How to open a bank account in the Netherlands?

If you move to the Netherlands, for example as an expat, there are a few things that you have to arrange. One of these is to have a Dutch bank account. Employers sometimes require you to have a Dutch bank account, and it is also very practical for things like rent and subscriptions. Luckily it’s very easy to set up a bank account in the Netherlands, you can just apply for an account online. In this article you will read everything you need and need to know to set up a bank account.

Which bank to choose?

Not all Dutch banks offer bank accounts to foreigners as sometimes you need a BSN (Burger Service Nummer), a unique tax number for people living in the Netherlands. You receive your BSN after you’re registered with the municipality you’re living in. If you’re already living in the Netherlands you probably already have one. If you’re preparing your move it might be nice to already set up a bank account without yet having your BSN.

Below we suggest 3 banks that don’t require a BSN.

1. bunq - Great mobile banking app and no-fee currency exchange

bunq is the most popular Dutch bank for foreigners and expats living in the Netherlands. It’s very easy to request an account, as bunq is a mobile-only bank you can just signup for an account through their website. You do need a BSN, but you only have to provide it within 90 days of signing up. This means you can already use your bank account to request services, subscriptions and to apply for housing before moving to the Netherlands.

• Ga naar de website van bunq »
• Lees de bunq review

2. N26 - Free bank account + cards

N26 is a British bank that offers a free bank account that can be used within the European Union. Although N26 is not a Dutch bank account, you’re able to use it for all payments with your IBAN number (International Bank Account Number).  Monthly automatic payments are also possible with SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) which is supported for all European bank accounts.

• Ga naar de website van N26 »
• Lees de N26 review

3. Openbank - Free bank account and card

Just like N26, Openbank offers a free European (Spanish) bank account. This is again not a Dutch bank account, but one that you can use for all payments inside the European Union. It’s very easy to sign up for a Openbank account and the mobile app is phenomenal. Openbank is a great choice for anyone opening a bank in the Netherlands, as it’s completely free and you get a free card.

• Ga naar de website van Openbank »
• Lees de Openbank review

Where to go?

If you want to sign up for a bank account in the Netherlands you can usually just sign up online. The banks we’ve mentioned above have made it very easy to sign up and offer a sign-up procedure in English and several other languages. For traditional banks like ABN Amro, Rabobank and ING, it is more common to sign up for an account at one of their physical locations.

What do you need?

Dutch banks are generally pretty strict if you’re signing up. Below you will find the requirements you need for most banks. The above mentioned banks make it much easier to sign up.

• Passport or identification: a valid passport, ID card or dutch drivers license.
• BSN Number: Dutch banks require you to give your Dutch tax number. Above mentioned Revolut and N26 are not Dutch banks so they are not required to ask for your BSN. Bunq requires your BSN, but you can provide it within 90 days of signing up.
• Basic information: Name, date of birth, sex, phone number, e-mail adress etc.
• Proof of income: Not required for Bunq, Revolut or N26
• Proof of address: Not required for Bunq, Revolut or N26

Dit artikel is geschreven door Dik de Graaf

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