Yes, you can open a bank account in Belgium, but the process and requirements depend on whether you live there
You can open a Belgian bank account as a non-resident, but most banks will require you to be physically present to sign documents in person. If you are a Belgian resident or EU citizen living elsewhere in the EU, the process is simpler than it is for people from outside Europe. The main barrier is not your nationality but your ability to prove your identity and address to the bank's satisfaction, and whether the bank accepts customers who do not live in Belgium.
Belgian banks fall into two groups: those that will open accounts for non-residents (usually larger banks with international operations) and those that will not. Even banks that accept non-residents often require an in-person visit to a branch, which means you need to travel to Belgium or find a bank with a representative office in your home country. Some banks have relaxed this requirement during the past few years, but it remains the norm rather than the exception.
Key Takeaways
- Most Belgian banks require you to visit a branch in person to open an account, even if you do not live in Belgium.
- EU citizens have an easier time than non-EU citizens because Belgian banks can verify their identity through EU systems more readily.
- You will need a valid passport or national ID card, proof of address, and often proof of income or employment to open an account.
- Larger banks like BNP Paribas Fortis, ING Belgium, and KBC are more likely to accept non-residents than smaller regional banks.
- If you cannot travel to Belgium, some fintech banks and online-only banks may offer accounts without requiring an in-person visit, though these are less common in Belgium than in other European countries.
What documents you will need to bring
Belgian banks require a valid passport or national ID card as your primary form of identification. If you hold an EU national ID card, bring that instead of a passport — it is faster to process. The bank will make a copy and keep it on file.
You will also need proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill, a rental agreement, or an official letter from your employer or government agency showing your name and address. The document must be dated within the last three months. If you are moving to Belgium and do not yet have a Belgian address, bring a letter from your future landlord or employer confirming your address and move-in date.
Some banks ask for proof of income or employment, especially if you are opening an account with a credit component or overdraft facility. This can be a recent payslip, a contract of employment, or a letter from your employer. Self-employed people should bring recent tax returns or business registration documents. If you are retired or do not work, a letter from your pension provider or proof of other income sources will do.
The difference between opening as an EU citizen and a non-EU citizen
EU and EEA citizens (those from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) face fewer obstacles than non-EU citizens. Belgian banks can verify EU identity documents through the ETIAS system (which is still being rolled out) and through existing EU banking networks, so the process moves faster. You will still need to visit in person in most cases, but the bank will not ask for additional background checks or proof of legal residence.
Non-EU citizens must provide more documentation. Banks will ask for proof that you have the legal right to live or work in Belgium, such as a residence permit, work visa, or student visa. If you do not yet have a Belgian residence permit, bring the receipt or confirmation from the Belgian immigration office showing that you have applied. Some banks will not open an account until the permit is in hand; others will open a temporary account pending approval.
Non-EU citizens should also expect the bank to conduct a more thorough background check, which can add one to two weeks to the process. This is standard practice under Belgian and EU anti-money-laundering rules, not a reflection on you personally.
Which banks accept non-residents and what they require
BNP Paribas Fortis, Belgium's largest bank, accepts non-residents but requires an in-person visit to a branch. They have branches in most Belgian cities and will open accounts for EU and non-EU citizens, though non-EU citizens must have a valid residence permit or work visa. The process takes about one week once you have visited the branch.
ING Belgium also accepts non-residents and has a similar in-person requirement. They are known for being slightly more flexible with documentation if you are an EU citizen. Non-residents should call ahead to confirm which branches handle account openings for people without a Belgian address.
KBC Bank accepts non-residents but is more restrictive than the other two. They require an in-person visit and are less likely to open accounts for people who do not plan to move to Belgium permanently. If you are opening an account for business purposes or plan to become a resident, mention this when you contact them.
Smaller regional banks like Argenta and Beobank are less likely to accept non-residents. Before visiting a branch, call or email to confirm that they will open an account for you. This saves a wasted trip.
How to open an account without traveling to Belgium
If you cannot travel to Belgium, your options are limited but not zero. Some online-only banks and fintech platforms operate in Belgium and may accept non-residents without requiring an in-person visit. However, these are far less common in Belgium than in countries like the UK or Germany. Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers multi-currency accounts that work for non-residents and can be opened entirely online, though it is not a full bank account — it is a payment account designed mainly for transfers and currency exchange.
Another option is to ask a Belgian friend or family member to help you open an account. Some banks will allow an account holder to authorize a representative to sign documents on their behalf, though this is not standard practice and you should ask the bank directly whether they allow it. If they do, your representative will need a power of attorney document signed by you and notarized in your home country.
If you are moving to Belgium for work, ask your employer whether they have a relationship with a specific bank. Some large employers have agreements with banks to fast-track account openings for new employees, and some will even allow the account to be opened before you arrive in the country.
What happens after you open the account
Once the bank approves your account, they will issue you a debit card, which usually arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You will receive login credentials for online banking by email or SMS. Most Belgian banks offer strong online and mobile banking platforms, and you can manage your account entirely online once it is set up.
If you are a non-resident, the bank may place restrictions on your account initially — for example, they may limit daily withdrawal amounts or require you to visit a branch to set up certain features. These restrictions usually lift after a few months of normal account activity. Ask the bank what restrictions explore to your account before you leave the branch.
Belgian banks charge monthly or annual account fees, which vary by bank and account type. Most charge between €5 and €15 per month for a basic account, though some offer free accounts if you meet certain conditions (such as having a monthly salary deposited). Ask about fees before you open the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Belgian address to open a bank account?
No, but most banks require you to provide an address where they can send documents and statements. If you do not have a Belgian address yet, you can use your home address in your own country, or a temporary address such as a hotel or Airbnb where you will be staying during your visit to Belgium. The bank will send your debit card and documents to whichever address you provide.
Can I open a Belgian bank account online without visiting Belgium?
Most traditional Belgian banks require an in-person visit. Online-only banks and fintech platforms like Wise may allow you to open an account entirely online, but these are not full bank accounts and have limitations on what you can do with them. If you need a traditional bank account, you will likely need to travel to Belgium at least once.
How long does it take to open a Belgian bank account?
If you visit a branch in person, the initial process takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The bank will then review your documents and approve your account within one to seven business days. Your debit card arrives by mail one to two weeks after approval. The entire process from first visit to having a working account usually takes two to four weeks.
What if the bank rejects my process?
Banks can refuse to open an account if they cannot verify your identity, if you do not meet their minimum income requirements, or if you have a history of fraud or money laundering. If a bank rejects you, ask them in writing what the reason is — they are required to tell you. You can then explore to a different bank or address the issue (such as obtaining a residence permit) and try again.
Do I need a Belgian tax number to open a bank account?
No. You need a tax number only if you are working or earning income in Belgium. The bank will not ask for one when you open the account. If you later start working in Belgium, the bank will help you obtain a tax number or will ask you to provide one once you have it.