How to open a bank account in Spain as a non-resident: a step-by-step guide.

A bank account in Spain is needed for almost everyone who plans to buy property, move to the country, or conduct business here. Utility bills, taxes, a mortgage, and payments for real estate transactions are handled through a Spanish account. At the same time, it is important to understand this: you can open an account without being a resident of the country, although the process is somewhat more complex for non-residents.

In this guide, we will look at how a resident account differs from a non-resident account, what documents you will need, how the process works, and what you should pay attention to.

Resident account vs non-resident account: what is the difference

In Spanish banks, there are two types of accounts for individuals.

A resident account is available to those who live in Spain for more than 183 days a year and have a residence permit. To open it, you usually only need to show a resident card, an identification tax number, and proof of address in Spain. The procedure takes a short time.

A non-resident account is for people who do not live in Spain permanently: property buyers, investors, students. You can open such an account, but banks have stricter requirements for non-residents, and the procedure takes longer.

An important feature: for a non-resident account, many banks require a so-called non-resident certificate (certificado de no residente), which confirms your status. Sometimes the bank helps you obtain it for an additional fee.

Which banks to choose

More than 160 banks operate in Spain, but the main players are several of the largest. Santander is the largest bank in the country by total assets. In 2025, CaixaBank received an award as the best bank for individuals in Europe, according to Euromoney magazine. BBVA and Bankinter are also among the leading and reliable banks with high credit ratings.

All major Spanish banks are connected to the international SWIFT system and are well integrated into the global financial system. On the Costa del Sol coast and in Marbella itself, branches of all leading banks are available. Many of them have experience working with international clients and multilingual staff.

It is worth noting that in recent years, requirements for foreign clients have tightened. This is due to stronger anti-money laundering measures in the European Union. Therefore, you should prepare your documents carefully.

Documents needed to open an account

The basic document set for a non-resident usually includes:

A valid foreign passport.

An identification number for foreigners NIE, or a non-resident certificate, depending on the requirements of the specific bank.

Documents confirming the source of income. This is a key point: banks want to make sure the funds come from a legal source. Income statements, tax returns, statements from other accounts, documents related to the sale of property, and similar documents will work.

Proof of residential address outside Spain.

All documents in a foreign language usually must be translated by a sworn translator, traductor jurado in Spanish. Formatting requirements differ from bank to bank: some only need a simple translation, others require a sworn translation, and others may request an apostille. So it is best to check the requirements of the specific branch in advance.

How the procedure works

In most cases, to open an account, a non-resident needs to visit the bank branch in person to confirm their identity and submit the documents. If opening an account takes 15–20 minutes for a Spanish citizen, then for a foreigner the process can take from one and a half to two hours.

Some banks allow remote account opening using electronic copies of documents, provided that the client visits the branch within three months to confirm their identity and submit the originals. For example, CaixaBank requires a non-resident to make an in-person visit within three months after opening the account. Some banks, such as Bankinter, offer online application submission with video verification through an app.

The application form can be obtained directly from the bank or downloaded from its website.

What to pay attention to

Insurance being pushed. When opening an account, banks often offer, and sometimes effectively require, additional products, most often insurance. Formally, the bank is not allowed to force the client to buy additional products, but in practice it can be harder for a non-resident to open an account without taking out insurance. This should be discussed with the manager in advance.

Fees. Non-resident accounts may involve service and fees that differ from resident accounts. Check the fee schedule before opening.

Legality of stay. At the time you submit the documents, you must be in Spain legally, without violating visa rules.

Language barrier. If you do not speak Spanish, it makes sense to go to the bank with someone who can help with translation and choosing the terms.

Bank account and buying property in Marbella

For property buyers in Marbella, opening a Spanish bank account is one of the necessary steps in the transaction. Payments for the purchase are made through the account, and later utility bills, property taxes, and, if applicable, a mortgage are paid.

In practice, it is convenient to combine opening the account with other preparatory steps: obtaining NIE and arranging the transaction. Many buyers entrust the account-opening process to their legal or real estate agency support. This helps prepare documents in advance, choose a suitable bank and branch that agrees to work with international clients, and complete the procedure without unnecessary delays.

The ABARZO team is ready to guide you through the practical steps of purchasing property in Marbella and suggest trusted specialists who will help with opening a bank account and with transaction support.

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