Moving to Amsterdam from the UK: Complete guide
Everything you need to know about moving to Amsterdam from the UK. Read about visas, popular expat destinations, healthcare and more.
Can I keep my Dutch bank account if I move abroad?
Living in the Netherlands but thinking of moving abroad? Perhaps you’re moving back to the UK, or work or business is taking you to another part of Europe.
You’ll have lots of planning to do before your move, but one important thing to sort out is your finances.
It could be useful to keep your Dutch bank account when you move abroad, but is it possible? Read on to find out.
Can I keep my Dutch bank account after leaving the Netherlands?
No, you can’t keep your Dutch bank account when you move abroad - although it may depend on the bank. Most Dutch banks require you to close your account when leaving the country permanently,¹ or at the very least they may restrict access to your account and cards.
However, you’ll need to contact your specific bank, notify them that you’ll be moving and find out what the bank’s policies are.
It may be that the bank has an international presence and can help you transfer to a new account after your move, or that it’ll let you keep some accounts (i.e. savings accounts) open if the move is a temporary one.
If you’re closing your Dutch account, remember to arrange a money transfer for any remaining balance to a new account first.
If you don’t want to be left without an account while you get settled in your new country, it could be worth opening an international Wise account. It lets you manage your money in 40+ currencies including EUR and GBP, so is an easy, convenient and truly global alternative to having a local bank account.
What happens if I don't close my Dutch bank account?
If you don’t close your account before moving but you do notify the bank of a change of address, it may request that you terminate your Dutch bank account.² Alternatively, you may be notified that use of your account and/or cards comes with restrictions.
You’ll need to continue paying monthly maintenance fees, if your account has these. Some banks may also charge an inactivity or dormant account fee if you’re no longer using your account.
And in some cases, such as with major Dutch bank ABN AMRO, you may start to be charged additional fees as a customer living outside the Netherlands. These range from €2 to €15 EUR a month.³
Alternatives to keeping a Dutch bank account
The most obvious solution if you’re not able to keep your Dutch bank account is to open a new local bank account in your new country.
You can also see if your existing Dutch bank offers any international bank accounts where you’re moving to.
But these days, there are also a number of alternatives to a bank account to help you manage your money in another country.
Digital banks, money apps and money services providers like Wise, Revolut and N26 are a popular choice, as they’re set up to work internationally and let you do everything using just your smartphone.
Wise account – a brilliant alternative to a bank account?
While you’re considering alternative accounts and providers, make sure to check out the Wise account. It’s not a bank account, so it doesn’t provide the same protections that customers might expect from conventional banks, such as interest on savings. However, it does offer some similar features. It’s a fantastic alternative to your Dutch bank account, especially if you need to spend overseas or send payments between countries.
With Wise, there are no sign up or monthly fees to pay. You’ll get a powerful account for managing your money in 40+ currencies, including making international transfers for low fees* and mid-market exchange rates.
For a one-time cost of just £7, you can also get a Wise debit card which has no foreign transaction fees for spending abroad, just a small conversion fee for cross-currency transactions.
Here are the main benefits for using Wise: |
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Sources used:
- University of Groningen - Leaving the Netherlands
- ABN AMRO- Moving Abroad
- ABN AMRO - Payment fees
Sources last checked on date: 16-Dec-2024
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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