How to Open a Spanish Bank Account From the United States

You can open a Spanish bank account from the US, but the bank will require documents you send by mail and proof of your identity verified in person or by video

Most Spanish banks will not let you complete the entire process online from abroad. You will need to provide a passport or national ID, proof of address, and often a tax identification number. Some banks offer video verification for remote customers; others require you to visit a branch in Spain or use a representative. The timeline is typically two to four weeks once the bank receives all documents, though some banks are faster.

The main barrier is not that you are in the US — it is that Spanish banks must comply with anti-money-laundering rules that require them to verify your identity in person or through approved video methods. A few banks have streamlined this for non-residents; most have not.

Key Takeaways

Spanish banks require in-person identity verification or video verification; you cannot complete the process entirely online from the US.
You will need a passport, proof of address (utility bill or rental agreement), and often a Spanish tax ID number (NIF) or a temporary one (NIE).
Banks that accept remote customers include BBVA, Santander, and ING, though their processes and speed vary.
If you cannot visit Spain, you may be able to use a power of attorney to have someone open the account on your behalf, though few banks accept this method.
Opening an account typically takes two to four weeks after the bank receives all documents.

Which Spanish banks accept US residents

BBVA, Santander, and ING are the largest banks in Spain and the most likely to have processes for non-residents. BBVA has a specific online account for non-residents that uses video verification; you can start the process on their website and complete identity verification via video call. Santander and ING also serve non-residents but require you to contact their international customer service to begin — they do not have a standard online form for US applicants.

Smaller regional banks (cajas) are less likely to accept remote customers and may require a visit to a branch. If you are opening an account to manage property or business in Spain, the bank may be more willing to work with you remotely, since they see a clear reason for the relationship.

Before you contact a bank, confirm that they accept US residents. Many Spanish banks have stopped accepting US customers altogether because of the cost of complying with US tax reporting rules (FATCA). Call or email the bank's international department first.

Documents you will need to provide

Every Spanish bank will ask for a valid passport or national ID. If you have a US passport, that is sufficient. Some banks also ask for a secondary form of ID.

You will need proof of your current address in the US. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last three months usually works. The document must show your name and address clearly.

Spanish banks are required to obtain a tax identification number for you. If you already have a Spanish tax ID (NIF for Spanish citizens or NIE for non-residents), provide it. If you do not, the bank will either assign you a temporary number during the account opening process or ask you to obtain one from the Spanish tax authority (Agencia Tributaria) before opening the account. Obtaining a NIE from the US requires visiting a Spanish consulate; the process takes several weeks. Some banks will proceed without one and assign a temporary identifier, so ask before you go to the consulate.

You may also be asked for proof of income or employment, especially if you are opening a business account or requesting a credit product. A recent pay stub or letter from your employer usually suffices.

How video verification works

If the bank offers video verification, you will be scheduled for a video call with a bank representative. During the call, you will show your passport or ID, answer questions about your identity and the purpose of the account, and sign documents electronically. The call usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

You will need a quiet space, good lighting, and a device with a camera and microphone. Have your documents ready and visible. The bank will record the call for compliance purposes.

After the video call, the bank will send you a link to sign documents electronically, usually through a platform like DocuSign or the bank's own system. Once you sign, the account is typically opened within a few business days, though the bank may take longer to set up certain features like online banking or debit cards.

Using a power of attorney if you cannot verify in person

If a bank will not accept video verification and you cannot travel to Spain, you can give someone in Spain power of attorney to open the account on your behalf. This person can be a friend, family member, or a professional representative. You will need to have the power of attorney document notarized in the US and then authenticated (apostilled) so it is valid in Spain.

The process is slow and expensive. Notarization costs $10 to $25 in the US; apostille adds another $10 to $30. You will also need to translate the document into Spanish by a certified translator, which costs $50 to $150. The representative will then take the document to the bank, along with their own ID and yours.

Few Spanish banks accept this method, and those that do may charge a fee. Contact the bank first to confirm they will accept a power of attorney before you pay for notarization and translation.

Timeline and what happens after approval

Once you submit all documents, expect the bank to take two to four weeks to review them and open the account. BBVA with video verification is usually faster — often one to two weeks. Banks that require mailed documents are slower because they must receive the originals, verify them, and process them manually.

After the account is opened, the bank will mail you a debit card and PIN to your US address. This takes another one to two weeks. You can usually access online banking before the card arrives, though some banks delay this until the card is activated.

If you are opening the account to receive money from the US, you can provide your new Spanish account details to your US bank or employer before the card arrives. The account will be ready to receive transfers as soon as it is opened.

Alternatives if a Spanish bank will not accept you

If you cannot open a traditional Spanish bank account, consider a fintech bank or payment service. Wise (formerly TransferWise) lets you open a multi-currency account from the US and receive money in euros in a Spanish IBAN. Revolut and N26 also serve US residents and issue European IBANs, though they are not full banks and have limits on how much you can hold and transfer.

These services are faster to open — usually one to three days — and do not require a visit to Spain. However, they are not insured the same way traditional banks are, and some have restrictions on business use. They work well for receiving money or holding euros, but not for a primary banking relationship.

If you are moving to Spain permanently, you can open a bank account once you arrive and register with the local authorities. This is often easier than opening remotely, because the bank can verify your identity in person when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Spanish tax ID number before I open the account?

Not always. Some banks will open the account and assign you a temporary tax ID, then you obtain a permanent one later. Others require you to have a NIE or NIF before opening. Ask the bank before you start the process. If they require one and you do not have it, you can explore at a Spanish consulate in the US, though this takes several weeks.

Can I open a Spanish bank account if I am a US citizen but do not live in the US?

Yes, the process is the same. You will need a valid passport, proof of your current address (wherever you are), and a tax ID. Contact the bank to confirm they accept non-residents from your country.

What if the bank asks for a certificate of good standing or other documents I do not have?

Ask the bank what the document is for and whether an alternative is acceptable. For example, if they ask for a certificate of good standing from your employer, a recent pay stub or employment letter may work instead. Banks sometimes ask for documents out of habit rather than necessity, and they will often accept something else if you explain what you have.

How much money do I need to open an account?

Most Spanish banks have no minimum opening deposit, though some require a small deposit (€50 to €100) to set up the account. Check the bank's website or ask during the initial contact. Once the account is open, you can withdraw the deposit if you want.

Will I have to pay US taxes on a Spanish bank account?

Yes. As a US citizen or resident, you must report all foreign bank accounts to the IRS. If the account balance exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year, you must file an FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report). The Spanish bank will also report the account to the IRS under FATCA. This is why some Spanish banks have stopped accepting US customers — the reporting burden is expensive for them.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.