Documents needed to open a bank account

Overview

Exact requirements vary slightly bank to bank, but most Spanish banks ask for a broadly similar set of documents. Having everything ready before your appointment or online application makes the whole process much faster.

Requirements

• The exact list depends on whether you're opening a resident or non-resident account, and sometimes on the specific account type (basic, premium, business)

Step-by-step process

• Confirm with your chosen bank whether you're applying as a resident or non-resident, since the document list differs
• Gather your identification, proof of address and, where relevant, proof of income documents in advance
• If any document isn't in Spanish, check whether the bank requires a certified translation
• Bring originals, not just copies, to any in-person appointment — banks generally need to verify against the original

Required documents

• Passport (all applicants)
• NIE, for residents
• TIE, if you hold one
• Certificado de no residencia, for non-residents
• Proof of address: empadronamiento certificate (residents) or a recent utility bill/bank statement from your home country (non-residents)
• Proof of income or employment, for some account types
• Initial deposit, if required by the specific account

Common mistakes

• Bringing only photocopies to an in-person appointment when the bank needs to see the original documents
• Assuming every bank asks for exactly the same list — it's worth confirming with your specific bank before your appointment

Practical tips

• Keep digital scans of all your documents ready too, since some banks now offer online applications that skip the in-person visit entirely
• If you're missing proof of address because you've only just arrived, ask your bank directly whether a hotel or short-term rental booking is accepted temporarily

How Tuchati can help

If a bank is asking for a document you don't have or don't understand, Tuchati can help you figure out an alternative or how to obtain it.