How to open a bank account in the Netherlands for non-residents

Moving to the Netherlands from the UK can involve a lot of admin. Opening a Dutch bank account may be one of the tasks on your list, especially if you plan to receive a salary, pay rent and bills or use local payment services.

The process depends on your nationality, residence status and whether you already have a Dutch address and citizen service number (BSN). This guide explains what to prepare, how to apply and what to compare when choosing a Dutch bank.

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Can a foreigner open a bank account in the Netherlands?

Yes. Dutch banks accept applications from people who are not Dutch citizens, but they’ll need to verify your identity, address and tax or residence details. The exact requirements vary between banks and account types.

If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you generally don’t need a Dutch residence permit to live in the Netherlands. Your valid passport or national identity card is evidence of your right to reside.¹

If you’re a British citizen who moved to the Netherlands after 31 December 2020, Brexit rules generally mean you need a residence permit for your reason for staying, such as work, study or family reunification.²

This immigration distinction matters when you apply for a bank account. A bank may ask for a residence permit, proof that you’re registered at a Dutch address or documents showing why you’re living in the Netherlands.

📚 Banks in the Netherlands

Can you open a Dutch bank account without a residence permit or as a non-resident?

Possibly, but it can be more difficult. Some banks may accept an application before you have every document, while others may require a Dutch residential address, BSN or residence document before they’ll complete the process.

For example, ABN AMRO says expats can start an application without a BSN, but you must have an official Dutch home address and provide your BSN within the bank’s stated timeframe.³

And Rabobank says an online payment-account application requires a BSN; if you live outside the Netherlands, you may need to contact the bank directly and provide more information.⁴

If you’re only staying for a short period, ask the bank whether it accepts non-resident applications before you apply. You may be asked for additional identification, proof of your overseas address or evidence of your connection with the Netherlands.

📚 Moving to Amsterdam

Moving to the Netherlands: expat banking checklist

If you’re working out how to open a bank account in the Netherlands as an expat, it helps to split the process into things to do before you move and things to do after you arrive.

Before you move:

• Check whether your UK bank will continue to provide your account and services after you become resident in the Netherlands.
• Ask your chosen Dutch bank which documents it accepts from new arrivals and whether you can start an application before you receive a BSN.
• Keep your passport, residence documents, employment or study documents and proof of address together in one secure folder.
• Plan how you’ll pay for rent, travel and everyday spending while you wait for a Dutch account and debit card.

After you arrive:

• Register with the municipality where you’ll live if you’re moving for more than four months. This normally adds you to the Personal Records Database (BRP) and gives you a BSN.
• If you’re staying for less than four months, check whether registration in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI) is appropriate for your situation.⁵
• Confirm the bank’s current eligibility rules before submitting your application, as requirements can differ for EU, non-EU and British applicants.
• Tell the bank if your tax residence, address or immigration status changes.

The BSN is a personal identification number used when you deal with Dutch authorities. NetherlandsWorldwide explains where to find an existing BSN and how registration in the RNI can provide one if you’re not registered as a resident.⁵

What documents do you need to open a Dutch bank account?

The precise list depends on the bank and your circumstances, but you’ll usually need some combination of:

• A valid passport or other accepted identity document.
• A Dutch residential address, often evidenced by municipal registration or another document accepted by the bank.
• Your BSN, or confirmation of when you must provide it if the bank allows you to apply before receiving it.
• A residence permit or other evidence of your right to live in the Netherlands, where relevant.
• Proof of income, such as an employment contract or recent payslips, if requested.
• Your tax-residence information and overseas tax identification number, if requested.

ABN AMRO’s documentation guidance lists identification, a BSN, a Dutch residential address and, in some cases, proof of income.⁶ Its expat guidance also says that applicants with an international passport can open a personal account if they’re registered at a Dutch address.³

Take your passport rather than relying on a UK driving licence. A driving licence may not be accepted as the main identity document, particularly for applicants who are not Dutch nationals.

How to open a bank account in the Netherlands as an expat

The exact process differs by bank, but these are the usual steps:

1. Compare current accounts based on monthly fees, debit-card costs, language support, branch access, online banking and the payments you need to make.
2. Check the bank’s eligibility rules for your nationality, residence status and address.
3. Gather your passport, proof of address, BSN or RNI information, residence documents and any income or tax documents requested.
4. Apply through the bank’s app, website, service point or branch, depending on the route available to you.
5. Complete identity and anti-money-laundering checks. The bank may ask follow-up questions or request clearer documents.
6. Wait for approval, then activate online banking and your debit card when they arrive.

If you’re applying with a non-Dutch passport, expect the bank to verify that you live in the Netherlands. You may also need to provide your BSN after the account is opened if the bank allows a temporary exception.

Can you open a Dutch bank account online?

Often, yes, but not every applicant will be able to complete the process entirely online. The route depends on the bank, your identity document, your residence status and whether your Dutch address and BSN can be verified digitally.

ABN AMRO says eligible applicants can apply through its app without a BSN, provided they have an official Dutch home address, and then provide the BSN within the bank’s stated deadline.⁷

Rabobank says customers who do not have a BSN can’t open an online payment account, while people who live outside the Netherlands should contact the bank about their options.⁴

If the app rejects your application, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t open an account. Contact the bank and ask whether an appointment or service-point application is available for your situation.

Which bank is best for expats in the Netherlands?

There isn’t one best Dutch bank for every expat. Compare the account’s eligibility rules and everyday features with the way you’ll use it.

For example, a student may value a simple low-cost account, someone moving to the Netherlands for work may prioritise salary payments and someone looking to buy Dutch property may prefer English-language support and a quick application route.

Requirements, prices and application routes can change. Check the bank’s own information immediately before applying rather than relying on an old comparison table.

ING

ING is one of the Dutch banks you can compare when you move to the Netherlands. Its current-account page sets out the bank’s application route, but the right process for you may depend on your identity document, address and residence status. Check the latest requirements directly with ING before applying.

ABN AMRO

ABN AMRO has an expat-focused service and says its advisers speak English.³ Its current-account guidance says you can start without a BSN if you have an official Dutch home address, then provide the BSN within the bank’s stated deadline. ⁷

If you’re applying with a non-Dutch passport, you’ll still need to prove that you live in the Netherlands. If you’re resident abroad or don’t yet have the required Dutch address, contact ABN AMRO before relying on the app route.

Rabobank

Rabobank has an expat and international-customer section that explains the importance of registering with your municipality and obtaining a BSN.⁹ Its online application guidance says you can’t open an online payment account without a BSN, and that people who live outside the Netherlands should contact the bank directly.⁴

How much does a Dutch bank account cost?

Opening a current account may not have a separate setup fee, but a bank can charge a monthly fee for its payment package. Costs can also include extra debit cards, cash withdrawals, international payments or other optional services.⁷

Before you choose an account, check:

• The monthly fee and what it includes.
• Whether a debit card is included and whether an additional card costs extra.
• Fees for cash withdrawals and payments outside the euro area.
• The bank’s exchange-rate and international-payment charges if you’ll still use GBP.
• What happens if you close the account or move away from the Netherlands.

For a current price, use the bank’s own tariff or product page. Prices can change, and an old euro-to-pound conversion can make a historical comparison misleading.

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FAQs

How to open a bank account in the Netherlands as an expat?

Check your residence status and the bank’s eligibility rules, register at your Dutch address if required, obtain your BSN or confirm whether the bank allows you to apply before receiving it, then apply with your passport and supporting documents. Some applications can be completed in an app, while others may need a service-point or branch appointment.

Can a UK citizen open a Dutch bank account?

Yes, but the requirements depend on when and why you’re living in the Netherlands. UK citizens who moved there after 31 December 2020 generally need the appropriate residence permission, while EU, EEA or Swiss nationals have different residence rights.² Your bank may ask for a passport, Dutch address, residence document, BSN and proof of income or tax residence.

Do I need a BSN to open a bank account in the Netherlands?

Not always. Some banks may let eligible customers start an application without a BSN, but they’ll normally set a deadline for providing it.⁴ Other banks require a BSN before they’ll open an online payment account. Check the bank’s current rules for your situation before applying. ⁷

Can I open a Dutch bank account before I move?

It depends on the bank and whether you’re applying as a resident or non-resident. Many banks want a Dutch residential address and may ask for a BSN or evidence of your connection with the Netherlands. Contact the bank before you move and ask which documents it will accept from a new arrival.

Is a Wise account the same as a Dutch bank account?

No. A Wise account is a multi-currency account offered by a money-services provider, not a Dutch bank account. It may help you manage GBP and EUR while you arrange local banking, but it may not meet requirements for salary payments, rent or other services that ask specifically for a Dutch account.

Sources used:

1. Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) - staying in the Netherlands as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen
2. Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) - living in the Netherlands post-Brexit
3. ABN AMRO - expat accounts
4. Rabobank - online payment account guidance
5. Netherlands Worldwide - when to register with a Dutch municipality
6. ABN AMRO - documents needed to become a customer
7. ABN AMRO - opening an account
8. ING - current bank account
9. Rabobank - expats and internationals

Sources last checked on 12-Aug-2026