Question
Can you open a Spanish bank account online from the UK? We have a house there, so have a Spanish address. Hoping to move permanently early next year.
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“Yes you can. Many banks (BBVA / Caixa) will make accounts available online. Just be aware that every one of these online accounts will require you to attend an actual branch within an agreed period to formalise the account.
You can, however, create your account online from your home in the UK – just be aware about the need to attend a branch within about 6 weeks”
“There’s no reason per se that you couldn’t assuming you have a NIE (which I assume you do as you have a home). The issue would just be, say, if the system flags you for having a foreign IP, or if their online KYC can only accept TIEs or something. Your enemy will be the ‘Whoopsie, an error occurred. Please come to any of our offices in person’ sort of BS.”
“Simple answer yes. I did as well.”
“Open a Wise account, less charges.”
“We opened BBVA but the processes failed and we had to attend a branch to do the same thing again. So I would have little confidence in the processes.”
“I opened an N26 online account, from US, didn’t use a VPN. No issue with foreign IP address.”
“I opened a Spanish bank account with N26 from the United States. I did not use a VPN. I had just received my NLV in my passport and I use a friend’s address here in Spain.”
Here you have a list of the most important online banks and money transfer services that operate in Spain: https://spainguru.es/bank-accounts-money-transfer-services/
Conclusion
Opening a Spanish bank account from the UK is possible, as many members have successfully done so with banks like BBVA, Caixa, and N26.
However, it is important to be prepared for potential hiccups, such as system errors or the requirement to finalize the account setup in person at a branch in Spain.
Having a NIE and a Spanish address facilitates the process, but it’s good to have a backup plan such as using a service like Wise for fewer charges.
Here is the official Banco de España website, which lists all financial institutions who operate in Spain.
