Yes, you can open a Spanish bank account from the US, but the process is slower and more document-heavy than opening one in person in Spain

Most Spanish banks will open accounts for non-residents, but they require you to send documents by mail or use a video call with a notary, rather than walking into a branch with your passport. The main Spanish banks that accept remote account openings from the US are BBVA, CaixaBank, Santander, and ING España. Each has different requirements and timelines — some take two to four weeks, others take longer. You will need a valid passport, proof of address in the US, and sometimes a reference from another bank or employer.

The reason banks make this harder than in-person opening is regulatory: Spanish and US banking rules both require the bank to verify your identity and confirm you are not on sanctions lists. A video call with a notary (called a notario público in Spain) satisfies both countries' rules, but it costs money and takes time to arrange.

Key Takeaways

  • BBVA, CaixaBank, Santander, and ING España all open accounts for US residents, but require documents sent by mail or a notarized video call.
  • You will need a valid US passport, proof of your US address (utility bill or bank statement), and sometimes a reference from your current bank.
  • The process typically takes two to six weeks from the day you submit all documents, depending on the bank and whether they need to verify anything with you.
  • Some banks charge a monthly fee for non-resident accounts, while others waive fees if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
  • If you have a Spanish address or a relative in Spain who can sign documents on your behalf, the process is faster and cheaper.

Which Spanish banks accept applications from the US

BBVA has an English-language remote account opening process and accepts US residents. You fill out an online form, upload documents, and then do a video call with a notary. The whole process takes about three weeks. BBVA charges a monthly fee unless you maintain a minimum balance or use their investment products.

CaixaBank also accepts US residents and uses a similar video notary process. Their timeline is often faster — two to three weeks — but they are stricter about proof of address and may ask for additional documents if your address is recent. CaixaBank waives monthly fees if you set up a direct deposit or keep a balance above a certain amount (the threshold varies by account type).

Santander and ING España both open accounts for non-residents, but their processes are less streamlined for English speakers. You may need to contact them by phone or email to ask about remote opening, and they may require you to use a Spanish-speaking representative or send documents by certified mail. Both typically take four to six weeks.

Smaller regional banks (like Banco Sabadell or Banco Bilbao Vizcaya) sometimes open accounts remotely, but they rarely have English support and the process is slower. Stick with the four major banks unless you have a specific reason to use a regional one.

Documents you will need to send

Every Spanish bank will ask for a valid passport (not a driver's license). Make a color copy of the front and back pages. If your passport is expired but you still have it, some banks will accept it as long as it expired within the last few years — call the bank first to ask.

You will also need proof of your current US address. A utility bill, internet bill, or bank statement dated within the last three months works. The document must show your full name and address. A lease or mortgage statement also works. Do not send a driver's license as your only proof of address — banks want a bill or financial document.

Some banks ask for a reference from your current US bank. This is a letter from your bank on official letterhead saying you have an account in good standing. You can request this from your bank's customer service line or online portal — it usually takes a few days and is free. If your current bank charges for reference letters, ask the Spanish bank whether they will accept a bank statement instead.

A few banks ask for proof of income or employment, especially if you are opening a business account or moving a large amount of money. A recent pay stub, tax return, or letter from your employer works. If you are retired or self-employed, a bank statement showing regular deposits or a tax return from the last two years is usually enough.

The video notary process and what it costs

If the bank requires a notarized video call, here is how it works: the bank sends you a link to a video meeting with a Spanish notary (notario público). The notary will ask you to show your passport on camera, answer questions about your identity and the purpose of the account, and sign documents electronically. The whole call takes 10 to 15 minutes.

The notary fee is usually between €30 and €60, and the bank will either deduct it from your first deposit or bill you separately. Some banks include the notary fee in their account opening cost; others charge it on top. Ask the bank upfront what the total cost will be before you start the process.

The notary call is conducted in Spanish, but many notaries speak English or will have a translator on the call. Ask the bank whether English support is available when you submit your documents. If you speak Spanish, the call is straightforward. If you do not, tell the bank in advance so they can arrange a translator or an English-speaking notary.

Monthly fees and minimum balances for non-resident accounts

Spanish banks charge differently for non-resident accounts than for resident accounts. BBVA charges a monthly fee (usually €5 to €10) unless you maintain a minimum balance of €1,500 to €3,000 or use their investment services. CaixaBank waives fees if you set up a direct deposit or keep a balance above €2,000. Santander's fees vary by account type, but typically range from €3 to €8 per month.

ING España often has lower fees for non-residents — sometimes no monthly charge if you keep a balance above €1,000 — but their remote opening process is slower and less English-friendly.

These fees and minimums change, so ask the bank for their current non-resident account terms before you open. Some banks offer a fee waiver for the first three to six months, which gives you time to decide whether the account is worth the cost.

Faster alternatives if you have a Spanish address or family connection

If you have a relative in Spain, they can sometimes open an account on your behalf or sign documents for you. This cuts the timeline to one to two weeks and often eliminates the notary fee. The bank will still verify your identity, but the process is faster because someone is physically present in Spain to sign paperwork.

If you are moving to Spain or have a Spanish address (even a temporary one), open the account in person at a branch. Bring your passport, proof of address, and a completed process form. You can walk out with a debit card the same day, and the account is fully active within a few days. This is by far the fastest and cheapest route.

If you are planning a trip to Spain, consider opening the account while you are there. Many travelers do this specifically to avoid the remote process. You will need the same documents, but the bank can verify everything in person and issue your card when ready.

What happens after your account opens

Once the bank confirms your account is open, they will send you a debit card by mail to your US address. This usually takes one to three weeks. You can use the card internationally, but check the bank's foreign transaction fees — Spanish banks typically charge 1% to 3% on purchases made outside the eurozone.

You will receive online banking access (called banca online) as soon as the account is active, usually before the card arrives. You can log in and transfer money, check your balance, and set up automatic payments right away. Most Spanish banks have mobile apps available in English.

To fund the account from the US, you can do an international wire transfer from your US bank. Spanish banks use the IBAN system (a 24-character account number) instead of routing numbers. Ask your Spanish bank for your IBAN and BIC code, then give those to your US bank. Wire transfers typically take three to five business days and cost $15 to $50 depending on your US bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Spanish citizen or resident to open an account?

No. Spanish banks open accounts for non-residents and non-citizens. You need a valid passport and proof of your current address, but you do not need to live in Spain or have Spanish citizenship. Some banks ask why you want the account (to receive a salary, manage property, etc.), but they rarely refuse based on your reason.

Can I open an account without a video call with a notary?

Some banks allow it if you send documents by certified mail and provide a bank reference. BBVA and CaixaBank sometimes waive the notary requirement if your documents are clear and your US bank provides a strong reference. Call the bank and ask whether they will accept a mail-only process — it saves the notary fee but takes longer (four to six weeks instead of three).

What if my passport is expired?

Most banks will not accept an expired passport as your only form of ID. However, some will accept an expired passport if you also provide a current driver's license or state ID. Call the bank before you explore and ask what they will accept. If your passport expired more than a few years ago, you will need to renew it first.

How much money do I need to open an account?

Most Spanish banks do not require a minimum opening deposit. You can open the account with zero euros and fund it later by wire transfer. However, some banks waive monthly fees only if you maintain a minimum balance (usually €1,000 to €3,000), so check the fee structure before you decide which bank to use.

Can I use my US address as my permanent address on the account?

Yes. Spanish banks accept US addresses as your permanent address. You do not need a Spanish address to open or maintain the account. The bank will send statements and your debit card to your US address unless you ask them to send mail to a different location.