Just arrived in Spain for a trip, or planning a longer stay, but haven’t gotten your NIE yet? You’ve probably realized how inconvenient it is without a bank account. I searched online, but most of the information was outdated or overly complicated, which was a real headache. I recently went through the process myself and discovered that opening a non-resident account in Spain as a tourist, which can be useful for providing Spanish bank statements, isn’t as difficult as it seems. Today, I’m sharing my fresh, first-hand experience!
Which Bank to Choose?
Spain has a wide variety of banks, but for tourists, it’s best to choose a large, foreigner-friendly bank with numerous branches. I primarily looked into CaixaBank and BBVA. I’ve heard Santander is also an option, but there wasn’t a branch near me, so I didn’t inquire.
- CaixaBank: This is the bank I ultimately chose. Its main advantage is its extensive network of branches across Spain, making it incredibly convenient to find one. Their staff are generally familiar with handling non-resident accounts, which makes communication easier.
- BBVA: Another major bank with a great mobile app. However, at the branch I visited, the staff seemed reluctant to help and insisted that an NIE was required. It’s possible that policies or staff attitudes vary between branches.
I personally recommend CaixaBank, especially their HolaBank service, which is specifically designed for foreigners and is quite reliable.
Application Process and Required Documents
Don’t be intimidated by the term ‘non-resident.’ If you have all the necessary documents, the process is straightforward. Remember to book an appointment (a ‘cita’) on the bank’s website beforehand. If you just show up, you might have to wait a long time or even be turned away.
| Required Document | Description |
|---|
| Original Passport | Your primary form of identification. It must be valid. |
| Proof of Funds/Income | This can be bank statements from your home country, a letter of employment, or proof of income. It’s best to have an English or Spanish translation. |
| Proof of Spanish Address | A rental contract or hotel reservation will work. This is needed to receive mail from the bank. |
| Certificate of Non-residence | Certificado de no residente. You can get this from a national police station (Policía Nacional). It’s usually issued on the spot; just bring your passport and the filled-out form EX-15. |
Take these documents to the bank and tell the staff you want to open a non-resident account. They will copy your documents and have you fill out several forms. The whole process takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Afterwards, the bank card and PIN will be mailed separately to the address you provided (the same one you might use for your bank certificate for visa or proof of funds for a Spanish visa), so make sure that address is correct!
A Few Extra Tips
After opening the account, be aware that non-resident accounts typically have maintenance fees, ranging from a few to over ten euros per month. Be sure to ask about this when you open the account. CaixaBank charged me €35 per quarter, but this fee could be waived by maintaining a certain balance or purchasing one of their investment products. Therefore, be sure to read the contract terms carefully to avoid unexpected charges. If you later obtain an NIE, remember to go to the bank and upgrade your account to a resident account, as the fees will be much lower or even eliminated.
Although the process can be a bit tedious, especially the trip to the police station for the non-resident certificate, opening a bank account in Spain as a tourist is entirely feasible as long as you have all your documents ready. Having a local account makes daily spending, money transfers, and signing up for various services much more convenient. I hope this guide helps others with the same goal! If you have any questions or anything to add, feel free to leave a comment below and discuss!
