Opening a Bank Account

What documents will I need?

Opening a bank account is relatively easy here in Spain. One of our team or the lawyer will be on hand to take you to the bank and go through the process with you. The documents you will need in order to open a bank account will vary depending on whether you’re applying as a resident or non-resident. Some banks may also require more documentation than others, so it is a good idea to check your bank’s requirements ahead of time. This will ensure you have all the necessary paperwork before you open your account.

Opening a Non-Residents Account

To open a bank account as a non-resident, you will need the following documents:

1. Your valid, unexpired passport or national identity card (if you are an EU citizen)
2. A document to prove your address, such as a recent bank statement or utility bill (less than 3 months old)
3. A document to prove your status (such as a P60)
4. Your Spanish NIE document. If you have it, or paperwork to show that it has been applied for. Most banks will still open an account for you with the proviso that as and when you receive your NIE number that you give this information to the bank

For the documents to be acceptable, you may have to get them officially translated into Spanish by a sworn official translator, called traductor jurado. If this is needed we can get this done with you.

Certificado de no Residente / Non Resident – Confirmation

Some banks may also require a so-called ‘Certificado de No Residente’ – a letter that confirms you are a non-resident. You can get this letter by going to a police station and showing your passport. Some banks may also offer to get this for you against payment of a fee (normally in the region of €15).

Different police stations have different responsibilities, so you should check ahead of time whether a police station near you offers this service.

Opening an Account as a Resident

In order to open a resident bank account, you’ll typically need the following documents:

1. Your valid, unexpired passport or national identity card (if you are an EU citizen)
2. A document to prove your Spanish address (such as a lease, a recent utility bill or a recent bank statement.
3. Your Spanish NIE document. If you have it, or paperwork to show that it has been applied for. Most banks will still open an account for you with the proviso that as and when you receive your NIE number that you give this information to the bank
4. Proof of your employment status (such as Autonamo documentation, an employment contract, a student card, or unemployment paperwork).

You should apply for your NIE first, as you will need it to do anything that requires an official process. This includes getting a job, renting, or buying property, getting connected to utilities and paying taxes. You can read all about the NIE in the services information and it is something that we can help you with.

Mortgages and Loans

Most Spanish banks will be more than happy to discuss a Spanish Mortgage or Loan. They will of course do the usual credit check exactly the same as in the UK and other countries. But on the whole it is relatively easier to get a mortgage here.

Other Services

We also have a wide range of other professional services that we can offer. These services include:

Extensive Property Search
Negotiation
Conveyancing Service
Accountancy
NIE application
Opening of a Bank Account
Finance
Translator
Foreign Currency Exchange
Notary
After Sales Service
Tradesmen/Service Providers