What you can finish before you land in Spain

Key rules

• NIE: Your Spanish consulate may be able to handle your NIE, but each one sets its own process, so ask first.
• Bank account: Non-residents can open accounts, but many banks still want a branch visit and most prefer you to have an NIE.
• Long-stay visa: With a long-stay visa, the NIE normally arrives with your residence card in Spain.

The short version

Two big Spain-side items can be started from abroad: the NIE and a bank account. Others, such as the residence card, normally wait until you are in Spain. Work through the NIE and bank steps before you leave, and arrive with a shorter list.

Can be done from home

The NIE

A Spanish consulate can process an NIE if you need it for a Spain-related reason, such as buying property, opening a bank account or setting up a company. You, or a representative with a power of attorney, submit the application, your passport copy, proof of your reason and proof you paid the fee.

Plan for variation. Many consulates work by appointment. The number is usually issued by the police in Spain, and the consulate forwards your file. Each consulate sets its own procedure and timing, so contact yours first and ask whether it takes NIE applications, how to book and how long it takes.

If you will not have a reason for an NIE before you arrive, you can apply once you are in Spain at a police foreigners' office.

A bank account

You can open an account as a non-resident. Some banks let you do part of the process remotely, but many require a visit to a branch. Ask your chosen bank which applies to you before you book travel. Most banks ask for an NIE, though some accept just your passport at first. Expect anti-money-laundering questions about your income or source of funds and why you want the account, and rules differ by bank and branch.

Until your Spanish account works, an online money account from your home country can cover your first expenses.

Usually only possible in Spain

If you get a long-stay visa, the NIE is usually issued together with your residence card (TIE) once you are in Spain. Plan to finish that step after you land.

Other items you may be wondering about, such as registering at your town hall (padrón), cannot be confirmed as doable from abroad. Ask the consulate or your town hall before you assume either way.

What to prepare

The documents list and checklist below set out what to gather for the NIE and the bank. The FAQ answers the most common consulate and bank questions.

Documents you need

• Valid passport, plus a copy of it for the NIE application

• EX-15 application form for the NIE, filled in by you or your representative

• Proof of why you need the NIE, such as a property purchase, bank account or company plans

• Proof you paid the NIE fee (Modelo 790, code 012)

• Power of attorney, if a representative applies for you

• Proof of address in your home country, for a bank account

• Proof of income or source of funds, and the reason you want the account, for a bank account

• NIE, which most banks ask for; some accept just your passport at first

Checklist

• Decide whether you need an NIE before you arrive, for example to buy property, open a bank account or set up a company.

• Pay the Modelo 790 code 012 fee and keep the proof of payment.

• Gather the EX-15 form, your passport copy and proof of why you need the NIE.

• Arrange a power of attorney if someone else will apply for you.

• Ask your chosen bank whether it opens non-resident accounts remotely or needs a branch visit.

• Collect proof of address, proof of income or source of funds, and your reason for the account.

• Set up an online money account for use before your Spanish account is ready.

• Keep for Spain the steps that need you there: a branch visit for the bank, and, if you get a long-stay visa, your TIE residence card.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get my NIE at a Spanish consulate before I move?

Yes, a Spanish consulate can process an NIE (your foreigner identification number) if you need it for property, a bank account, a company or other economic, professional or social reasons. Many consulates work by appointment, and the number is usually issued by the police in Spain after the consulate forwards your file.

What do I need to bring to the consulate for an NIE?

You need the EX-15 application form, a copy of your passport, proof of why you need the NIE and proof you paid the fee (Modelo 790, code 012). You can send a representative with a power of attorney instead of going yourself.

Can I open a Spanish bank account before I arrive?

Yes, non-residents can open Spanish accounts, but many banks still ask for a branch visit and some let you do part of it remotely. Banks run anti-money-laundering checks, so rules differ by bank and branch.