Please note that despite what you might read in some articles online, it is not necessary to have an NIE number nor residency to open a Spanish bank account. There is no reason to delay completing this task and ticking it off your To-Do List.
Opening a Spanish bank account is one of the tasks that should be at the top of your To-Do List when planning your move to Spain. Opening a Spanish bank account is one of the tasks that should be at the top of your To-Do List when planning your move to Spain.
Once you have opened a Spanish bank account it is time to start transferring funds. Once you have money in your Spanish account, it is a lot easier to set up utilities contracts, contract internet and mobile phones and complete more important tasks like proving funds for residency applications.
We have been working with La Caixa who also offer an expat online banking service, Hola Banking, in English, for many years. As part of our Relocation Packages, we will assist you with opening an account at La Caixa or any bank of your choice.
Initially, we can use your passport number/ID card number and non-Spanish address to open a non-resident account. As soon as you have a Spanish address and residency, you can change your account to a residents account which incurs lower charges. Please look at each banks terms and conditions to better understand all the charges.
What paperwork do you need to open a Spanish bank account using our services?
- A valid ID document (ie. passport)
- NIE or Residency card if you have one
- Proof of funds
- A completed Move To Malaga Personal Information Document
How do I understand the codes used for my Spanish bank account?
Spanish bank account numbers are made up of 20 digits.
For example: 2100 2527 28 0123456789
- 2100 is the name of the bank (ie. La Caixa)
- 2527 is the branch code (ie. Mijas Pueblo)
- 28 is the security code
- 1234567890 is the 10 digit account number.
Whenever you are asked for your bank account details in Spain, you should provide the full 20 digits.
Other bank codes you will be given that are necessary for international money transfers are:
IBAN: International Bank Account Number
BIC/Codigo Swift: Bank Identifier Code / The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications
The IBAN is made up of a maximum of 34 characters:
Eg: ES21 2100 2527 28 0123456789
- ES = the country code
- 28 = security control code
- Plus 20 digits of the full account number.
The BIC/Codigo Swift is made up of 8 – 11 characters:
Eg. CAIXESMAXXX
- CAIX = Name of bank
- ES = Country of origin
- MA = Location of the banks central office (town or region)
- XXX = Location of a specific office or department of the bank
