How to open a bank account in Spain as a UK non-resident

Planning to move to Spain from the UK? It’s easy to see why – the country offers beautiful sunny weather, amazing food and exceptional quality of life.

As you prepare for your move, you’re likely to have a huge to-do list to work through. But right at the top of your priorities list should be to open a Spanish bank account.

This shouldn’t be too difficult if you have the right paperwork. Spain has a large expat community, so many banks cater their services to non-residents and newcomers.

In this guide, we’ll run through how to open a bank account in Spain. This includes the documents you’ll need, the best Spanish bank accounts for non-residents and expats alike, and how to get started.

We’ll also show you a smart alternative to a bank account from the money services provider Wise - the Wise account. It’s not a bank account but offers some similar features, and your money is safeguarded.

Over 14.8 million people worldwide use Wise to send, spend and convert money in pounds, euros and 40+ more currencies – for low, transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates close to what you can see on Google. Plus, you’ll get dedicated support and volume discounts when sending large amounts.

➡️ Learn more about the Wise account

Please see the terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

Table of contents
How to open a bank account in Spain as a non-resident Can you open a bank account in Spain as a British expat? What documents do you need to open a bank account in Spain? Best Spanish bank accounts for expats What are the banking fees and costs in Spain? Is there a free Spanish bank account for non-residents? Wise – An international alternative to a bank account

How to open a bank account in Spain as a non-resident

Most Spanish banks offer both online and in-branch account opening, but not all services are available to non-residents.

To open a Spanish bank account as a non-resident, your best option is to visit a branch of your chosen bank - this will mean a trip to the country if you’re not already there.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Make an appointment in advance - this is recommended, as not all banks and branches are guaranteed to have English-speaking customer service representatives on hand on the day. By making an appointment, you may be able to request this. You can also get info on what documents will be required to apply.
2. Get your documentation together - this will include your ID and Spanish tax number (NIE), but we’ll look at this in more detail later in this guide. Bear in mind that you may need to get UK-issued documents translated into Spanish.
3. Attend your appointment, and a customer services representative will guide you through the process of opening an account.
4. Complete and sign any required application forms
5. Wait for your account to be opened.

If you’re planning to just pop in, it’s worth bearing in mind that Spanish banks tend to close earlier than UK ones, with standard opening times being 9am to 2pm, Monday to Saturday.¹

Alternatively, you can look for a bank which offers an online application process for non-residents. One option is the digital bank HolaBank from Spanish banking giant CaixaBank. It offers online banking solutions tailored to expats, new arrivals and non-residents.

Whichever method you choose, you should find that your new account will be opened pretty quickly, in as little as 1 to 5 days. Although it can take longer for your account details and cards to arrive.¹

Do you need a bank account in Spain?

It isn’t absolutely essential to have a Spanish bank account in order to move there, nor is it a legal requirement. You may be able to manage without one, and you can instead make use of multi-currency solutions such as the Wise account to send, spend and receive money.

But you might find that day-to-day life in Spain is a little more complicated if you don’t have any kind of local current account or international account in euros.

Paying taxes, rent and bills can be more of a headache, as can getting a mortgage and getting paid by your employer if you’re working. Even things like signing up for a mobile phone contract can be trickier without a bank account.

Can you use your UK bank account in Spain?

Whether or not you can keep using your UK account while in Spain depends on your bank.

Major UK banks such as Barclays have closed the accounts of British people living overseas in Europe.² It’s all to do with Brexit, with regulations requiring banks to have separate authorisation in every EEA country they operate in.

There are some exceptions, such as for UK Crown employees and people who are only planning to live abroad for less than 6 months.²

Other banks aren’t as affected by the change in regulations after Brexit. International bank Santander, which also happens to be Spanish, says it will continue to service accounts when the holder moves abroad.³ So if you’re an existing customer, you should be fine to simply carry on using your account in Spain.

An important thing to bear in mind though is the currency. If you’re using a UK bank account, it’ll likely be denominated in GBP. You’ll be spending in EUR while in Spain, so you could lose out when it comes to currency exchange.

So, it could be a better idea to close down your UK account and get a fresh start, opening a Spanish bank account when you arrive.

Can you open a bank account in Spain as a British expat?

Yes, Spain and its banks are pretty welcoming to foreigners, new arrivals and expats. This is one of the many reasons it's such a good country to move to from the UK.

You can even open a non-resident account at some banks, enabling you to have a Spanish bank account before you’ve even moved there.

Can you open a Spanish bank account online as an expat from the UK?

Yes, UK expats who are permanently resident in Spain should have no problems opening a bank account online at most major banks.

If you’re not yet living in Spain, you can still start the process online - but it all depends on the bank and its processes for foreign nationals and non-resident applicants. Many banks will require at least one in-person visit to a branch to hand over your documents and verify your ID.

For example, you can open an account as a non-resident online at digital bank HolaBank (owned by CaixaBank) but you’ll need to visit a branch in Spain within 6 months to verify your ID. Until then, use of your account may be restricted.⁴

Some banks may also require a certificate of non-residency (certificado de no residencia).¹

You can get a certificado de no residencia from a Spanish police station. It usually takes around 10 days for your certificate to come through. However, it’s worth asking whether your chosen bank can complete the process for you, for which they may charge a fee of around €15 EUR.¹

Can you open an account as an international student?

A number of banks in Spain offer specialist accounts for students, and you can apply as an international student.

One of the best options is the Young Person’s Online Account at BBVA, which is fee-free, comes with a debit card, travel perks and a user-friendly app.

What documents do you need to open a bank account in Spain?

In order to open a bank account in Spain, you’ll usually need the following documents to hand:¹

• Proof of identity - such as a valid passport.
• Proof of address.
• Proof of your employment status.
• Spanish foreigner identification number (NIE) and certificate.

It’s important to note that all documents will need to be translated into Spanish before they can be accepted. You’ll need to use an official translator known as a traductor jurado, and have your documents authenticated with an Apostille stamp.

📚 Read more: How to get a digital nomad visa in Spain

Proof of identity

Your UK passport is the best form of photo ID you can provide, and it’ll be accepted as proof of identification by all Spanish banks.

Proof of address

Whether or not this needs to be an address in Spain depends on whether you’re opening a resident or non-resident account. You’ll need to check with the bank for what specific proof you’ll need, but recent (within the last three months) utility bills are usually accepted.

Proof of employment status

You may also be asked to prove your employment status, or your student status if you’re heading to Spain to study.

Acceptable documents include:

• An employment contract
• A letter from your employer
• Official unemployment documentation
• Unconditional acceptance letter from your university (for students).

Spanish foreigner identification number (NIE)

The Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) is an official ID number for all foreign residents living in Spain, along with non-residents who spend time in the country and/or carry out certain financial transactions there.

It’s needed for things like paying taxes, registering for social services, buying a property with a mortgage and of course, opening a bank account.

You need an NIE if you’ll be staying in Spain for more than three months.⁵ So, it’s an essential for anyone working, studying or retiring in Spain, or staying permanently.

As a non-EU national, you’ll get your NIE on a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) card.⁵

There are three different ways you can apply for your NIE:⁵

1. Make an appointment at your local immigration office (if already in Spain)
2. Apply via the Spanish embassy or consulate (if still in the UK)
3. Use services such as e-residence, Gestoraz or NIE Express, who handle the application for you.

If applying yourself, you’ll need your passport, two passport photos of yourself and proof of address. You’ll also need to pay the admin fee of €12 EUR. Again, your documents will need to be translated into Spanish.⁵

Best Spanish bank accounts for expats

If you’re starting your search for a Spanish bank account, here are a few of the major banks to consider:

Santander

UK customers will already be familiar with Santander, as this Spanish bank has an established presence in many countries including the UK.

The good news for British expats is that the Santander website is available in English as well as Spanish.

It has an online account, as well as the Santander Account - which offers extras such as a credit card, a financial assistant and fee-free withdrawals at Santander ATMs worldwide.⁶

It comes with a monthly fee, but this is waived for people aged 18 to 28, or for people who meet conditions such as paying in a salary and making a minimum number of outgoing payments.⁶

Santander also has an online current account for non-residents, which has no monthly fees and can be opened from outside the country with just a passport.⁶

BBVA

BBVA is one of Spain’s biggest banks, popular due to its fee-free current accounts. Two of the top choices are its Fee-Free Online Account and Young Person’s Online Account, although both are only available to people living in Spain.⁷

The main benefit of these accounts is of course, the fact that there is no monthly fee to pay. But they also come with a fee-free debit card, no pay-in requirements and free use of BBVA ATMs in Spain. There’s also the chance to earn cashback on certain types of transactions.⁷

The BBVA website is also available in English, which is handy.

Banco Sabadell

One of the largest banks in Spain, Banco Sabadell is extremely welcoming and helpful to new arrivals.

It has a dedicated Welcome Service offering advice and information as you settle into Spain, accompanied by a couple of current accounts tailored to newcomers.

For non-residents, there’s the Key Account offering a debit and credit card, free transfers within Spain and the EEA, free ATM withdrawals and 10 free written translations per year.⁸ However, the account has a maintenance fee of €160 EUR a year.⁹

For those starting a new life in Spain, there’s the Sabadell Account. This everyday current account gives you free debit and credit cards, free ATM withdrawals, and no admin or maintenance fees if you’re between 18 and 29 years old, or have other products with the bank.¹⁰

Like the other Spanish banks on our list, the Banco Sabadell website is also available in English.

CaixaBank (HolaBank)

CaixaBank’s digital bank HolaBank is one of the best choices for non-residents and newly arrived expats.

This is because it has a dedicated digital service for non-residents, called the HolaBank Club. This gives you access to complementary relocation services designed to make your move to Spain easier, including translations, English-speaking support, help with paperwork, discounts and more. It can also help you get your NIE.

If this sounds good, you can open a CaixaBank HolaBank Account as a non-resident (or new resident). This gives you a free debit and credit card, free withdrawals at over 11,000 CaixaBank ATMs throughout Spain and automatic access to HolaBank Club services. ¹¹

However, there is likely to be a maintenance fee to pay, although HolaBank doesn’t make it clear on its website how much this will be - so you’ll need to contact the bank for more information.

As you’d expect, the Caixa Bank and HolaBank websites are available in English.

Other banks and money management alternatives worth looking into

There are also a number of neobanks and alternatives available in Spain, such as:

• N26
• Revolut

Other alternatives worth looking into are money services providers like Wise and Monese, which don’t have banking licences in Spain but offer some of the same features as a bank account. This includes sending and receiving money, and getting a card to spend in Spain.

📚 Read more: Best expat bank accounts in the UK

What are the banking fees and costs in Spain?

Just like in the UK, there are some fees and costs to look out for when banking in Spain.

These vary between banks, and you should check the small print before signing up for an account. But here’s a roundup of what to expect:

Transaction/fee type	Typical fee
Current account - monthly fee	€0 to €240 a year¹⁰
ATM cash withdrawal	Usually free at your own bank’s ATMs
Getting a debit card	Usually free
Domestic payments (i.e. within Spain)	Usually free
International payments (i.e. to the UK from Spain)	- Usually free for SEPA payments (EUR within EEA) - Around 0.70% for other payments¹¹

Is there a free Spanish bank account for non-residents?

Yes, the Santander Non-Resident Account has no monthly or annual maintenance fees.⁶ However, many other non-resident bank accounts in Spain tend to come with fees.

Wise – An international alternative to a bank account

If you need to send money back home to the UK from Spain, or whizz it across to a friend in another country, there is an alternative to using a bank account.

Open a Wise account and you can convert currencies or send money to and from the UK, Spain and many other countries.

You can also get a Wise card to spend in 150+. This smart debit card automatically converts your money to the local currency at the mid-market exchange rate, only adding a tiny currency conversion fee. Or it’s free if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Here’s an overview of the main benefits of using Wise:

Fast and easy setup with no physical paperwork Low, transparent fees and no-markup mid-market exchange rates Dedicated support and volume discounts for large transfers No monthly/annual account fees Sophisticated security and anti-fraud measures, with your money safeguarded Trackable and fast transfers to 140+ countries Low-cost spending in 150+ countries with the Wise card Earn a variable return on your GBP, USD and EUR with Wise Interest (capital at risk, growth not guaranteed)**

✅ Sign up with Wise for free

**Investments in funds are never guaranteed and your capital can be at risk. In the UK, Interest and Stocks are provided by Wise Assets — this is the trading name of Wise Assets UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Wise. Wise Assets UK Ltd is authorised as an investment firm and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA number is 839689. We do not give investment advice, and you may be subject to pay tax. If you're not sure, seek qualified advice. You can find more information about the funds on our website.

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Sources used:

1. Expatica - How to open a Spanish bank account
2. Barclays - Living outside the UK
3. Santander - Brexit and Santander
4. CaixaBank - Become a HolaBank customer
5. Expatica - ID numbers in Spain: NIE, DNI, NIF, and social security
6. Banco Santander - Current Accounts
7. BBVA - Fee-Free Online Account
8. Banco Sabadell - Key Account
9. Banco Sabadell - Key Account - Fee Information Document
10. Banco Sabadell - Sabadell Account
11. Santander - Fee Information Document

Sources last checked on date: 10-Dec-2025