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Your landlord wants the rent by transfer. Your new employer needs a Spanish account for payroll. And there you are, three weeks into Madrid, realising you can't really function here without a local bank account.

Good news: opening a bank account in Spain as an expat is more straightforward than most of the other trámites on your list. Here's what you actually need, which banks are kindest to newcomers, and how to do it without losing an afternoon, from someone who banks here every day.

Do I Need a NIE to Open a Bank Account in Spain?

Technically, no. Some banks will open an account with just your passport. But most high-street banks will ask for a NIE, and life is smoother with one. If you don't have your NIE yet, an online bank is your best stopgap to get money moving today.

Resident vs. Non-Resident Account: Which One?

Resident account

The standard account for people living here. Needs your NIE or TIE plus empadronamiento, and gives you full banking access. This is the one you ultimately want.

Non-resident account

Easier to open with just a passport, but it comes with more limitations and usually higher fees. Fine as a bridge, not ideal long term.

What Documents Do I Need for a Resident Account?

• Valid passport or national ID.
• Your NIE or TIE card.
• Empadronamiento certificate.
• Proof of income (some banks ask, some don't).

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Which Banks Work Best for Expats in Spain?

• Santander, widely available, with English-speaking staff in the bigger branches. (This is the one I use, so I'll say it plainly: convenient, and everywhere.)
• BBVA, excellent app and some English support.
• N26, no Spanish NIE needed to open. A great stopgap on day one.
• Revolut, used by half the expats you'll meet, and accepted everywhere.

My honest advice: open an N26 or Revolut in ten minutes so you can send and receive money immediately, then set up a Santander or BBVA resident account once your NIE and empadronamiento are sorted.

Quick Questions People Ask

Can I open an account before I get my NIE? Yes, with an online bank or a non-resident account, then upgrade later.

Do I need empadronamiento? For a resident account, usually yes. (Here's our empadronamiento guide.)

Are there monthly fees? Often yes on traditional banks unless you meet conditions (direct-deposit your salary, domicile your bills). Ask before you sign.

The Real Question

Opening the account is the easy part. Knowing which account to open in which order, walking in with the exact documents a given branch wants, and doing it in Spanish so you're not turned away for a missing copy, that's where people stall.

That's what we smooth out at VA in Madrid. We can tell you which bank fits your situation, get your NIE and empadronamiento in order first, prepare your documents, and even come with you to the branch. Message us on WhatsApp and we'll map it out with you.

And if you're opening a business account because you're starting something here, that's our favourite. Once you're set up, we also help new businesses automate the admin and the back-office. Here's how we automate the busywork.

Money sorted. On to the better parts of Madrid.