How to open a Spanish bank account for resident and non-resident

Can a foreigner open an account at a Spanish bank?

The law does not prohibit a resident or non-resident from opening an account: the bank, as a "understood entity" under Ley 10/2010 on countering money-laundering, is obliged to identify the customer before the start of the relationship, by means of reliable documents, and is entitled to maintain a relationship only with identified persons. [1]. Anonymous and numbered accounts are prohibited [1].

On the contrary, if the bank cannot apply the controls, it does not open the account. Article 7.3 Ley 10/2010 expressly states that if due diligence cannot be applied, the bank does not establish a relationship and such refusal does not in itself involve its liability. [1]No ordinary law in the foreign account, except for the civila de pago básica, which is lower. [4].

Which documents the bank requests, the law does not regulate: it is a policy of receiving customers of the bank based on a risk assessment (art. 7.1) [1]Two banks may therefore request different types of assistance.

How is it that the resident and non-resident account is opened?

Resident here is the one who's the tax resident of Spain; non-resident is any other. [1][3].

Table sources: Identification of documents in article 6 Real Decreto 304/2014, NIF and non-residents in article 28 Real Decreto 1065/2007, self-certification in Real Decreto 1021/2015 [2][3][6]The identity document must be in force on the date of the opening (art. 6.4) [2]I. Passport, like TIE, listed among the reliable documents of the alien [2].

NIE and TIE are different things, and they're more specific: NIE, TIE and residence permitThe tax status is independent of the card: it is determined by the number of days and by the centre of interest.

That the bank has to check and why it asks questions

The bank's questions are explained by the law, not by the employee's taste. [1][6]:

• Identification On documents before opening the account (art. 3).
• Final owner:: The bank shall determine whether you are acting for yourself or for another (art. 4).
• Purpose and nature of the relationship: The bank asks about your activities and checks them with the documents according to the risk (art. 5).
• Ongoing monitoring: The bank checks transactions with what it knows about the customer, including the source of the funds (art. 6).
• Tax residence: On Real Decreto 1021/2015, the bank requests self-certification to determine whether the tax exchange account is to be exchanged between the tax authorities. [6].
• Opening message: banks declare the opening and closing of accounts in Fickero de Titularidades Financieras (art. 43) [1].

The Bank also reports to AEAT all accounts opened in it (article 37 Real Decreto 1065/2007) [3].

How to open the account: step-by-step

1. Identify status. Resident you or non-resident, depending on the tax rules, not the card: Tax residence and 183 days.
2. Consider what the score is for: The amount of the amount of the claim is USD 1,652,427 for the cost of the purchase of the company's equipment, which is based on the cost of the equipment, which is the amount of USD 1,260.
3. Prepare the documents: The bank usually requests confirmation of the address but the law does not name it, so the recruitment depends on the bank.
4. Ask the bank for a commission document. Under Real Decreto-ley 19/2017, the bank is required to provide a short "Documento informativo de las commissiones" and to send annual reports on all commissions (arts. 16 and 17) [4].
5. Open the account. If you sign the contract, you can get the IBAN. What IBAN and SEPA areIf you need a mortgage bill, look. Non-resident mortgage and choice of type of rate.
6. Check access: ATM, online bank and card, and the payments you need immediately: domicilation, SEPA translations.

If you act through a representative, you need both the identity documents and the public document with the authority: Article 6.2 Real Decreto 304/2014 requires both the representative and the representative to be documented. [2].

Can we open the account remotely?

Yes, the law allows relationships without personal presence by telephone, electronic and telematic channels. Article 12 Ley 10/2010 defines conditions: identity confirmed by a qualified electronic signature, or first contribution made by the bank in Spain, the EU or an equivalent country, or conditions set by the regulations are met. [1].

The account does not always mean bank. Banco de España reminds us that online accounts are offered to pay-account organizations and to electronic money organizations. The balances in such accounts do not cover the deposit guarantee fund and need to be used with limits, and before opening, it is worth checking the organization's license. [7]III. Comparison of format in greater detail: online bank or classic bank.

What if the bank refused

Bank may refuse if it cannot apply checks (Ley.10/2010, art. 7.3) [1]But some people have the right to a cuenta de pago básica, banks that offer accounts in Spain are obliged to offer them to those who legally reside in the EU (including those who do not have a permanent address), asylum seekers and those who cannot be expelled for legal reasons. security or public order by government decision, or the client already has a basic service account in Spain [4].

The services of this account are: opening, using and closing, cashing, withdrawals from EU offices and ATMs, direct debits, debit card payments, transfers. [4]The Commissions are limited: the Ministerial Order sets a ceiling of 3 per month for the main package of services, while Banco de España is entitled to review every two years [5].

If the bank refuses to do so, it must report it in writing, free of charge, for reasons no later than ten working days after receipt of the full application, and indicate how to file a complaint: it is the Banco de España that is responsible for the complaint system under article 30 of the Convention. [4]Whether the right to a short-term visa is extended to persons is not expressly specified by law, the decision depends on the case.

Typical errors in opening the account

• Go to a bank without explaining the source of the funds and activities; the bank must find out if the documents are not available, which is a frequent reason for refusal (arts. 5 and 6 of Ley 10/2010) [1].
• The law allows for a discovery without a NIF, but the bank can demand it in its own policy. [3].
• Not to report the NIF in 15 days if the account is open without it: no movement may be made until then (art. 28.3) [3].
• Open a joint account without NIF of all holders. Under article 28.6 NIF must be specified for each holder [3].
• Accept an online bank account. [7].
• After moving, not including accounts abroad in the tax accounts. modelo 720.
• Waiting for the last minute if it's for RETA or payment. [8].

Do you need a residence permit account?

The law does not require a Spanish account for the application of a residence permit; for no lucrativa, the regulations allow confirmation of funds by any means, including accounts abroad, with bank details and balances, in particular: Do you need a residence in Spain account?But the account will be required shortly after the move for daily payments and contributions.

What can we help you with?

NEXO helps prepare the bank's documents, explains the bank's demands and why, and is accompanying the move. We do not recommend specific banks and promise that the bank will open the account: the bank makes the decision. The first 30 minutes of consultation is free, full consultation 45 minutes is worth 121 minutes. form of consultationI. Documents for NIE, TIE and residence permit are described on the service page Documents, general relocation scheme: Residence permit in Barcelona.

Frequent issues

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The source is viewed on 02.10.2026 · NEXO · Drafting Draft · Sources do not replace individual legal advice.