One of the first obstacles newcomers face in the Netherlands is opening a bank account. The problem is paradoxical: many landlords require a Dutch bank account number to set up rent payments, but banks ask for a registered address to open an account. It is the classic chicken-and-egg problem — and there are ways around it.
Why Dutch banks have strict requirements
Dutch banks operate under very rigorous identity verification requirements (KYC — Know Your Customer). ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, and other traditional operators require your BSN and a registered address in the Basisregistratie Personen (BRP). The BSN in turn requires municipal registration, and the municipality needs you to have an address. The circle closes.
Banks that make early access easier
bunq is the most flexible Dutch bank for new residents: it allows you to open an account with a passport and without a BSN for the first 90 days, giving you time to sort out your registration. ING also offers a basic account with provisional documentation in some cases, particularly for employees of established companies that can vouch for them directly.
For those arriving with an employment contract from a large company, it is common for the HR department to facilitate contact with a bank and speed up the process. Some companies even make initial salary payments to foreign accounts as a temporary workaround.
International accounts as a bridge
Wise and Revolut are widely used alternatives while you sort out your registration. Both allow you to receive euro transfers with a European IBAN, which is enough to receive your first salary, pay rent, and cover costs during the transition period. They are not technically Dutch banks, but they serve as a perfectly valid interim solution.
Documents needed under normal conditions
Once you have your BSN and registered address, the account opening process is relatively straightforward. The standard documents are: a valid passport or ID card, your BSN, proof of address, and in some cases an employment contract or income declaration. Most banks allow you to complete the process online or through their app within a few days.