In Spain two kinds of bank accounts exist for international clients: cuenta para residentes (for customers with a Spanish residence permit), and cuenta para no residentes for non-resident clients. This is due to the difference in tax obligations for residents and non-residents. According to Spanish law, individuals who satisfy one of the following conditions are deemed resident for tax purposes:

• People who spend 183 days per year or more in Spain
• People who have made Spain the centre of their business or professional activity
• People with a spouse or underage children who are resident in Spain.

Most returns earned by non-residents from from Spanish bank accounts or other financial investments are generally exempt from taxes in Spain, although they may be taxable in the country of residence. People intending to invest money in Spain should get professional advice to assess their particular situation.

How to open a bank account in Spain if you are resident here: Simply go to the bank with your Spanish residence permit and you will be able to open an account there and then.

How to open a bank account in Spain if you are non-resident: Go to the bank of your choice with your passport and, if possible, a standard non-resident certificate.

To obtain a certificate, go to your nearest Police station (Dirección General de la Policía) with your passport and a full photocopy of your passport and apply for a "certificado de no residencia". You will have to go and collect it about 10 days after applying.

These days more and more Spanish banks do not insist on non-residents giving them a certificate. Some even offer to apply for one on their client's behalf, which saves you from having to go to the Police Station yourself. They generally charge about 15 euros for this service. Banks are obliged to check that clients still have non-resident status every two years

Spanish banks do not insist on a minimum deposit on opening a bank account in euros, but they may if you want to open your Spanish bank account in another currency.

Most Spanish banks will charge you a small sum for opening the account and all banks charge a small amount (15-25 euros per year) for maintenance.