What are your experiences with closing a Spanish bank account when exiting from Spain?

Last Updated on October 25, 2023 by Bruno Bianchi

Question

I am going to make my grand exit from Spain in July. I wanted to know what people’s experiences have been with closing a Spanish bank account here? I currently have Santander.

I imagine it’s pretty straight forward (Transfer your money out, make it empty first, then do I need to go in-person to close it or is there a way to do it electronically?)

Answers

These are the answers of some Facebook group members:

“I’m pretty sure it’s in person (I’ve heard of too many people having trouble doing it over the phone or electronically), but I would like to hear others’ experiences too, I’m right down to the same bank and departure date!”

“I just went in person, said I wanted to close it, and they closed it! Mine was sabadell but no problems, just make sure all your money is out of course.”

“Go to the branch that you opened the account at and close it. AFAIK you always have to do it in person with a traditional bank.”

“Clean out the account, and if you’re not coming back, just leave it…..it’s a hassle to close it, and they’ll eventually close it anyways”

“Take out all your funds first. Then Go to the Bank physically (do not delay) and ask them to close it because you are moving. Otherwise, you shall wind up paying fees to the bank .. You shall have to sign a couple of documents and show your I.D. Residency Card and Passport.”

Bruno Bianchi CEO & Spain Immigration Expert

Bruno Bianchi is the founder and CEO of Spainguru, Spain's largest expat immigration community with 150,000+ members. Since 2014 he has helped thousands of people relocate to Spain through expert guides, webinars and vetted professional services covering visas, residency, taxes and life in Spain.

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