Living, studying, or working in Spain, opening a local bank account is a crucial step to integrate into daily life. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), as Spain's largest and internationally influential bank, is trusted by both local residents and expatriates for its advanced digital services and extensive branch network.

For Chinese expats living in Spain, BBVA's online account opening process is very convenient. There's no need to visit a branch in person, and there are zero-fee digital accounts available, which can quickly meet daily financial needs — whether it's paying rent, receiving salaries, making cross-currency international remittances, or transferring money to family overseas, all can be easily done through BBVA's digital platform. Choosing the right bank account is also key to saving time and money.

This article will detail BBVA's account types, online account opening requirements, required documents, and specific procedures to help you manage your finances in Spain more smoothly.

BBVA Account Types

BBVA offers a variety of account options for different needs. Whether you're a student, employee, self-employed person, or a new expatriate in Spain, you can find a suitable type. Here are two common accounts:

For transfer services, standard and instant transfers in euros, Swedish kronor, or Romanian lei via BBVA online banking, mobile app, or ATM within the European Economic Area (including EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) are free of charge. Other types of remittances are subject to fees:

BBVA Online Account Opening Requirements

Generally, the following conditions must be met to open an account with BBVA:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Reside in Spain and hold an ID card or residence permit (photo ID document)
• Not an existing BBVA customer

However, specific requirements may vary by region and account type. It is recommended to check the latest information on BBVA's official website in advance.

Documents Required for BBVA Account Opening

To open an account online with BBVA, only one valid document is required:

• Spanish nationals need to provide their national ID card
• Foreign nationals residing in Spain need to provide TIE (Foreigners' Identity Card or Residence Permit, which must include NIE information) or NIE (Foreigners' Identification Number, usually starting with X or Y)

Without the above documents, you will need to open an account at a BBVA branch. In addition, for online account opening, ensure your mobile phone can receive SMS (for application confirmation) and that the camera on your computer or mobile phone is working properly (for identity verification via video call).

BBVA Account Opening Fees

The two "fee-free" accounts mentioned above focus on zero costs. Customers do not need to pay an opening fee; they only need to prepare the required documents to open an account. Additional fees may apply if applying for other account types or processing in other regions.

BBVA Online Account Opening Process

BBVA offers a convenient online account opening process, allowing customers to complete the procedure from home. The specific steps are as follows:

1. Log in to the BBVA official website and click "Become a Customer"
2. Select the account type (individual or joint account)
3. Submit ID document information, take photos of your ID card or residence permit, and complete identity verification via video call
4. Fill in detailed information and set a login password
5. After completion, you will receive an SMS to confirm the contract signing

Opening a BBVA account in Spain is a simple process. In general, you can complete the online application with valid documents. BBVA's online accounts have no management fees and support free transfers within the euro area, making them ideal for expatriates living or working long-term in Spain.