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

Discover the benefits of opening a Dutch bank account in the Netherlands for expats and residents.

Opening a bank account in the Netherlands as an ex-pat is a crucial step for anyone planning to move, work, or reside in the country. The Dutch banking system welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to access a range of financial services.

Whether you're looking to own or rent property, secure employment, transfer money abroad, pay bills, manage direct debits, or make cash withdrawals within the Netherlands, having a Dutch bank account is essential.

With renowned institutions like ING and Bunq, the Netherlands offers a robust banking infrastructure that caters to both residents and expats. These banks are among the largest in Europe and have become household names across the continent.

In this article, we'll be looking at how ex-pats can open a Dutch bank account in the Netherlands, what different types of bank accounts are available to them, which banks offer the best deals, which banks offer the best business banking services, and what benefits there are to having a Nebeus money account in the Netherlands.

Choosing the right bank in the Netherlands

Moving to a different country is a daunting experience in and of itself, but knowing where to place your money once you arrive takes some careful consideration.

Everyone's situation is different, and there isn't a one size fits all for expats moving to the Netherlands, so you should do some research before choosing your preferred Dutch bank account.

The leader of all Dutch banks and a household name across Europe as a leading traditional bank, ING offers a variety of services for ex-pats looking to bank in the Netherlands.

The major bank's services include an easy-to-use app available entirely in English, credit card services, loan services, investment accounts and physical branches.

However, their interest rates are relatively low when compared to other Dutch bank accounts.

The fully online Dutch bank, Bunq allows its customers to sign up entirely online, making accessing and managing your finances much easier.

In addition to this, customers can access multiple cards using only one card. However, Bunq has high monthly fees, so they might not be the right bank for you if you are on a budget.

A name that might already be familiar to those living in the UK and the rest of Europe, Revolut is another completely online bank that allows its users to manage all of their finances without ever having to set foot in a branch via their online banking services and mobile banking app.

Revolut allows you to send money abroad easily and provides good interest rates on savings accounts. However, they do charge a fee for making currency conversions on weekends.

Now that most banks are parting with the traditional banks' system of face-to-face interactions, customers can manage their Dutch bank accounts without ever stepping foot into a Dutch bank.

In the ever-evolving financial landscape, Nebeus stands out as a pioneering crypto banking alternative for Dutch residents, offering a unique proposition for expats in the Netherlands. As a crypto enthusiast, you might be looking for a banking solution that combines traditional banking services with seamless management of digital assets. Nebeus provides just that, allowing you to make payments, transfers, and investments using both money and digital assets.

Can I open a Dutch bank account as non-resident?

Anyone looking to live, work or study in the Netherlands is able to open a Dutch bank account. By doing so, non-residents will be able to carry out Internet banking, receive money from their home country and, most importantly, spend money without having to pay charges for using their international account in the Netherlands.

Customers will usually have to provide personal details and a Dutch address to open a Dutch bank account.

What types of bank accounts are there in the Netherlands?

Most Dutch banks offer a range of standard banking accounting options to choose from. Customers can choose from having a savings account, joint account, standard checking account, and business banking account.

Which bank account is best in the Netherlands?

The best Dutch bank account will depend entirely on your needs and what you plan on doing with your money.

While some people want a bank account with a physical branch where they can go and do business face-to-face, others may want their account online that can be accessed via mobile banking apps.

If you are moving to the Netherlands with your partner or spouse, you might want to consider joint account options that would allow you to manage your money jointly.

Similarly, if you are intending to study in The Netherlands, most Dutch banks offer a student account deal that will help manage your money while you complete your studies.

So knowing what Dutch bank account in the Netherlands is best for you will require some research once you have a clear idea of what you require from your bank account.

Dutch online bank accounts

Almost every Dutch bank offers some form of online banking services that allow their customers to access and manage their finances without having to enter a physical branch.

So, for customers looking to use Internet banking exclusively, most of the top banks offer some form of online banking service that can be accessed by a banking app.

However, both have a fairly long wait time for customers to receive their bank card, between 10-14 days for each, but many offer virtual cards to start using their services right away.

What is the best virtual bank in the Netherlands?

Opening a bank account in the Netherlands from abroad

Every Dutch bank is different, and not all of them allow their customers to open a bank account if they are doing so from abroad.

In particular, a large number of Dutch banks require customers to come into a branch to open a dutch bank account.

However, some Dutch banks allow customers to set up an account using online banking services, where they will be given an international bank account number. For example, a Nebeus account can be opened in less than 5 minutes fully online.

How much does a Dutch bank account cost?

Depending on which Dutch bank you choose to go with will determine how much a Dutch bank account will cost.

While many Dutch banks are waiving their sign-up fees, some are still charging either start-up fees, monthly fees or both.

For example, Wise multicurrency account offers an account that comes with zero monthly fees and ten supported currencies.

While Bunq offers a €2.99 monthly fee account and nineteen supported currencies. Both come with Apple Pay features.

So while some cost more, it's worth noting that while some Dutch bank accounts charge a fee, they offer more services.

How can I set up a business bank account in Holland?

Not all businesses operating in the Netherlands require a business account, but any business paying/sending out invoices or having physical branches will need a business account. This is particularly important if you have paid staff who have an employment contract with your business.

While each bank differs, most banks require a set list of documentation before a business can get started with their bank account. These include proof of identity, articles of association, proof of residence and proof of registration.

Although don't necessarily need to be registered in the Netherlands for your business to be able to acquire a Dutch bank account, most businesses require a Chamber of Commerce number before they can open a Dutch bank account.

Benefits of having a Nebeus Money Account in the Netherlands

If you are a crypto investor looking to spend some of your crypto in The Netherlands, you might want to consider opening a Nebeus money account.

Different from a traditional bank account, the Nebeus money account allows you to make payments and transfer between money and digital assets. The Nebeus money account comes in three different tiers depending on your needs.

The Nebeus standard account allows customers to use their Euro IBAN or GBP sort code accounts for everyday use investment and HODling free of charge. This free account package is designed for people who will not be spending too much on a day-to-day basis and is a great way for people to get acquainted with Nebeus products free of charge.

The Nebeus hodler account offers the same benefits as the standard but with higher transfer limits and a fee of €4.50 per month. However, this package is ideal for HODlers who intend to transfer their money and digital assets on a regular basis.

The Nebeus Whale account allows users to have unlimited transfers and is ideal for those who don't want any restrictions when it comes to investing. The service is only €9.50 a month and is one of Nebeus' elite packages, including a Visa card to facilitate expenditure.

All three money packages allow account holders to spend and transfer their money and digital assets abroad, making it the ideal service for those who are looking to have complete control of their finances while in a foreign country.

So, if you're a crypto investor and want to use some of your assets to make day-to-day purchases, pay bills, and make deposits in the Netherlands, Nebus' Money account might be the best option.

If you want to know more about how a Nebeus money account could benefit you, head over to Nebeus to find out more.

You can sign up for a Nebeus account to open an account to bridge crypto and fiat.

La inversión en criptoactivos no está regulada, puede no ser adecuada para inversores minoristas y se puede perder la totalidad del monto invertido.

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