Netherlands
The Netherlands is home to a cosmopolitan expat community, a strong tech and finance sector, and unique pathways including the DAFT visa for US entrepreneurs.
Banking in Netherlands for Expats
To open a bank account in the Netherlands, expats can choose from banks like bunq, ING, and ABN AMRO, with some not requiring a DigiD digital identity. Expats typically need to register with their local gemeente to obtain a BSN, which can then be used to apply for a DigiD, although bunq is an exception that doesn't require DigiD. Having a DigiD makes it easier to manage administrative tasks, such as filing taxes and online banking, but it's not always necessary to open a bank account.
If you're coming from your home country:
Bank Account Comparison
| Bank | Type | Expat-friendly | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| bunq | Digital bank | ✅ | The most expat-friendly Dutch bank. Account can be opened in minutes via app without a BSN or DigiD — just a valid passport. Full English interface. Offers a Dutch IBAN immediately. Subscription-based (€10.99/month for full features). Popular with newly arrived expats. |
| ING | Full-service bank | ✅ | Largest retail bank in the Netherlands. Requires a BSN and appointment at a branch. Partial English interface. Free basic current account (Oranje Rekening). DigiD required for online banking registration. |
| ABN AMRO | Full-service bank | ✅ | Second-largest Dutch bank. Good English digital banking. Requires BSN and appointment. Offers an expat-specific onboarding package for highly skilled migrants. Monthly fee applies for most account types. |
| Rabobank | Full-service bank | — | Cooperative bank with strong rural and agricultural roots. Dutch-language primary interface. Requires BSN and in-person visit. Less targeted at expats but widely accepted for employer salary payments. |
| Wise (formerly TransferWise) | Multi-currency account | ✅ | Multi-currency account with a Dutch IBAN (NL). Excellent for international transfers at mid-market rate. Not a full Dutch bank but widely accepted by employers and landlords for SEPA payments. |
🪪 About BankID
DigiD (Digitale Identiteit) is the Netherlands' national digital identity system used for government portals (Belastingdienst, DUO, Mijn Overheid), many landlords, and online banking registration. To get DigiD: (1) obtain a BSN by registering at your gemeente, (2) apply at digid.nl — a verification letter is mailed to your registered address within 5 days, (3) activate via the DigiD app or website. Without DigiD, many Dutch administrative tasks (filing taxes, checking your pension) become significantly harder. Some banks (bunq) do not require DigiD to open an account.
Documents you'll need
- ✓ Valid passport or EU national ID
- ✓ BSN (burgerservicenummer) — obtained after registering at your gemeente; bunq is an exception
- ✓ DigiD — digital identity for government and banking portals; apply at digid.nl once you have BSN
- ✓ Proof of Dutch address (rental contract or gemeente registration confirmation)
- ✓ Residence permit (verblijfsvergunning) — for non-EU nationals