Registering a Dutch company is usually easy. But opening a business bank account can be difficult, especially for founders who live outside the Netherlands.
Here is what often happens. A founder registers a company, gets their first client, and applies for an account with a well-known Dutch bank, but the bank may not accept the application. For example, Rabobank requires sole traders to live in the Netherlands for certain business accounts. Triodos does not accept organisations registered outside the Netherlands. Many founders learn about these rules only after applying and waiting for an answer.
Why do banks reject these applications? Dutch banks have strict rules to prevent money laundering. They check who owns the company, where the owner lives, what the business does, and where its money comes from. If the bank cannot check these details properly, it may reject the application without explaining the exact reason. This can cost a founder several weeks.
So, choosing a bank is not just about picking a popular name. It is about finding a bank that accepts your company and your situation.
In this guide, we cover 7 business bank accounts and explain which ones may suit your company. We also explain why banks reject applications, what documents you need, and what options are available if your business is considered high-risk. This will help you choose the right account before you apply.
There is no one best business bank account in the Netherlands that works best for everyone. The right choice depends on where the founder lives, what the company does, and which documents are available.Understanding the types of business structures in the Netherlands can also help founders prepare for the banking process.
The seven options below are divided into two groups. The first four are worth considering if you live outside the Netherlands. The last three may be a better choice once your company has a Dutch address, clients, and some business activity.
bunq is a Dutch digital bank and a popular option for international founders. You can open an account online without visiting a branch and get a Dutch IBAN. It may suit freelancers, service providers, and startups based in the EU, as well as some founders from outside the EU.
However, it may not be the best choice for businesses that handle large amounts of cash or make a very high number of transactions. bunq also asks questions about your company, so make sure you can clearly explain what your business does.
Wise is not a Dutch bank, but many Dutch companies use it to send and receive international payments. You can hold money in different currencies and pay suppliers in other countries. It is useful for founders who work with clients and suppliers around the world.
Wise can be a good choice for businesses that make regular international payments, but it may not be the best bank for a business that needs a full range of traditional banking services.
Revolut Business is an online account that is quick to set up and easy to use. It can help international founders receive payments and start business activities while waiting for a traditional Dutch bank to review their application.
However, some Dutch institutions may be more familiar with traditional Dutch banks. For this reason, it is better to use Revolut as an additional account rather than your only business account.
Finom is an Amsterdam-based online financial service that offers a Dutch IBAN. It is designed for freelancers and small businesses. It also includes tools for sending invoices, making payments, and managing basic accounting tasks.
One important point is that Finom is not a bank. It is an electronic money institution. This means it does not work in the same way as a traditional bank. Before applying, check whether it accepts founders from your country. You can also consider Airwallex if your company mainly receives payments from international clients.
ING is one of the largest and best-known banks in the Netherlands. Many Dutch businesses, clients, and financial partners already use it. This makes it a good option for a company looking for a long-term banking relationship.
ING may be more suitable for a Dutch BV that has a Dutch business address, existing clients, and a director living in the EU. It can be difficult for a newly registered company with no business activity or a founder living outside the EU to get approval. You should also be ready to provide clear and complete documents.
ABN AMRO is another major Dutch bank. It may offer options for companies with international owners, but approval is not guaranteed.
Your chances may improve if your company already has a website, client contracts, and a clear business plan. The bank will still check your company and its owners carefully. The application process can also take time, so do not depend on getting an account immediately.
Rabobank is another well-known Dutch bank. It offers business accounts for different types of companies and has a startup route that may suit some international founders.
However, check the requirements before applying. For example, its sole-trader account requires the business owner to live in the Netherlands. Other account types may have different conditions. Always check the latest requirements directly with Rabobank before starting your application.
Many international founders start with bunq or Wise because these options may be easier to access from abroad. Once their company has clients, regular income, and a stronger business record, they can also apply to ING, ABN AMRO, or Rabobank.
This means a company does not always need to depend on just one account. Using one account for daily payments and another for longer-term banking needs can give the business more flexibility.
Dutch banks check your personal details, business activities, and financial records before approving a business account. The following points explain why banks reject applications and what you can do to improve your chances of approval:
1. Your residency: Banks check where you live and how easily they can contact you. Founders living in the EU may face fewer checks than those living outside Europe.
2. Your business activity: Banks want to understand what your company does. Simple businesses, such as consulting and software services, are usually easier to assess. Online selling, trading, and businesses with complex payments may face more checks.
3. Lack of business proof: Banks want to see that your company is real and ready to operate. A website, client contracts, invoices, and a clear business address can help.
4. Unclear source of funds: You must show where your business money comes from. If you cannot provide this information, the bank may delay or reject your application.
A common mistake is applying as soon as the company is registered. It is better to prepare your documents and business details first. A rejected application can make future applications more difficult.
Before applying, prepare these documents:
If you live outside the Netherlands, the bank may also ask for a video call or extra proof of your address. Some startup founders can also use the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency's Quick Scan to approach ABN AMRO, ING, or Rabobank for an initial response before making a full application.
Some businesses have a harder time getting a bank account. These include crypto, forex, gambling, and businesses that get many chargebacks, which are payments that customers take back. Entrepreneurs interested in international trade can also explore import-export business ideas in the Netherlands before setting up their operations. Banks see these as riskier, so they check them much more closely, and many simply say no.
If that is your case, a regular bank may not be your best choice. The best banks for high-risk businesses in Europe are often specialist providers called electronic money institutions (EMIs). They work with industries that traditional banks avoid. Even so, no provider accepts every type of business, so check that yours is allowed before you apply.
Get your papers ready first. You will need a clear description of your business, any licences it requires, and proof of where your money comes from. A complete file helps the provider understand your business and approve you faster.
You can open a Dutch business bank account online by following a few simple steps.
First, register your Dutch company and get your KVK number. Then, prepare your documents and a short description of your business.
Choose a bank that accepts founders living outside the Netherlands. Digital banks may be easier to apply to from abroad, while traditional banks may ask for a Dutch address or proof of business activity.
Submit your application and provide any extra details the bank requests. You may also need to verify your identity through a video call. Digital banks may take days or weeks, while traditional banks can take several weeks.
Opening a Dutch business bank account can be difficult if you are an international founder. Florin Tax helps you prepare your company and documents before you apply.
We help you register your Dutch BV and prepare the documents banks need. We also review your business structure and description to make sure everything is clear. If the bank asks for more information, we help you understand what is needed and how to respond.
Our support does not stop with the bank account. We can also help with VAT, EORI and OSS registration, bookkeeping, annual accounts, and international payments.
We cannot guarantee bank approval, as the final decision always belongs to the bank. However, we can help you prepare a clear and complete application. Book a consultation through our EU Business Bank Account page to find the right option for your business.
Opening a Dutch business bank account becomes easier when you choose the right bank and prepare your documents in advance. The key is to understand what banks expect and apply with all the required information.
If you live outside the EU or need an account quickly, consider starting with a digital bank. You can apply to a traditional bank as your business grows. If your company already has clients, business activity, and a director living in the EU, ING, ABN AMRO, or Rabobank may be suitable options. If your business is considered high-risk, look for specialist providers.
Whatever option you choose, check the bank's requirements before applying. A well-prepared application can save you time and help avoid rejection.
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Yes. If you have a registered Dutch company, you can apply even if you live abroad. However, the bank may ask for extra documents or a video call to verify your details.
Not always. Some digital banks accept founders living abroad, while traditional banks may ask for a Dutch address or proof that your company operates in the Netherlands.
Digital banks may take a few days to a couple of weeks. Traditional banks can take several weeks to approve an application.
Yes, a digital account may be enough to start your business, especially if you offer services. However, you may need a traditional bank later for business loans, investors, or other banking services.
It can be difficult because many Dutch banks do not accept high-risk businesses. Specialist financial providers may be another option. You should also prepare clear business details, licences, and proof of where your money comes from.
