Non-residents who find it hard to open a bank account in Netherlands because of the language barrier can request the help of ourlaw firm. Our lawyers can also draw up a power of attorney that will allow another individual to open or manage a bank account in their name if they cannot be in the country.
Table of Contents
Who can open a bank account in the Netherlands as a foreigner?
Foreign business owners as well as expats and non-residents can open a bank account in the Netherlands, which will be used to manage their income in the country and have access to various banking services.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Mandatory local bank account for companies (Yes/No) | Yes |
Mandatory residence requirement | Yes, in most cases. EU nationals can be subject to lighter requirements, depending on the chosen bank |
Bank account opening time in the Netherlands | Approximately 5 working days to receive the debit card |
| Online bank account opening | Yes, with most banks |
| Bank accounts for foreign nationals | Yes, with proof of residency in the Netherlands in many cases |
| Required documents – companies | The company’s constitutive documents, proof of business registration with the Dutch Business Register, business owner’s or representative’s identification documents. Banks reserve the right to ask for additional documents. A power of attorney is needed to open a bank account in the Netherlands if you can’t be present in the country |
| Required documents – individuals | Passport or identity card (for Dutch citizens), proof of address (a recent utility bill or the rental agreement), the applicant’s personal citizen service number (only for Dutch residents) Banks can ask for different documents, on a case-by-case basis |
| Special requirements for foreign nationals who open a bank account in the Netherlands | The BSN (citizen service number) issued upon registration with the Personal Records Database |
| Bank fees | The annual costs for a current account can start at EUR 36; Other costs can include credit card costs and those for processing payments |
| Initial deposit | Not usually |
| Types of accounts in the Netherlands | Current account, savings account, joint account, student account, children’s account |
| Online banking | Yes. The online banking app features depend on the chosen bank |
| Local agent requirements | Not mandatory, however advisable |
| Main banks | ABN AMRO Bank, ING Bank, Cooperative Rabobank, De Volksbank, NIBC Bank . |
| Criteria for choosing the bank when you open a bank account in the Netherlands | The monthly or annual account fees, interest rates, bank branch location, digital features offered by the online and mobile banking options |
| Banking services offered | – money withdrawals and payments, – savings account, – online banking, – loans and mortgages, – international transfers, etc. |
Use of a corporate bank account in Netherlands | – deposit of share capital, – business transactions, – employee salary payments, – tax payments, etc. |
Age requirements | 18 years old; Minors need parent or legal guardian permission. |
| Regulatory institutions regarding banking in Netherlands | – Dutch Central Bank (DNB), – the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) |
| Withdrawal limit | EUR 10,000/day |
| Maintenance fees | Depends on the bank. Our lawyers can help you select a bank with low maintenance fees. |
| Multi-currency accounts (YES/NO) | YES |
| Possibility to open an investment fund | Plenty of banks offer this option. Our attorneys can help you if you want to open an investment fund. |
| Transferring money into another account | Online or at any bank branch |
| Closing a bank account | Depends on the bank’s policies |
| Account accessibility | You can open a single or a joint account. |
| ATM fees | Bank ATMs do not have fees for EU cards; Non-bank ATMs might have various fees. |
| Transaction processing times | – immediately (on the same bank), – 1-2 business days (interbank transfers), – 5 business days (international transfers) |
| Advantages of having a bank account in Netherlands | – managing finances effectively, – straightforward process, – flexible payments, – access to financial services, etc. |
| Assistance | Our law firm can help businesses or individuals open a bank account for their desired purpose. |
What banks can I choose?
Foreigners can opt for any of the commercial banks operating in the Netherlands that they prefer. Although banks have similar requirements concerning the setup of the account, they can have different fee policies and benefits.
Is it possible to open a bank account online?
Yes, banks operating in the Netherlands usually provide the option for setting up the bank account online. We recommend you address our team for in-depth information on this topic.
What basic steps should I take if I want to open a corporate bank account?
If you want to open a corporate bank account, it means that you also want to set up a business in the Netherlands, hence you need to start the process of company formation. This implies obtaining the company incorporation documents and certificates issued by the local authorities and registering certain company types for which a corporate bank account is required and then getting in touch with the bank of choice.
What documents are required for a corporate bank account application in the Netherlands?
If you have decided on a bank and if you have completed the company registration formalities, the bank of choice will ask you to submit the following paperwork:
- the identity document;
- proof of address;
- proof of registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce;
- the statutory documents of the newly founded legal entity;
- the registers of shareholders and information on the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO);
- provided that you will use the Dutch bank account for overseas transactions, a detailed list of the all the countries where the company carries out business is required.
In the infographic below, you can find out the main steps you must follow if you want to open a bank account in the Netherlands in 2026:
Is it mandatory to open a corporate bank account in the Netherlands?
Not in all cases, but it is highly recommended to do so, given that local bank accounts used for local business purposes can provide various advantages, financial included. Foreign businessmen may not need to open a bank account here if they are residents of the Single Euro Payment Area (SEPA) countries and if they already have a business bank account there. The account needs to comply with the following:
- it is deemed as suitable for business purposes in the Netherlands;
- it is set up in the name of the company or of the investor entering the Dutch market.
What are the documents needed for opening a Dutch bank account in 2026 as a natural person?
In order to open a bank accountin Netherlands in person you will need to bring the following documents with you to the chosen branch:
- identification documents – ID card or passport;
- the Dutch Citizen Service Number (given when you register with the municipality);
- employment contract (if you have arrived here for work purposes) and proof of address in the Netherlands.
We invite you to watch the following video on bank account opening:
How long does it take to open a bank account in the Netherlands?
It depends on the setup modality. Online bank accounts can be set up in less than 1 business day, while the in-person option can take from 1 business day to more than 1 week, depending on the type of account, the internal procedures of the bank, etc.
Where else in Europe can I receive assistance in opening a bank account?
In case you need these legal services in another country, such as Romania, we recommend our partners – Rolegal.com.
For any questions regarding corporate bank accounts, you can contact our Dutch law firm.