How to Open a Bank Account in the Netherlands as an International Student

How to Open a Bank Account in the Netherlands as an International Student

Learning how to open a bank account in the Netherlands as an international student can make paying rent, receiving scholarship money and managing daily expenses much easier.

Most Dutch banks provide a payment account, known as a betaalrekening, with a Dutch IBAN, debit card, mobile banking and access to iDEAL. Although some banks require a Dutch citizen service number, several providers let eligible newcomers open an account first and submit their BSN later.

Can International Students Open a Dutch Bank Account?

Yes. International students can open a bank account when they satisfy the bank’s identity, address, immigration and tax-residency checks.

Students normally choose between:

• A free or discounted student account
• A standard Dutch payment account
• A digital bank account
• A multi-currency account for international transfers

ABN AMRO, ING, Rabobank and bunq all offer accounts that may suit international students, but their age limits and document requirements differ.

How to Open a Bank Account in the Netherlands as an International Student

Step 1: Register Your Dutch Address

Students planning to live in the Netherlands for more than four months must normally register with the municipality where they will live.

Registration should be completed within five days of arriving. The municipality then records the student in the Personal Records Database and issues a BSN, or citizen service number.

You may need:

• Valid passport
• Rental agreement or accommodation confirmation
• Birth certificate when requested
• University enrolment documents
• Dutch residence permit or IND approval
• Municipality appointment confirmation

Students staying for less than four months may instead qualify for registration in the Register of Non-Residents, or RNI.

Step 2: Obtain Your BSN

The BSN is used when dealing with Dutch government services, tax authorities, healthcare providers and many financial institutions. Everyone registered in the Personal Records Database automatically receives one.

Not every bank requires the BSN on the first day:

• ABN AMRO: Eligible newcomers can open an account and provide the BSN within 90 days.
• ING: Eligible applicants can open an account and submit the BSN within 90 days.
• bunq: Customers generally have 90 days to provide their Tax Identification Number.
• Rabobank: Its standard digital process is usually more convenient after obtaining a BSN.

Missing the bank’s deadline can result in account restrictions. bunq, for example, states that an account can be temporarily limited when the required tax number is not submitted within 90 days.

Step 3: Choose the Right Student Account

ABN AMRO Student Package

ABN AMRO offers a free Student Package that can be opened through its mobile app. Applicants need an official Dutch address and can use an accepted international passport, Dutch identity document or residence permit.

The account includes:

• Dutch IBAN
• Debit card
• Mobile and internet banking
• Direct debits
• Digital payments
• Access to iDEAL

It is primarily aimed at actively enrolled students aged 18 to 24.

ING Student Account

ING offers a free Student Account to eligible students aged 18 or older. Applicants need a smartphone, supported identity document and Dutch residence documentation when applicable.

ING may be particularly practical for students waiting for their BSN because eligible newcomers can provide it after opening the account.

Rabobank Rabo Free

Rabo Free is available without a monthly package fee to customers aged 18 to 27. Applications are completed through the Rabo App, and the account includes a debit card and digital banking.

bunq

bunq is a Dutch digital bank that supports app-based account opening. It may suit students who want a Dutch IBAN and have not yet received their BSN. The missing number must generally be supplied within 90 days.

Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents

International students should normally prepare:

• Valid passport or EU identity card
• Dutch residential address
• BSN, if already issued
• Dutch residence permit for non-EU students
• University enrolment certificate
• Dutch or European mobile number
• Email address
• Foreign tax identification number
• Details of all countries of tax residence
• Proof of the source of large incoming transfers

For non-EU university students, the recognised educational institution normally submits the residence-permit application. The student must have proof of registration or provisional registration at the institution.

Step 5: Submit the Application Online

Most applications can be started through the bank’s app.

The usual process is:

1. Download the official banking application.
2. Select a student or standard payment account.
3. Enter your legal name and Dutch address.
4. Scan your passport or identity document.
5. Complete a selfie or video identity check.
6. Enter your BSN or confirm that you will provide it later.
7. Declare your countries of tax residence.
8. Upload proof of enrolment when applying for student benefits.
9. Sign the agreement electronically.

ABN AMRO confirms that eligible adults with an official Dutch home address and international passport can open an account online. ING also provides an app-based account-opening process involving personal details and identity-document scanning.

Step 6: Activate the Account and Debit Card

After approval:

• Confirm your Dutch IBAN
• Activate the debit card
• Create or retrieve the card PIN
• Enable mobile banking
• Register for iDEAL
• Add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay
• Test the account with a small transfer
• Give the IBAN to your employer, university or scholarship provider
• Set up rent and utility direct debits
• Enable payment notifications

Do not request a credit card or overdraft unless you understand the eligibility rules and repayment costs. A standard debit account normally uses only the money available in your balance.

Can You Open an Account Before Arriving?

Fully opening a traditional Dutch account before establishing a Dutch address can be difficult. ABN AMRO’s standard online process requires an official Dutch home address, while ING generally expects a Dutch address or applicable local registration.

bunq may offer more flexibility for applicants who are relocating, but identity, supported-country and tax-number requirements still apply.

Students should never use a false or temporary address that the bank has not agreed to accept.

What if Your Application Is Rejected?

An application may be delayed or rejected because of:

• Unsupported passport
• Missing Dutch address
• Invalid residence documentation
• Failed identity verification
• Inconsistent names or dates
• Missing tax-residency details
• Unclear source of funds

Check the rejection reason, correct any missing information and consider another bank. Students who cannot complete digital verification may need to contact customer support or ask whether an alternative verification method is available.

Are Dutch Bank Deposits Protected?

Eligible money held at Dutch banks is automatically protected under the Dutch Deposit Guarantee from €0.01 up to €100,000 per person, per bank if the bank fails.

The limit applies to the combined eligible balance held under the same banking licence, not separately to every account.

Official Sources

• Government of the Netherlands – Registering With the Municipality
• Government of the Netherlands – Citizen Service Number
• IND – Student Residence Permit
• ABN AMRO – Open a Student Account
• ING – Open an Account Through the App
• Rabobank – Open a Payment Account
• bunq – Tax Identification Number Requirements
• De Nederlandsche Bank – Dutch Deposit Guarantee