1. 🏛️ Do You Need a Business Bank Account in Spain?
Yes — every company in Spain, including SLs and foreign-owned entities, must have a Spanish business bank account to:
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Deposit share capital (€3,000 min)
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Receive a certificate for company registration
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Handle payments (clients, salaries, taxes)
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Stay compliant with tax and accounting laws
Freelancers (autónomos) can use a personal account, but companies must use a dedicated business account.
2. 🧾 What Documents Are Required?
To open a business account in Barcelona, you typically need:
| For Individuals (Partners/Directors) | For the Company |
|---|---|
| Passport or EU ID | Proposed company name certificate |
| NIE (Foreigner ID Number) | Articles of Association (Estatutos Sociales) |
| Proof of address | Draft Deed of Incorporation |
| Company tax ID (CIF) – if already registered | Notary appointment (or POA if remote) |
Some banks may request professional address, business plan, or industry details.
3. 🏦 Best Banks for Business Accounts in Barcelona
Popular banks that support foreign-owned companies:
| Bank | Notes |
|---|---|
| Banco Sabadell | English-speaking staff, online setup available |
| CaixaBank | Widely used by expats and startups |
| BBVA | Tech-friendly, modern online interface |
| Banco Santander | Good for international companies |
| N26 or Wise Business | Ideal for remote management (limited features for SLs) |
Each bank has its own fee structure, compliance requirements, and onboarding time.
4. ⏱️ How Long Does It Take?
The timeline depends on your residency and whether the company is already registered:
| Case | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Before company formation (for share capital deposit) | 3–7 working days |
| After company formed (with CIF and notarial deed) | 1–3 working days |
Some banks allow digital onboarding, but many still require in-person appointments or a Power of Attorney (POA).
5. 🌍 Can You Open an Account Remotely?
Yes — but only if:
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You grant a Power of Attorney to a Spanish legal representative
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All documents are translated and apostilled
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The bank accepts remote onboarding (not all do)
We recommend combining remote bank setup with your company formation process to save time.
6. 💳 What Are the Fees and Services?
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Monthly account maintenance | €5–€15/month |
| International transfers | €0–€30 (varies) |
| Credit card or POS setup | Optional, varies by provider |
| Online banking | Usually included |
| Business loans | Offered based on account history |
Some banks waive fees for new businesses or if you keep a minimum balance.
7. ⚠️ Common Banking Mistakes to Avoid
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❌ Not opening the account before starting incorporation
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❌ Using a personal account for company transactions
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❌ Failing to get capital deposit certificate in time
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❌ Submitting incomplete or non-translated documents
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❌ Choosing a bank with no English or remote support
A rejected application can delay your business setup by weeks.
8. 👨⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We assist clients with:
✔ Opening Spanish bank accounts — in person or remotely
✔ Preparing required documentation in Spanish
✔ Coordinating with banks and notaries
✔ Share capital deposit and certificate
✔ Post-formation banking compliance
✔ Setup for freelancers, SL companies, and foreign branches
Contact us today to open your business bank account in Barcelona with confidence and speed.