Opening a Dutch business bank account

Published by:
Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency, NFIA
Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency, NFIA
Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, KVK
Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, KVK
1 min read

If you plan to start doing business in the Netherlands and being active here, then you require a business (IBAN) account. If you already have a business bank account in the SEPA Zone, you do not need to set up a new one.

Do you need to open a business bank account?

An IBAN account enables account holders in the Single Euro Payment Area (SEPA) Zone to make national and cross-border euro payments easily and securely. Although it is not mandatory, it is advised to keep you private bank account seperate from a business bank account. Read more about this.

You need to have a bank account before you can register your business with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK. See step 1:

Registering your company, step 1 and 2Registering your company, step 1 and 2

Are you an entrepreneur currently located outside the SEPA Zone?

In that case, it is necessary to apply for a business account with a bank located in the Netherlands. Due to strict legislation and individual acceptance policy, the banks have to look very carefully at each application before they can make a decision. That process can take some time.

Quick Scan for businesses that have a facilitator

Are you receiving assistance from the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) or from another facilitator? Then you may be eligible for the Quick Scan 'Dutch Business Bank Account'. The Dutch Banking Association has created this scan.

How it works:

  • Go to the NVB website and download the Quick Scan 'Dutch Business Bank Account', answer the questions, attach the requested documents and mail the completed Quick Scan and the documents to the bank of your choice.
  • The bank will confirm the probability of a successful application to open an account within 5 business days of receipt of the Quick Scan.
  • The scan is intended for entrepreneurs who are already in the process of registering with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK) and obtaining a residence permit.

Are you not receiving assistance from NFIA or from another facilitator? In that case you cannot use the Quick Scan. Please turn directly to a bank of your choice to check if you are eligible to apply for a business account.

Questions relating to this article?

Please contact the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency, NFIA