How to open a bank account in Spain as a foreigner

Opening a bank account in Spain is one of the first practical steps to settling in Málaga. Whether you come as a student, digital nomad, expatriate or retiree, having a local account will make it easier to pay rent, receive your salary, set up direct debits or simply avoid fees when withdrawing money.

Types of accounts for foreigners

In Spain, banks mainly offer two options depending on your situation:

1. Resident account: for those who already live legally in Spain and can prove their residence.

2. Non-resident account: for those who do not yet have residency in the country but need a local account.

Many foreigners start with a non-resident account and, once they obtain residency or their NIE, they convert it into a resident account.

Required documentation

Although it may vary from bank to bank, you will generally be asked for:

• Valid passport (or ID card if you are an EU citizen).

• Foreigner Identification Number (NIE), if you already have one.

• Non-resident certificate (if you are not officially living in Spain yet; obtained at the police station or processed by the bank).

• Proof of address (rental contract, utility bill, or certificate of residence).

• Proof of income or employment (pay slip, work contract, employer’s letter, or proof of self-employment).

Timeline and process

The account opening process can be very quick (within 30 minutes you may already have an active account in a branch) or take a few days if the bank needs to verify your non-resident certificate.

Practical tips from Welcome Málaga

• Choose a bank with English-speaking staff if you are not yet fluent in Spanish.

• Ask about fees: some accounts have monthly costs, while others are free if you set up direct debits or have regular income.

• Open your account early: it will help you manage many daily tasks, such as rent, electricity or internet.

At Welcome Málaga, we help you with all these procedures, from the appointment to obtain the non-resident certificate to opening your account at the bank that best suits your profile. Our goal is to make your arrival simple so that you can enjoy Málaga without worrying about complex paperwork.