\"\n    class=\"kk-star-ratings kksr-valign-bottom kksr-align-left \"\n    data-id=\"110831\"\n    data-slug=\"\">\n    <div class=\"kksr-stars\">\n    <div class=\"kksr-stars-inactive\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"1\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"2\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"3\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"4\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"5\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"kksr-stars-active\" style=\"width: 120px;\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    <div class=\"kksr-legend\">\n            <strong class=\"kksr-score\">4<\/strong>\n        <span class=\"kksr-muted\">\/<\/span>\n        <strong>5<\/strong>\n        <span class=\"kksr-muted\">(<\/span>\n        <strong class=\"kksr-count\">1<\/strong>\n        <span class=\"kksr-muted\">\n            vote        <\/span>\n        <span class=\"kksr-muted\">)<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you are planning to move to Barcelona for a few months or permanently, one of the steps you will have to take is to open a bank account in order to facilitate your financial operations in the country. Here at ShBarcelona we have compiled a complete guide to the procedures and documentation required to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":110840,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4598],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110831"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=110831"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110831\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":110838,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110831\/revisions\/110838"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/110840"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=110831"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=110831"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=110831"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}