Requirements to open a bank account in Spain if you are a foreign student

Very good everyone! Today we bring you very useful information. 

Let's tell you how open a bank account in Spain as a foreigner.

This is a very important issue that concerns us all when we go to live in another country and that always brings some headaches.

In this article we will tell you everything about it and you will know exactly what you must do to complete this important procedure without problems.

Is it easy for a foreigner open a bank account in Spain? It's a question our students often ask us. 

By the way, in case you don't know, we are Hispania, Spanish school.

Our classrooms are in Valencia. For more than 20 years, tens of thousands of students have learned Spanish with us. And many of them have experienced the need to open a bank account in Spain.

Are you interested in obtaining a high level of Spanish?

Do you need to pass the DELE?

Is an intermediate level enough for you?

In our face-to-face Spanish courses and online you will be able to meet all these objectives.

But let's get back to today's topic 😉 

Below you will discover all the requirements to open a bank account in Spain as a foreigner, whether you are a European student or if you are from another continent.

Let's get to it!

What is needed to open a bank account in Spain as a European student

Do you want open a bank account in Spain? 

In this section we are going to talk about the foreignersthat are part of the European Union. So, if you are, for example, an Erasmus student, pay attention!

• You can open an account with passport in almost any bank. You can also use the national identity card of your country, but this depends on the bank.
• Student Certificate: It may be necessary to present a certificate of enrollment from the university or educational institution in which you are enrolled as a student.
• It may also be helpful to get the NIE (Foreign Identification Number). 

The NIE It is highly recommended to facilitate your financial transactions and activities in Spain. You can request it at the local Immigration Office.

The NIE is a unique identification number used for tax and administrative matters in Spain.

• Proof of Address: In some cases, proof of address in Spain may be requested, such as an invoice or rental contract in your name.

This is so the bank knows that you have money and a home while you are here. 

If instead of living in an apartment, you go to a student residence or a host family, you can prove it with some document that confirms it.

As you can see, if you are a student from the European Union, opening a bank account in Spain will be a very simple process for you.

Requirements to open a bank account in Spain as a non-European student

And for the students of other continents? Is it just as easy? 

There are some more additions, but it is not complicated at all. You can open an account local without problems. The main requirements are these:

• Identification Documentation, mainly the passport.
• Student Certificate: A certificate of enrollment from your educational institution in Spain may be necessary to prove that you are a student.
• Student Visa: A valid student visa will often be required as part of the account opening process.
• Proof of Financial Solvency: Some banks may request evidence that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses while studying in Spain.
• NIE (Foreign Identification Number): obtaining the NIE will make your banking procedures much easier. Remember that you can request it at the Immigration offices.
• Some banks may ask for TIE (Foreign Identity Card). This is a document that allows you to live in Spain during your study period.
• Some banks may also ask you for non-resident certificate. You will be a non-resident foreigner in Spain if your stay in the country is less than 183 days.

This certificate is obtained by going to the Police Station or Immigration Office with your passport and the corresponding forms. 

You may be required to pay certain fees. You can also manage it through the Spanish Consular Offices abroad.

In general terms, these would be the necessary requirements for foreign students.

You need to know that each bank has its own requirements, and which also change frequently. 

This article is for you to do a general idea of the documentation they may ask for. 

However, if you are clear that you want to open a account in a Spanish bank determined, it is best that you request an appointment and that they inform you of everything.

As you can see, opening a Spanish bank account is not as complex a process as many people think. You simply have to obtain the required documents and be a little patient because of the bureaucracy.

Don't let this hinder the fantastic experience that will be learning Spanish in Spain.

Still don't know where to study? Don't waste any more time and come to Hispania, Spanish school!

See you soon!

Article written by Carlos Martinez for Hispania, Spanish school.

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