Banking in the Netherlands 2026: opening an account as a foreigner

Opening a bank account in the Netherlands

You'll generally need a BSN (Burgerservicenummer, the citizen service number), a valid passport or ID and a Dutch address. Most Dutch banks require a BSN, but ING, ABN AMRO, bunq and Revolut let you open an account with a Dutch IBAN first and supply your BSN within roughly 90 days. The largest banks are ING, Rabobank, ABN AMRO and SNS; bunq is a licensed Dutch neobank that's popular with newcomers. If you're a non-resident, you can obtain a BSN by registering in the Non-Residents Records Database (RNI) — from 1 January 2026, non-EU nationals can register at the Breda or Venlo municipalities.

Multi-currency, crypto and moving money

Most residents pair a local euro account (for rent, utilities and salary) with a multi-currency app like Wise or Revolut for cheap FX. The Netherlands is inside SEPA, so euro transfers across the EU are fast and low-cost. For crypto, platforms serving Dutch residents should hold a MiCA crypto-asset service provider (CASP) licence, supervised by the AFM with prudential and anti-money-laundering oversight from DNB; banks vary in how they treat crypto transfers, so confirm your bank's policy. Crypto held by residents is generally taxed as a Box 3 wealth asset — verify the current rules with the Belastingdienst.

At a glance

Where it fits in a borderless plan

The Netherlands offers slick digital banking, SEPA access and English-friendly service — but the BSN and RNI steps make it less casual than some EU bases. Deposits are protected up to €100,000 per person, per bank under the Dutch Deposit Guarantee Scheme, which DNB administers. Banking is one pillar of a borderless setup. Line it up with where you are tax-resident, your Bitcoin self-custody plan, and the rest of daily life. Compare countries in our banking-abroad guide.