Banking in Spain
By Linus Palmqvist, Head of Operations Reviewed by Simon Nilsson Last reviewed Openbank is resident-only and requires Spanish tax residence, the right resident ID option and a Spanish +34 mobile number. It is a quick no-maintenance-fee option once those basics are in place.
A straightforward choice for settled residents who already have a Spanish mobile number, not for newcomers.
Choose between independent help with your move or checking Openbank's current process directly.
Settlewell helps you understand your whole move to Spain, including how banking fits alongside home services. We do not open or arrange a bank account on your behalf.
Bank fit changes depending on where you are in the move. Check each stage before treating a bank as a good option.
Openbank requires Spanish tax residence and a Spanish +34 mobile number.
Its live onboarding requirements are resident-only, despite conflicting passport-only editorial content.
Openbank accepts the documented resident ID options plus Spanish tax residence and a +34 mobile.
Openbank is a Spanish bank; its key eligibility limit is the resident and Spanish-mobile requirement.
Openbank advertised no maintenance fee as of 11 July 2026; check its current tariff directly.
Match the option to your current stage, then confirm the live bank requirements before submitting an application.
Openbank requires Spanish tax residence.
A Spanish +34 mobile number is a live onboarding requirement.
Prepare DNI or TIE, or an EU passport plus CUE, as applicable.
Openbank lists English, Dutch, German and Portuguese in the app, but some translation is reported incomplete.
The app lists English, Dutch, German and Portuguese.
Some reviews report incomplete translation, so do not assume every step is English-first.
The right option can change as you move from planning your arrival to living in Spain.
Still have questions?
Start with the stage you are at, then compare the practical options for your move to Spain in English.
Compare banking optionsWritten by
Head of Operations at Settlewell
Linus moved from Sweden to Málaga in 2021 and set his own home up here, so most of this he has already done the hard way once. Before Settlewell he spent years at Workwide, the cross-border recruiter that has helped over 10,000 people into jobs abroad, latterly as its Head of Recruitment and Operations. He speaks Spanish, lives in Málaga with his partner, and spends his days on the phone to Spanish providers.
This page is based on Openbank's official information and is independent: Settlewell has no commercial relationship with Openbank. Every claim on this page traces to a dated, sourced fact: a bank statement, an official term, or regulator guidance. Never a guess or a commercial preference. Where public information does not answer a question, this page says so plainly instead of filling the gap. Check live terms with the bank before applying.
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and personalize content. By clicking "Accept", you consent to our use of cookies. You can manage your preferences at any time.
