Requirements and documents for a business account in Spain

Snapshot

A registered company in Spain generally needs the company NIF, the escritura de constitucion, the Registro Mercantil extract, the Modelo 036 census registration, and identification for the directors and beneficial owners. A sole trader opens with the NIF or NIE and proof of the activity. Foreign documents may need an apostille and a sworn translation. Each bank sets its own checks.

First requirement: The company NIF, which must exist before the account can open. A sole trader uses the NIF or NIE.
Core company documents: Escritura de constitucion, Registro Mercantil extract, and the Modelo 036. Verify with the provider.
People: Identification for directors and owners holding more than 25 percent, with a clear ownership structure.
Foreign papers: Apostille and sworn translation into Spanish in many cases, as of 28 January 2026.

Fees and features as of 28 January 2026Last reviewed 28 January 2026

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

To open a business account in Spain a registered company generally needs the company tax identification number or NIF, the deed of incorporation known as the escritura de constitucion, the extract from the Registro Mercantil, the Modelo 036 census registration, and identification for the directors and the owners who hold more than 25 percent. A sole trader or autonomo opens in a personal capacity with the NIF or, for a foreigner, the NIE, plus proof of the activity. Foreign documents may need an apostille and a sworn translation. Each bank sets its own checks under the Spanish anti money laundering rules, so confirm the list with the provider. Shown as of 28 January 2026.

Documents for a registered company

The bank has to identify the company and the people behind it before it opens an account. For a limited company the usual papers are below. Confirm each one with the provider, since requirements vary by bank.

The company NIF, the tax identification number, which must be issued before the account can open.
The escritura de constitucion, the deed of incorporation that sets out the company and its directors.
The extract from the Registro Mercantil, the commercial register, showing the company is registered and who represents it.
The Modelo 036 census registration filed with the Agencia Tributaria, which registers the activity for tax.
Identification for the directors and the ultimate beneficial owners who hold more than 25 percent.
A description of the business activity, the expected transaction volumes, and the source of funds.

Documents for a sole trader

A sole trader, the autonomo, opens an account in a personal capacity. The core requirement is the personal NIF or, for a foreigner, the NIE, together with proof that the activity is registered, which the Modelo 036 or the simplified Modelo 037 can evidence. The lighter structure usually means fewer documents than a company, though the bank still applies its know your customer checks. As of 28 January 2026.

Foreign owners and foreign documents

Where the owners or the company are foreign, expect more paperwork. Banks may require an apostille on official documents and a sworn translation into Spanish, and some ask for in person identification. This lengthens the process and is one reason foreign owned companies often take longer than resident ones. If your position is unclear, verify with the provider rather than assume. As of 28 January 2026.

Compare accounts you can open in Spain

These providers accept business customers in Spain, with document requirements that vary by company type and provider. Fees and eligibility shown as of 28 January 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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Questions about requirements in Spain

What documents do I need to open a business account in Spain?

For a registered company you generally need the company NIF, the escritura de constitucion or deed of incorporation, the extract from the Registro Mercantil, the Modelo 036 census registration, and identification for the directors and the beneficial owners who hold more than 25 percent. A sole trader or autonomo uses the NIF or, for a foreigner, the NIE, plus proof of the activity. Requirements vary by provider, so confirm before applying. As of 28 January 2026.

Do I need a NIF before opening a business account in Spain?

Yes for a company. The company tax identification number, the NIF, must be issued before the account can be opened. A sole trader uses a personal NIF or, for a foreigner, an NIE. Confirm what applies to your case with the provider. As of 28 January 2026.

What is the Modelo 036 and why does the bank want it?

The Modelo 036 is the census declaration filed with the Agencia Tributaria that registers a business or professional activity for tax. Banks often ask for it as evidence that the activity is registered and to understand what the business does. A simplified version, the Modelo 037, has been used by some smaller filers. Confirm the current document the provider wants. As of 28 January 2026.

Do foreign documents need translation to open an account in Spain?

Often yes. Where the company or its owners are foreign, banks may require an apostille on official documents and a sworn translation into Spanish. This adds time to the process. Confirm the exact requirement with the provider, since it varies by bank and by document. As of 28 January 2026.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 28 January 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.