The full guide
Resident or non-resident account?
| Account | Who it’s for | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | People who don’t yet live in Spain, or buy property before moving | Passport, NIE, proof of non-residence the bank arranges or requests |
| Resident | People living in Spain | TIE or EU registration certificate, padrón certificate, proof of income |
Non-resident accounts often have higher fees and fewer products. Once you have your TIE and padrón, ask your bank to switch you to resident status.
Documents checklist
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Original |
| NIE certificate or TIE | Your NIE is printed on both |
| Proof of address | Padrón certificate, rental contract or a utility bill |
| Proof of income or activity | Employment contract, payslips, pension letter, or autónomo registration |
| Tax residence declaration | A form the bank gives you; US citizens also complete FATCA forms |
Fees and how to avoid them
Traditional Spanish banks often charge a monthly maintenance fee and card fees unless you meet conditions such as paying in a salary or pension, setting up a few direct debits, or being under a certain age. Read the conditions before you sign. Online and app-based banks usually have no monthly fee and give you a Spanish or EU IBAN, which works for most rents, bills and salaries.
Everyone legally resident in the EU also has the right to a basic payment account with limited fees, which a bank can only refuse for specific reasons.
Moving money to Spain
Banks often add a hidden margin to the exchange rate. A specialist transfer service or a multi-currency account usually costs much less for moving savings, salary or pension payments. For property purchases, check what proof of funds the notary and bank will need. See sending money to and from Spain.
Common mistakes
Signing up for extras. Insurance and investment products are often bundled in. You don’t have to take them.
Staying non-resident. Switch to resident status once you can; it’s usually cheaper.
Ignoring the IBAN country. Most Spanish payments accept any EU IBAN, but a few landlords and employers still prefer a Spanish one.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open an account before I move?
Yes. Many banks open non-resident accounts with a passport and NIE, sometimes remotely.
Do I need a Spanish account to rent?
Not strictly, but landlords and utilities usually expect a direct debit from an EU IBAN.
Why does my bank ask about my tax residence?
Banks must report accounts of foreign tax residents under international rules (CRS and, for Americans, FATCA).
