DirectEmigreren
Chapter 5 of 15

Opening a bank account

Which banks, documents, non-resident vs. resident

Summary

A Spanish bank account is essential for your emigration: you need it for rent, energy contracts, tax filing, and daily life. As an EU citizen, you can open an account relatively easily, but the Spanish banking sector has its own rules and costs. This chapter helps you choose between major banks, explains the difference between non-resident and resident accounts, and warns about hidden fees.

What you need to know

🔒

Read the full chapter

This is a preview. Buy the complete guide to receive all 15 chapters as PDF.

Buy — €29.95
Previous chapter

4. Paperwork & bureaucracy

Next chapter

6. Health insurance

Buy the full guide

Complete Emigration Guide Spain

Buy — €29.95

Knowledge Base

Glossary
  • NIE (Foreigner Identity Number)

    The Spanish identification number for foreigners. Your NIE is required for almost everything: opening a bank account, renting or buying a house, working, and filing taxes. Apply for it as soon as possible at the police station or consulate.

  • Empadronamiento (Municipal Registration)

    The mandatory registration at your municipality (Ayuntamiento). The Empadronamiento proves that you live in a certain municipality and is required for access to healthcare, education and many other services.

  • Padrón Municipal (Census Register)

    The municipal census register. Your proof of registration (certificado de empadronamiento) from the Padrón is one of the most requested documents in Spain.

  • Residencia (Residence Certificate)

    Proof of residence rights as an EU citizen in Spain. After 3 months you must register as a resident with the police. You receive a green A4 certificate with your NIE.

  • IRPF (Personal Income Tax)

    The Spanish personal income tax. Rates vary from 19% to 47% depending on your income and autonomous region. You file annually between April and June via the Agencia Tributaria.

  • Beckham Law (Special Tax Regime)

    A tax-favorable regime for newcomers in Spain. You pay a flat rate of 24% on Spanish income up to €600,000 for 6 years. Ideal for expats with a high salary. Named after footballer David Beckham.

  • IBI (Property Tax)

    The Spanish municipal property tax, comparable to the Dutch OZB. Levied annually based on the cadastral value of your property.

  • Modelo 030 (Tax Registration Form)

    The form to register with the Spanish tax authority (Agencia Tributaria). This links your NIE to your tax data and address.

  • Agencia Tributaria (Tax Agency)

    The Spanish tax agency (Hacienda). Here you file tax returns, register as a taxpayer and handle all fiscal matters. Much can be done online via the website with certificado digital.

  • Autónomo (Self-Employed)

    The Spanish status for self-employed workers. As an autónomo you pay monthly social security contributions (cuota) to the Seguridad Social. New autónomos receive a tarifa plana (reduced rate) in the first year.

Privacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsLogin