Opening a bank account in Spain is an important step for those settling in the country, either temporarily or permanently. For many foreigners, especially those that do not have their Foreigner ID number (NIE), having a bank account with their passports is essential.
But… can you open a bank account in Spain using your passport? You will find all the answers you need below.
How to open a bank account using your passport
This procedure requires you to submit identification documentation, such as your National Identity Card (DNI), your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) or your passport.
The TIE is the ID preferred by banks to open bank accounts in Spain. In fact, it is usually one of the basic requirements asked by financial institutions to proceed with the opening of the account, along with other possible conditions such as being of legal age or not appearing on any payment default list, for example.
However, if you do not have a TIE, another option to be considered is opening a bank account using just your passport. However, it is important to bear in mind that not all banks have this option, so the feasibility of this option will depend on each financial institution policy.
At Banco Sabadell, we have the Key Account, the bank account in Spain for non-residents. To do this, you can use as ID:
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If you are a European Union (EU) resident: you will only need the identity document from your country of origin or your passport.
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If you are not an EU resident: in this case, you can open an account using only your passport, you will not need to use your TIE.
Requirements to open a bank account using your passport
Depending on the banking institution, the conditions to open a bank account using your passport may vary, but generally, the basic requirements are the following:
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Being of legal age (in Spain, the legal age is reached at 18 years old).
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Valid passport: the passport must be valid and be in force. Make sure your passport is not expired before starting the account opening process.
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Personal information: you will need to provide your basic personal information, such as your full name, current address, telephone number and email address.
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Not appearing in any default payment list.
However, do not forget to check each bank policy, as certain banks may have additional requirements.
Steps to open a bank account in Spain using your passport
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Do your research and choose a bank: before opening an account, research different banks and compare their services and requirements. Certain banks offer special packages for foreigners that may be beneficial for your specific needs.
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Schedule an appointment in a bank office near you: some banks may require that you schedule an appointment to open up an account, so after choosing your bank, go to the bank office at the date and time selected. To request Banco Sabadell Key Account, the first step is to fill in the form with the information required. After filling in the form, an expert manager will contact you to open your account.
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Fill in the forms: the bank staff will provide you with the forms needed to open your account. Fill in the forms accurately and provide all the information required.
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Sign the documents: check all the documents and terms related with the account carefully before signing. Make sure you understand all the conditions and possible associated fees.
Opening a bank account in Spain without being a resident is a relatively simple process. It’s important being ready and having all the documentation and required information. If you follow the steps described above and are informed on your choices, you will be able to get a bank account suitable for your financial needs while you settle in Spain. Remember to check with the bank if you have any questions or concerns during the process of opening your account.