If you are going on holiday to Spain, you can use your Dutch bank card without problems. It is possible to pay with your Dutch card in almost all of Europe. However, if you are buying a property in Spain and plan to be there frequently, it is recommended, and sometimes required, to open a Spanish bank account.
Advantages of a Spanish bank account
Despite the convenience of using your card abroad, banks often charge high fees for withdrawing money. With a Spanish bank card, you don’t have to pay fees in Spain. Be careful which ATM you use! You may have a Spanish bank card and still have to pay a fee if you withdraw from an ATM that is not from your own bank. Always check the fee before withdrawing money. If possible, look for an ATM from your own bank.
Spanish bank account and property purchase in Spain
If you have a property in Spain, a bank account is almost essential. With it, you can pay the necessary bills in Spain, such as taxes and services for gas, water, and electricity for your Spanish property. Additionally, transfers reflect more quickly in the recipient’s bank account.
Required documentation
As a non-resident in Spain, you are a foreigner applying for an account in a Spanish bank. Therefore, certain information must be provided. Spanish banks usually request the following information:
These requirements may vary by bank, but the above is common for approving a bank account application.