Yes, you can open a bank account in the Netherlands, but the process depends on whether you live there or abroad
If you are a resident of the Netherlands, opening a bank account is straightforward. You will need a valid ID (passport, national ID card, or residence permit), proof of address (a recent utility bill or rental agreement), and your BSN — the Burgerservicenummer, a nine-digit identification number issued by the Dutch government. Most banks will ask for these documents in person at a branch, though some offer online opening if you already have a BSN.
If you live outside the Netherlands, the picture is more complicated. Most Dutch banks will not open accounts for non-residents, and those that do usually require you to visit a branch in person or have a Dutch employer or family member sponsor you. Some international banks and fintech companies operate in the Netherlands and may serve people abroad, but they often have higher fees and stricter limits on what you can do with the account.
The easiest path depends on your situation: whether you are moving to the Netherlands, working for a Dutch company remotely, or straightforward need a Dutch account for business or personal reasons.
Key Takeaways
- Residents of the Netherlands need a valid ID, proof of address, and a BSN to open a bank account at most major banks.
- Non-residents face significant barriers; most Dutch banks will not open accounts for people living abroad without a compelling reason like employment or family ties.
- You can obtain a BSN before opening a bank account by registering with your local municipality if you have a residence permit or are moving to the Netherlands.
- Some fintech and international banks serve non-residents, but they typically charge higher fees and offer fewer services than traditional Dutch banks.
- The fastest route as a new resident is to visit a bank branch in person with all required documents; online opening is usually only available once you have a BSN.
What you need if you already live in the Netherlands
The main Dutch banks — ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, and Bunq — all require the same basic documents. Bring your passport or national ID card, a recent bill showing your Dutch address (electricity, water, internet, or rental agreement all work), and your BSN. If you do not yet have a BSN, you can request one from your local municipality (gemeente) as soon as you register your residence there.
Most banks will complete the account opening in a single visit to a branch. They will verify your identity, check your address, and set up online banking access on the spot. You will typically receive a debit card within one to two weeks. Some banks, including Bunq and ING, now allow online account opening if you already have a valid BSN and can verify your identity through video call or digital ID.
If you are moving to the Netherlands and do not yet have a residence permit, contact the IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst) to understand the timeline. Some banks will open accounts for people with pending residence applications if you can show proof of your process and a temporary address.
How to get a BSN before opening an account
You cannot request a BSN until you have registered your residence with your local municipality. This is the first step after arriving in the Netherlands. Visit your gemeente office with your passport, proof of address (a signed rental agreement or letter from your landlord), and any other documents they request — requirements vary slightly by municipality.
Registration usually takes a few days to a week. Once registered, the gemeente will issue you a residence document, and you can request your BSN at the same time or shortly after. You will receive a letter with your BSN within one to two weeks. Some municipalities now issue the BSN on the spot.
If you are still abroad but know you are moving to the Netherlands, you cannot get a BSN until you arrive and register. However, some banks will hold your account process and complete it once your BSN arrives, so it is worth asking.
Opening an account as a non-resident
This is the hardest scenario. Most traditional Dutch banks — ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank — will not open accounts for people living outside the Netherlands. They see the compliance cost as too high and the customer relationship as too risky.
Your options are limited to a few routes. Some banks will open accounts for non-residents if you have a Dutch employer who can sponsor you or if you have a family member living in the Netherlands who can vouch for you. You will typically need to visit a branch in person and provide extensive documentation, including proof of income and the reason you need a Dutch account.
Fintech companies like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Bunq do serve some non-residents, but they operate under different rules. Wise offers a multi-currency account and a Dutch IBAN, but it is primarily designed for international transfers rather than everyday banking. Bunq is a Dutch digital bank that sometimes serves non-residents, but policies change frequently and depend on your country of residence.
Before approaching any bank, check their website or call their international customer service line to ask whether they serve non-residents in your country. This will save you a wasted trip or process.
What happens after you open your account
Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card (usually within one to two weeks) and access to online banking through your bank's app or website. You will set up a PIN for your card and login credentials for online banking. Most Dutch banks use two-factor authentication — you will need your phone to confirm logins or large transactions.
Your account will have an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) that starts with NL. You can use this to receive salary payments, set up automatic bill payments, and transfer money to other accounts. Many Dutch services — landlords, utilities, employers — will ask for your IBAN rather than your account number.
If you are not a Dutch citizen, your bank may ask you to update your information if your residence status changes. Some banks also require you to maintain a minimum balance or pay monthly fees if you do not meet certain conditions, so read the terms carefully.
Common reasons banks refuse to open accounts
Banks may refuse to open an account if you cannot provide a valid ID, if your address cannot be verified, or if you do not have a BSN and cannot obtain one. They may also refuse if you are from a country that the Dutch government considers high-risk for money laundering or sanctions violations, though this is rare for people from Western countries.
If a bank refuses you, ask why. If the reason is a missing document, you can often reapply once you have it. If the reason is your country of residence or citizenship, you may need to try a fintech company or an international bank instead. Some people in this situation open accounts through a family member or employer in the Netherlands, though this creates complications if that person's circumstances change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Dutch bank account before I move to the Netherlands?
Not with a traditional bank. You cannot get a BSN until you arrive and register with your municipality, and most banks will not open accounts without one. Some fintech companies may let you open an account online before you arrive, but verify this with them directly — policies vary.
Do I need a Dutch phone number to open a bank account?
No, but you will need a phone number to receive two-factor authentication codes for online banking. This can be a foreign number, though some banks prefer a Dutch number. Ask your bank what they accept before you explore.
What if I do not have a fixed address yet?
Most banks require proof of address before opening an account. If you are staying in temporary housing, a letter from your landlord or a hotel confirmation may work, but call your bank first. Some will accept a care-of address (c/o someone else's home) temporarily while you find permanent housing.
Can I open a business account instead of a personal account?
Yes, but you will need to register your business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) first. This requires a Dutch address and a BSN or tax identification number. The process is similar to opening a personal account but requires additional business documents.
What if my bank closes my account after I move abroad?
Some banks do close accounts for customers who move outside the Netherlands, especially if you do not update your address. Tell your bank when ready if you are moving. If they close your account, you have the right to a grace period to withdraw your money, usually 30 days.