Banking in the Netherlands
Expats setting up their new life here in the Netherlands will undoubtedly need to open a Dutch bank account in order to smooth along the process.
It is highly likely that you will need a bank account to have your wages paid, to pay for your rent, or to just take a trip down to the supermarket where you can "pin" for your shopping.
Banks in the Netherlands
Before you go to open your bank account, you need to choose which bank suits your needs or principles. You should also take into account that most banks charge a yearly fee for having an account with them.
Biggest banks in the Netherlands
› ABN AMRO
› Rabobank
› ING
› SNS Bank
Ethical banks in the Netherlands
If you would like to share your money with an ethical bank, you could go for:
› ASN Bank
› Triodos
Once you have selected your bank you should check out the details of the accounts offered to see whether they suit your needs and requirements.
Photo by Flickr user catatronic
Opening a bank account in the Netherlands
To open a private bank account in the Netherlands you will need to either make an appointment online, or simply walk into your nearest branch with all of your details.
In some cases it is possible to have a bank employee come and meet you at home or at work to set up the account.
Documents for a Dutch bank account
To open a bank account in the Netherlands you will need the following:
› Your BSN number (Burgerservicenummer)
› A valid form of ID (passport or identity card - often a drivers license is not acceptable)
› Proof of address (i.e. a rental contract)
› Residency permit if you come from outside of the EU
Once all the details have been processed you will have to simply wait until your account is approved and your new pinpas is sent out to you.
Banking for businesses in the Netherlands
If you have set up your a business in the Netherlands and want to open a Dutch bank account, the process is essentially the same as it is for opening a private account.
As well as the above personal details, you should also have all of the necessary details concerning your business, for example your KvK number and a record of your turnover.
Most banks have different types of business accounts depending on the turnover of your company.
Important note
Expats should keep in mind that ABN AMRO is the only bank in the Netherlands that has detailed information in English.
