Non resident business accounts in Spain: what is possible and what banks ask

Snapshot

A non resident can open a business account in Spain, but the checks are heavier than for a resident company. Banks apply the Spanish anti money laundering rules and usually want a NIE for the people who sign, the company tax number, incorporation papers, and proof of real activity. Traditional banks and some business focused providers serve this market, with appetite and timelines that vary widely.

Position: Possible, with heavier checks and no guarantee of acceptance.
Usually required: A NIE for signatories, the company tax number, incorporation documents, and evidence of activity. Verify with the provider.
Typical timeline: Four to eight weeks at traditional banks for foreign owned companies, faster at some business focused providers, as of 31 March 2026.
Watch out for: Apostille and sworn translation of foreign documents, and banks that are conservative without a prior relationship.

Fees and features as of 31 March 2026Last reviewed 31 March 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

A non resident can hold a business account in Spain, but expect more scrutiny than a resident company faces. Banks operating in Spain follow the know your customer rules under Ley 10 2010, supervised by SEPBLAC, so they generally ask for a foreigner identification number or NIE for the people who sign, the company tax identification number, the incorporation documents, and evidence of genuine business activity. Acceptance is never guaranteed and depends heavily on where the company is registered, who owns it, and the bank you approach. Figures and steps below are shown as of 31 March 2026, so confirm the current requirements with the provider.

What non resident means here, and why it matters

Two questions sit behind a non resident application. The first is whether the company itself is registered in Spain or abroad. The second is whether the owners and signatories live in Spain. A Spanish company owned by people abroad is treated differently from a foreign company with no Spanish registration, and the second case is the harder of the two. In both, the bank must identify the business and the people behind it before it opens an account, and a foreign element raises the level of checking. As of 31 March 2026.

What banks usually ask for

Requirements vary by bank, but the common thread is identity, structure, and evidence of real activity. Confirm the exact list with the provider, since each sets its own checks.

A NIE, the foreigner identification number, for the individuals who will sign for the account.
The company tax identification number, along with the deed of incorporation and the company register extract.
Identification for the directors and the beneficial owners who hold more than 25 percent, and a clear ownership structure.
A description of the business activity, the expected transaction volumes, and the source of funds.
For foreign documents, an apostille and a sworn translation into Spanish in many cases.

Which providers tend to serve non residents

Traditional banks such as Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell and Bankinter can serve non resident owners, but their appetite differs. Reports suggest some are more open to new foreign clients while others are conservative without a prior relationship, so it is worth approaching more than one. Business focused providers such as Qonto, Revolut Business and Wise Business serve parts of the market and may suit a company registered in the European Economic Area, though eligibility depends on the country of registration and the ownership. None of this is a recommendation. Check directly whether a given provider serves your specific situation, as of 31 March 2026.

How to approach it

Confirm whether your company is registered in Spain or abroad, and gather identification for every signatory and beneficial owner.
Obtain the NIE for signatories and the company tax number, since most business accounts rely on these.
Prepare incorporation documents, and arrange an apostille and a sworn translation where the papers are foreign.
Approach more than one provider that serves your country of registration, and compare what each asks for and how long it takes.
Confirm eligibility, fees and the current timeline with the provider before you apply, since acceptance is not guaranteed.

Compare accounts that serve businesses in Spain

Some traditional banks and business focused providers accept non resident owned companies in Spain, with eligibility that depends on where the company is registered and who owns it. Fees and eligibility shown as of 31 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

Compare business accounts →

Questions about non resident accounts in Spain

Can a non resident open a business account in Spain?

It is possible, but the checks are heavier than for a resident company. Banks operating in Spain apply the know your customer rules under Ley 10 2010, supervised by SEPBLAC, and commonly ask for a foreigner identification number or NIE for the people who sign, the company tax number, incorporation papers, and evidence of genuine activity. Acceptance is not guaranteed and varies by bank, so verify your position with the provider. As of 31 March 2026.

Do non residents need a NIE or NIF in Spain?

In most cases yes. A foreign individual who signs for the account usually needs a NIE, and a company needs its own tax identification number before the account can open. Some traditional banks offer a non resident personal account opened with a passport, but a business account generally relies on these Spanish identifiers. Confirm what applies to your case with the provider. As of 31 March 2026.

Which providers tend to serve non resident businesses in Spain?

Traditional banks such as Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell and Bankinter can serve non resident owners, though their appetite varies and some are more conservative without a prior relationship. Business focused providers such as Qonto, Revolut Business and Wise Business serve parts of the market and may suit companies registered in the European Economic Area. Eligibility depends on where the company is registered and who owns it, so check each provider. As of 31 March 2026.

How long does it take for a non resident to open an account in Spain?

It varies. Traditional banks often take from four to eight weeks for foreign owned companies because of the heavier checks, while business focused providers can be faster where the company qualifies. Foreign documents may need an apostille and a sworn translation, which adds time. Confirm the current timeline with the provider. As of 31 March 2026.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 31 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.