26 July 2026
Almost every other task assumes you already have a Spanish bank account. The rental contract, the utilities, the direct debits, the tax filings. It is worth doing early even though it feels premature.
Resident and non resident accounts
Most banks will open a non resident account before you have residency, usually with a small extra fee and a certificate confirming your status. Once your residency comes through, it converts. Doing this on a scouting trip, before the move proper, saved us a fortnight.
What to bring
Passport, NIE if you have it, proof of address somewhere in the world, and something showing where your income comes from. As with every appointment in Spain, bring more than the list says.
Getting paid from another country
If you work remotely for a foreign employer, this is the part that quietly costs you. High street bank transfers with poor exchange rates will take a real percentage of your salary every single month. Specialist transfer services are substantially better, and over a year the difference is a holiday.
Have the conversation with your employer before you move, not after. Some will pay into a Spanish account directly, some will not, and it is much easier to agree while they still want you to say yes.
A small thing that matters
Spanish life runs on direct debits, the recibo. Rent, utilities, school fees, gym, everything. Once your account is set up, expect a period where you are handing your IBAN to everyone you meet, and expect a few months before you can predict what leaves your account and when.
