Question
“Hi everyone! I’m a Spain Digital Nomad visa holder and recently received my TIE. However, I’m struggling to open a Spanish bank account. I’ve tried applying to Openbank as ‘unemployed’ to minimize requirements, planning to update my status once I register as autónomo. But the bank is giving me issues.
To those who’ve successfully opened a Spanish bank account without being registered as autónomo yet, I’d love to know your advice:
- Which bank did you use?
- What did you indicate on your application?
- What requirements did you fulfill?
As you know, having a bank account is a prerequisite for registering as autónomo, so any help would be greatly appreciated! If you know someone who can assist with this, please feel free to share their contact info, and I’ll reach out.
Thanks in advance.”
Answers
These are the answers from Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“Shouldn’t need to pay anyone to help, N26 allowed me to open online super easy. Just select an autonomo account as your purpose of using it if that is your plan.
BBVA also allows opening online as autonomo with just a TIE. Super easy, free account with no fees.
Happy to discuss more in detail via chat if you’d like. But as long as you are comfortable doing things online it’s super easy. I opened a BBVA account also just in case I ever need a physical branch down the road.”
“I’m having a NIGHTMARE with N26 business account. Says my NIE is invalid. 2 and a half hours on “chat” support and was told to try again next month! 🤯 I suspect it is a different email address issue (personal v business) as these NIE is totally valid. Very poor support too.”
“I have the same problem. I opened a BBVA aqua online. It will give you the aqua card and you can set it up with TIE card and pure online. They will give you an IBAN (account number) that is accepted for SEGURIDAD SOCIAL if you apply for autonomo.
For about a month, they will give you notification that your account will be closed if you cannot provide a proof of autonomo certificate.
After registering online, I quickly processed my autonomo and it only takes a day for me to get the autonomo certificate that I uploaded thru the BBVA app. Hope it helps.
They have an ongoing promo with the BBVA aqua that you will get 760€ for a year if you qualify to some spending. Put PLAN760 if you sign up”
“by the way I used a gestor to process and set up my autonomo.”
“I’d recommend a service called Wise that allows you to setup an external 3 party bank service for different currencies globally including Spain Euro account.”
“Wise isn’t accepted when trying to register as autónomo as a Spanish bank.”
“Ohhh. Not sure what else I can suggest but ok. Keep digging for banks or ask admin Bruno”
“I am currently using Caixabank the Dia a Dia I believe, they set-up my account as Non-resident until I get my TIE. I opened my account in a branch close to my apartment. They just needed my passport and NIE, I let them know that I’ll be registering myself as autonomo in 3 months. Once I get my TIE, i just have to go back there and convert my account as resident then it will be free if you meet some conditions.”
“BBVA or N26.”
“N26 Business account. Just needed passport and NIE number. Then to register as autónomo, just needed proof of account opening and NIE approval paperwork.”
“BBVA and N26 also, wise and revolut cannot qualify for social security payment bank. In BBVA you can open it online as an account for autonomo.”
“A bit hard without TIE, but since you already have one, it’s easy. I did it online with Santander and BBVA. You can also juat walkin to any branch.”
“This right here. You can 100% open a bank account in Santander or BBVA without a TIE. They will use your passport and you have a few months to come back and provide the TIE information. But, based on your post, you already have the TIE, so just walk into a branch and they will gladly set you up with an account in just a few minutes. We opened three accounts in 15-20 minutes (two single accounts, and a joint account) and the agent was super helpful and pleasant.”
“How was Sabadell? One thing that cause me not so motivated to visit bank is that I experienced a bad customer service in BBVA. I don’t speak spanish yet but the staff who speak english is a bit rude and no customer service at all. Tried to talk to other staff but she seems uninterested and didn’t adjust a bit for me to understand her.”
“we went to Santander, so no idea about Sabadell. I do speak Spanish fluently (it is in fact my native tongue) but our agent was definitely proficient in English and conducted the process in both languages so my partner could follow along, which I thought was a nice gesture on his part.”
“based on my own experience, they asked lots of supporting documets if without TIE, using only passports. Santander took me 2 months, without TIE.”
“go to a Santander Work Cafe and bring your passport”
“I set up non resident at Sabadell and before the 90 day mark (when the first fees are due as it’s a paid account) they switched me over to resident as I had my TIE by that point.”
“I used Santander without having my TIE. They did ask for my padron though.”
“Santander’s online account has no fees and is easy. Enrollment is online then you are asked to go in with your passport and NIE for validation face to face.”
“is this a non-resident one while waiting for TIE?” – “yes and no. Since you have a NIE (or I my case) technically you are a resident”
“it’s called “online” account. When you start the process they ask if it is personal or business related (I.e for taxman)”
“Thank you for the information. I will try Santander this time and hopefully works.”
“start the online process first”
“Did you set up your account as autonomo/self employed or freelancer?”
“they are all the same”
“Santander turned me away upon seeing a blue passport in my hand. Sabadell welcomed me with open arms. I ended up getting home, health and auto insurance with them. One-stop shopping!”
“I, too, was struggling. Went to two different bank and left without accounts. I took the advise of another recently arrived person, and opened an account online with Santander Bank. It was very easy.”
Conclusion
The discussion shows that Spain Digital Nomad Visa holders face mixed results when opening Bank Accounts before registering as autónomo. Some open online easily with BBVA, Santander, N26 or at branches like Sabadell and Caixabank, while others encounter “Invalid NIE” errors or inconsistent branch experiences.
Members report that BBVA Aqua can provide an IBAN accepted for Seguridad Social, with a short window to upload proof of autónomo. Santander’s “online” account and in-branch validations work for many, while N26 results vary. Wise/Revolut accounts are generally not accepted for autónomo registration and social security payments.
A practical takeaway is to start with mainstream banks that accept TIE and offer online onboarding, keep documents ready (passport, NIE/TIE, padrón if asked), and choose a branch with better service if needed. For the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, Bank Accounts that provide a Spanish IBAN and allow proof of autónomo later are the most reliable path.
This article is based on personal opinions from the Spainguru community and is not legal advice.
FAQ: Spain Digital Nomad Visa & Bank Accounts
1) How do I open a bank account for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa before registering as autónomo?
You can open a Spanish bank account online or in-branch with major banks (e.g., BBVA, Santander, Sabadell). Bring your passport, NIE/TIE, and sometimes padrón. Choose an account that provides a Spanish IBAN and allows you to upload proof of autónomo after registration.
2) Which banks work best for Spain Digital Nomad Visa holders who need Bank Accounts?
Community favorites include BBVA (Aqua), Santander (Online), Sabadell (non-resident then resident), and N26 Business. Results vary by branch and city, so if one bank is difficult, try another location or provider.
3) Is N26 or Wise acceptable for registering as autónomo in Spain?
N26 Business can work for some Spain Digital Nomad Visa holders, but users sometimes report “invalid NIE” issues. Wise/Revolut are often not accepted for Social Security (Seguridad Social) payments when registering as autónomo. A traditional Spanish bank IBAN is the safest bet.
4) What should I select as my account type: personal, business, autónomo, or freelancer?
If your plan is to register as autónomo, select business/self-employed when offered. Many banks treat “autónomo,” “self-employed,” and “freelancer” as equivalent labels; confirm during onboarding and ensure the account supports tax/Seguridad Social payments.
5) What documents do banks typically require for DNV Bank Accounts?
Expect to provide: passport, NIE/TIE, Spanish address (and sometimes padrón), proof of purpose (e.g., future autónomo registration), and contact details. After you register as autónomo, upload your certificate within the bank’s deadline to keep the account active.
