Can foreigners open a bank account in Spain?

Yes, foreigners can open a bank account in Spain, even without residency. Many banks offer non-resident accounts that require only a passport and proof of address.

Which is the best bank in Spain for expats?

The best bank depends on your needs. BBVA and N26 are great for fee-free digital banking, while Santander and CaixaBank offer extensive branch networks and expat support.

Do I need a NIE number to open a bank account in Spain?

Not always. Some banks, like Santander and Sabadell, allow non-residents to open an account with just a passport. However, a NIE is required for resident accounts.

Are there banks in Spain with English-speaking staff?

Yes, banks like Sabadell, Santander, and CaixaBank’s HolaBank have English-speaking staff in expat-friendly branches. BBVA and N26 also offer English-language online banking.

What documents are required to open a Spanish bank account?

Most banks require a passport or ID, proof of address, and a non-resident certificate (for non-resident accounts). Some banks may also request proof of income.

Can I open a Spanish bank account online?

Yes, some banks allow online account opening, such as BBVA, N26, and Revolut. Others, like Santander, require a video identification process for non-residents.

What are the typical banking fees in Spain?

Traditional banks often charge €10–€15 per month for account maintenance unless conditions are met. Online banks like N26 and BBVA offer fee-free accounts.

How can I avoid high ATM withdrawal fees in Spain?

Use your bank’s ATM network to withdraw cash for free. Neobanks like N26 and Revolut offer free ATM withdrawals up to a monthly limit.

Which Spanish banks offer mortgages to foreigners?

Santander, Sabadell, and CaixaBank are popular choices for non-resident mortgages. Foreign buyers typically need a 30-40% deposit.

Can I send money internationally from a Spanish bank account?

Yes, but traditional banks charge high fees for international transfers. Services like Wise or Revolut offer cheaper alternatives for currency exchange and transfers.

Best Banks in Spain for Foreigners (Expats & Non-Residents) – 2025 Guide

Banks, Guide, Long-term, Mortgage

Last update: March 4, 2025

Reading time: 7.1 min

Table of contents

Why Expats & Non-Residents Need the Right Bank in Spain
- Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bank in Spain
Best Banks in Spain for Expats & Non-Residents
How to Open a Bank Account in Spain as a Foreigner
- Documents Required for Non-Resident Accounts
- Online vs. In-Branch Account Opening
Fees & Costs: How to Avoid Unnecessary Charges
Best Spanish Banks for Expats Buying Property & Mortgages
- Typical Mortgage Conditions for Foreign Buyers
Best Digital & Mobile Banking Options for Expats
Final Thoughts: Which Bank is Best for You?

No Time to Read It All? Here’s the Quick Summary:

Looking for the best bank in Spain as an expat or non-resident? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Best for Fee-Free Banking: BBVA, N26, Revolut – No monthly fees, great digital banking.
Best for Expats & Services: Sabadell, CaixaBank (HolaBank) – English-speaking staff, relocation support.
Best for Global Banking: Santander – Large ATM network, easy non-resident accounts.
Best for Mortgages: Sabadell, Santander, CaixaBank – Loans up to 70% for non-residents.
How to Open an Account: Most banks require a passport, proof of address, and NIE (optional).

For a detailed comparison, fees, and account types, keep reading! 🚀

Why Expats & Non-Residents Need the Right Bank in Spain

Opening a Spanish bank account is essential for expats and non-residents moving to Spain. Whether you need an account to pay bills, receive a salary, or manage a property, choosing the right bank can save you money on fees and time on paperwork.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bank in Spain

Residency status: Some banks offer non-resident accounts without a Spanish NIE number.
Fees & charges: Some banks have monthly maintenance fees, while others offer free accounts with conditions.
Online banking: English-language mobile apps and internet banking make managing your finances easier.
ATM access: Consider banks with large ATM networks to avoid withdrawal fees.
Mortgage & loan options: If planning to buy property, choose a bank that offers expat-friendly mortgages.

Best Banks in Spain for Expats & Non-Residents

Several Spanish banks offer specialized accounts for foreigners, expats, and non-residents. Below is a comparison of the top options:

1. Banco Santander – Best for Global Expats

✅ Cuenta Online para No Residentes (Non-Resident Online Account)

No NIE required—open with just a passport.
No monthly fees if conditions met.
30,000+ ATMs worldwide (Santander Group network).
English website & mobile banking app.

🛑 Downside: High fees for international transfers unless using Wise/Revolut.

Best for: Expats who need a global banking network with strong online banking features.

2. BBVA – Best for Digital Banking & No-Fee Accounts

✅ Cuenta Online Sin Comisiones (Online No-Fee Account)

Zero monthly fees with no conditions.
Excellent mobile banking app (rated one of the best in Spain).
Free debit card & withdrawals at BBVA ATMs.
Available in English (website & app).

🛑 Downside: Must provide a Spanish address (or register after moving).

Best for: Tech-savvy expats who want a fully digital, fee-free bank account.

3. Banco Sabadell – Best for Expats & Customer Service

✅ Key Account (Cuenta Clave)

Designed for non-residents—ideal for new arrivals.
Free debit/credit card + 10 free document translations.
Dedicated English-speaking customer support.

🛑 Downside: €160 annual fee unless you meet conditions.

Best for: Expats needing bilingual support and extra services like translations.

4. CaixaBank (HolaBank) – Best for Relocation Services

✅ HolaBank Account

Expats & non-residents welcome.
Relocation assistance: Help with NIE, paperwork & utilities.
12,000+ ATMs in Spain.
English-language support & digital banking.

🛑 Downside: €140 yearly fee (higher than competitors).

Best for: Expats who need relocation support & full banking services.

5. N26 (Digital Bank) – Best for Easy Online Setup

✅ 100% online banking with Spanish IBAN

No monthly fees (for the standard plan).
Open before moving to Spain.
Supports Bizum for local payments.
Low-cost international transfers via Wise.

🛑 Downside: No physical branches—ATM fees may apply.

Best for: Expats who prefer a modern, online-only bank with low international fees.

6. Revolut – Best for International Transfers & Multi-Currency Banking

✅ Multi-currency account with Spanish IBAN

Free ATM withdrawals (limits apply).
Interbank exchange rates for currency conversions.
Supports Bizum & Apple Pay/Google Pay.

🛑 Downside: Limited local banking services (no cash deposits, limited mortgage options).

Best for: Expats who travel frequently or transfer money between currencies.

How to Open a Bank Account in Spain as a Foreigner

Opening a Spanish bank account as a non-resident or expat can be straightforward if you have the right documents.

Documents Required for Non-Resident Accounts

Valid passport or national ID card.
Proof of address (utility bill, rental contract, or bank statement).
Non-Resident Certificate (some banks will obtain this for you).
NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) (not always required but useful for long-term banking).

Online vs. In-Branch Account Opening

✅ Banks that allow online account opening: Santander, BBVA, N26, Revolut.

✅ Banks that require a branch visit: Sabadell, CaixaBank, Bankinter.

Tip: Book an appointment and request English-speaking staff when visiting a branch.

Fees & Costs: How to Avoid Unnecessary Charges

Banking fees in Spain can add up. Here’s what to watch out for:

Fee Type	Typical Cost	How to Avoid
Monthly account fee	€0–€15	Choose fee-free accounts (BBVA, N26, Revolut).
ATM withdrawal fee	€0–€3 per withdrawal	Use your bank’s ATM network.
International transfer fee	0.5–3%	Use Wise or Revolut for transfers.
Credit card fee	€20–€50 per year	Look for accounts with free debit/credit cards.

Fee Type: Monthly account fee
Typical Cost: €0–€15
How to Avoid: Choose fee-free accounts (BBVA, N26, Revolut).

Fee Type: ATM withdrawal fee
Typical Cost: €0–€3 per withdrawal
How to Avoid: Use your bank’s ATM network.

Fee Type: International transfer fee
Typical Cost: 0.5–3%
How to Avoid: Use Wise or Revolut for transfers.

Fee Type: Credit card fee
Typical Cost: €20–€50 per year
How to Avoid: Look for accounts with free debit/credit cards.

Best Spanish Banks for Expats Buying Property & Mortgages

If you plan to buy a home in Spain, choose a bank that offers expat-friendly mortgages.

✅ Top Spanish Banks for Non-Resident Mortgages:

Banco Santander – Offers mortgages up to 70% of property value for foreigners.
Banco Sabadell – Competitive rates & faster approval process for expats.
CaixaBank – Expat mortgage specialists, including remote applications.

Typical Mortgage Conditions for Foreign Buyers

Loan-to-Value (LTV): Up to 70% for non-residents, 80% for residents.
Fixed & variable rates available (Euribor-linked).
Minimum income requirement: Foreign buyers need to show stable earnings.
Additional costs: Property taxes, notary fees, and registration fees (~10–15% of purchase price).

Best Digital & Mobile Banking Options for Expats

Most major Spanish banks now offer English-language online banking.

✅ Top Banks for Digital Banking:

BBVA – One of the best mobile apps with full banking features.
Santander – Reliable app with English-language support.
N26 & Revolut – 100% online banking with multi-currency features.

Tip: Choose a bank that supports Bizum, Spain’s instant payment system for local transactions.

Final Thoughts: Which Bank is Best for You?

Need a full-service bank with branches? 🏦 Santander, BBVA, Sabadell, or CaixaBank.
Prefer online banking with no fees? 💻 BBVA, N26, or Revolut.
Buying property in Spain? 🏡 Sabadell, Santander, or CaixaBank.
Travel frequently & need currency exchange? ✈️ Revolut or Wise.

With the right bank, managing your finances in Spain can be simple and cost-effective. Choose the one that best fits your needs and enjoy your new life in Spain! 🇪🇸 🌞

FAQ

Can foreigners open a bank account in Spain?
Yes, foreigners can open a bank account in Spain, even without residency. Many banks offer non-resident accounts that require only a passport and proof of address.
Which is the best bank in Spain for expats?
The best bank depends on your needs. BBVA and N26 are great for fee-free digital banking, while Santander and CaixaBank offer extensive branch networks and expat support.
Do I need a NIE number to open a bank account in Spain?
Not always. Some banks, like Santander and Sabadell, allow non-residents to open an account with just a passport. However, a NIE is required for resident accounts.
Are there banks in Spain with English-speaking staff?
Yes, banks like Sabadell, Santander, and CaixaBank’s HolaBank have English-speaking staff in expat-friendly branches. BBVA and N26 also offer English-language online banking.
What documents are required to open a Spanish bank account?
Most banks require a passport or ID, proof of address, and a non-resident certificate (for non-resident accounts). Some banks may also request proof of income.
Can I open a Spanish bank account online?
Yes, some banks allow online account opening, such as BBVA, N26, and Revolut. Others, like Santander, require a video identification process for non-residents.
What are the typical banking fees in Spain?
Traditional banks often charge €10–€15 per month for account maintenance unless conditions are met. Online banks like N26 and BBVA offer fee-free accounts.
How can I avoid high ATM withdrawal fees in Spain?
Use your bank’s ATM network to withdraw cash for free. Neobanks like N26 and Revolut offer free ATM withdrawals up to a monthly limit.
Which Spanish banks offer mortgages to foreigners?
Santander, Sabadell, and CaixaBank are popular choices for non-resident mortgages. Foreign buyers typically need a 30-40% deposit.
Can I send money internationally from a Spanish bank account?
Yes, but traditional banks charge high fees for international transfers. Services like Wise or Revolut offer cheaper alternatives for currency exchange and transfers.