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Move to Spain

NIE, TIE, padrón, EU registration, visas, and residency.

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Vacation in Spain

Short visits, entry rules, transport, places to stay, and practical trip planning in Spain.

Live in Spain

Healthcare, banking, taxes, digital access, and the key admin steps for everyday life in Spain.

Not legal advice. Always verify with official sources before filing.

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Bank account and banking basics

What this is for

What it is for: Opening a Spanish bank account is one of the first practical steps after arriving. You typically need it for salary payments, rent direct debits, utility contracts, and tax filings.

What the bank may expect:

  • NIE
  • Passport
  • Padrón certificate
  • Proof of income or employment

Practical note: Non-residents can often open a non-resident account with fewer documents, but these have limitations. Major retail banks include CaixaBank, Santander, BBVA, Sabadell, and Bankinter; online options like Revolut and Wise are popular for everyday use, but may not satisfy landlords or employers who require a Spanish IBAN. Some banks have English-speaking branches or services in expat-heavy areas — worth asking before you commit.

Next 3 steps
  1. First confirm what you need the account for: salary, rent, self-employment, savings, or everyday payments.
  2. Prepare identity documents, NIE/TIE if you already have one, proof of address, and any income or residence evidence the bank may request.
  3. Compare whether a newcomer account, non-resident account, or ordinary resident account fits your real situation best.
Official links
Banco Santander Large branch network and common for payroll, rent, and everyday local banking. BBVA Strong digital setup with a mainstream Spanish current-account path. CaixaBank Very visible across Spain with broad branch and ATM coverage. Banco Sabadell Common expat-facing option in many parts of Spain, especially coastal areas. Bankinter Digital-forward Spanish bank with standard resident-account options. Revolut Useful starter option while you are still getting local paperwork in order. bunq Flexible mobile-first starter option before moving to a traditional bank if needed. Wise Multi-currency account with a Spanish IBAN. Good for sending money internationally at mid-market rates. Affiliate link — IberiGo earns a small commission if you sign up. No extra cost to you.

This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.

Documents that often slow people down

Identity and civil records

  • Valid passport or EU national ID.
  • Birth, marriage, or partnership records where relevant.
  • Legalization or Hague apostille for many foreign public documents.
  • Sworn Spanish translations when documents are not accepted as-is.

Spain-side basics

  • Address in Spain and, when requested, padrón certificate.
  • Immigration appointment confirmation.
  • Correct EX form for your procedure.
  • Paid tasa receipt, often Modelo 790 with the matching code.

Money, health, purpose

  • Proof of economic means for routes that require it.
  • Health insurance or public coverage proof where required.
  • School admission, remote-work evidence, family link, or permit approval.
  • Criminal record certificate for some visas and residence routes.

Not every document applies to every route. The guide should help you narrow this down.

Official sources

This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.

Last reviewed: July 2026