Yes, you can open a Spanish bank account online, but the process depends on whether you are a resident or non-resident
Most major Spanish banks let you start an account online without visiting a branch in person. However, they will ask you to verify your identity at some point — usually by video call, in-person appointment, or by mailing documents. Non-residents (people without a Spanish address or residency permit) face more restrictions than residents, and some banks will not open accounts for non-residents at all.
The fastest online accounts are with digital-only banks like Revolut, Wise, or N26, which operate across Europe and do not require Spanish residency. Traditional Spanish banks like BBVA, CaixaBank, and Santander also offer online opening, but they typically require you to be a resident or have a Spanish tax identification number (NIE).
The real bottleneck is not the online form — it is the identity verification step that comes after. Understanding what documents you will need and which banks accept non-residents saves you from filling out an process only to be rejected.
Key Takeaways
- Digital-only banks like Revolut and Wise let non-residents open accounts entirely online with just a passport and proof of address, usually within hours.
- Traditional Spanish banks require either a Spanish address, a residency permit (NIE), or both, even if you start the process online.
- Video verification is the most common identity check for online accounts; some banks also accept in-person verification at a branch or notary office.
- You will need a valid passport or national ID card, and most banks ask for proof of address (utility bill, rental contract, or bank statement from another country).
- Opening an account takes one to five business days for digital banks and three to ten business days for traditional banks, depending on how quickly you complete verification.
What Spanish banks accept non-residents opening accounts online
If you do not live in Spain and do not have a Spanish address, your options narrow. Most traditional Spanish banks will not open accounts for non-residents, or they will only do so if you have a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero — a foreigner's tax ID number). Getting a NIE requires being in Spain or explore through a Spanish consulate, which defeats the purpose of opening online.
Digital banks are your most straightforward route. Revolut, Wise, N26, and Bunq all operate in Spain and accept non-residents. These are not Spanish banks — they are European fintech companies — but they give you an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) that starts with ES, which makes it look like a Spanish account to employers and other institutions. They verify your identity through a video call or by uploading a photo of your passport and proof of address.
If you specifically need a traditional Spanish bank account as a non-resident, contact the bank's customer service before explore. Some regional banks and smaller institutions are more flexible than the major chains. Always ask whether they require a NIE or Spanish address before you spend time on an process.
Documents you will need to verify your identity online
Every bank that opens accounts online will ask you to prove who you are. The standard documents are a valid passport or national ID card (not an expired one), and proof of your current address. Proof of address usually means a utility bill, rental contract, or bank statement from the last three months. Some banks accept a government-issued letter with your address on it.
If you are a non-resident, your proof of address will be from outside Spain — your home country's utility bill or rental contract. Banks accept this. What they do not accept is a PO box, a hotel address, or an address you cannot document.
Have these documents ready before you start the process. Taking a clear photo of both sides of your ID and a photo or scan of your address proof speeds up the process. If the bank asks for a video call, you will need to show the original documents on camera, so keep them nearby.
How identity verification works for online accounts
After you fill out the online form, the bank will ask you to verify your identity. The three most common methods are video call, in-person appointment, or document upload.
Video call verification is fastest. You schedule a time slot (usually within 24 hours), and a bank employee calls you via the app or a video link. You show your passport and proof of address on camera. The call takes five to ten minutes. This is how most digital banks and some traditional banks handle it.
In-person verification means visiting a branch or a notary office (notaría) in Spain. Some banks let you do this at any branch, even if it is not your local one. You bring your original documents and sign papers in front of a witness. This takes longer to schedule but is sometimes required for non-residents or for accounts with higher limits.
Document upload is the slowest method. You photograph or scan your documents and upload them through the app. The bank's team reviews them manually, which can take several days. Some banks use this as a backup if video verification fails.
Timeline: how long it takes to open an account online
Digital banks are fastest. Once you complete video verification, your account is usually active within hours. You can receive your card details and start using the account the same day.
Traditional Spanish banks typically take three to ten business days. The timeline breaks down like this: the online form takes ten minutes, video verification happens within 24 hours, and then the bank processes your process for two to five business days. If they ask for in-person verification or additional documents, add another week.
The biggest variable is how quickly you respond. If you miss a video call appointment or take three days to upload a document, the clock resets. Banks do not chase you — if you do not complete verification within a set window (usually seven to fourteen days), your process expires and you have to start over.
What happens after your account opens
Once your account is approved, you will receive login credentials via email or the app. You can when ready transfer money in and out, set up direct deposits, and use online banking. Your debit card arrives by mail within one to three weeks.
Digital banks send cards faster — usually within five to ten business days. Traditional Spanish banks are slower. If you need a card urgently, ask whether the bank offers a temporary virtual card you can use for online purchases while you wait for the physical one.
Your account will have a Spanish IBAN starting with ES. This works for receiving salary payments, setting up subscriptions, and paying bills in Spain or elsewhere in Europe. If you are a non-resident, the bank may place limits on how much you can transfer or how many transactions you can make per month. Ask about these limits before you open the account.
Why some banks reject non-residents and what to do
Spanish banking regulations do not ban non-residents from opening accounts, but they do require banks to verify your identity and understand the source of your money. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. Some banks find it easier to refuse non-residents than to manage the extra paperwork.
If a traditional Spanish bank rejects you, it is usually because you do not have a NIE or a Spanish address. You have two options: get a NIE (which requires being in Spain or explore through a consulate), or switch to a digital bank that does not require Spanish residency.
Getting a NIE as a non-resident is possible but slow. You explore through a Spanish consulate in your home country, and it takes four to eight weeks. If you are moving to Spain soon, it may be worth doing this before you arrive. If you are not moving to Spain, a digital bank is simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Spanish bank account online if I do not speak Spanish?
Yes. Most major banks and all digital banks offer English-language apps and websites. Customer service is usually available in English by phone or chat. Some smaller regional banks may only offer Spanish, so check before you explore.
Do I need a Spanish phone number to open an account online?
No. Banks use email for most communication. Some ask for a phone number for two-factor authentication, and you can use a number from any country. A few banks prefer a Spanish number, but this is rare and they will tell you upfront.
What if I fail video verification the first time?
Most banks let you reschedule. Common reasons for failure are poor lighting, blurry photos, or a document that does not match the name on your process. The bank will tell you what went wrong. Fix it and book another call within the window they give you (usually seven days).
Can I open a Spanish account if I am a tourist visiting Spain?
Digital banks will let you open an account with a passport and a home address from outside Spain. Traditional Spanish banks usually will not, because they require proof that you have a reason to be in Spain (residency, work, or a NIE). If you are staying in Spain long-term, a digital bank is your fastest option.
Will opening a Spanish bank account affect my taxes?
Opening an account does not change your tax obligations, but having a Spanish account may trigger reporting requirements depending on your country of residence. If you are a US citizen, for example, you must report foreign accounts to the IRS. Check with a tax professional in your home country before opening the account.