Money and compliance after the registration
Open a Business Bank Account in the Netherlands for a New Business
We check that your new business is ready, prepare your file and stay beside you through the bank's questions.
- KVK number first
- Often 2 to 8 weeks (business.gov.nl, indicative)
- Sole proprietorship, VOF or BV
- The bank decides
The file is ready before the bank sees it.
What's included in our business bank account support
For a business a week old: a sole proprietor or freelancer, VOF partners or a first BV, here or abroad. The full sequence is on the detailed page on starting a business.
Readiness check
We check that the KVK registration is done, the extract is available and the UBOs (ultimate beneficial owners) are entered, and which documents your legal form needs.
Where you may bank, explained, not ranked
A Dutch bank, a bank elsewhere in the SEPA area or an e-money institution, and what protects the money in each. No provider named.
Your file prepared and checked
The documents are yours. We check them for completeness, including the business plan, expected turnover and source of capital a bank may ask for.
Beside you through the bank's questions
You answer the bank's follow-up questions with our help; we keep the list of what was asked and when. Nothing is submitted in your name.
If the bank says no
The routes that exist: another bank, a complaint, the courts, your trade organisation. No promise that a second application succeeds.
Where our service stops
We do not apply for you or open the account. No power of attorney, signing authority, introductions, commission or Quick Scan route; no approval, date or speed promised.
Not part of this service
A client who takes this service does not take our address. No existing company is sold here, and this page gives no individual tax advice.
Your legal form decides the bank file
The conditions per form as the KVK and business.gov.nl state them. The form itself comes first: see an eenmanszaak for a newcomer, how to register a VOF in the Netherlands or a Dutch private limited company for a new business.
Sources: KVK, business.gov.nl, art. 2:203a Book 2 of the Civil Code; checked 29 September to 8 October 2026.
| Point | Sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) | VOF, maatschap, CV | BV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is a business account mandatory? | No, says the KVK. A private account only if the bank's terms allow; payment platforms and online sales channels require a business account | No, says the KVK. In the partnership's name; partners can require several people's consent above a set amount | Yes, say the KVK and business.gov.nl: official guidance, not a statute (the bank statement at incorporation lapsed on 1 October 2012, art. 2:203a BW) |
| When the KVK number arrives | At once if registered within a week either side of the start; usually at a KVK appointment | Not covered by the sources read | After the civil-law notary files the registration and the UBOs |
| Documents the KVK names | Identification, a KVK extract, a list of countries you trade with if the account is used for foreign transactions | Partnership contract, every partner's identification, KVK number, KVK UBO report, countries list, sometimes an extract | Articles of association, register of shareholders from the notary, KVK number, KVK UBO report, countries list, sometimes an extract, an organisational chart if ownership is layered |
| Deposit guarantee | Business and personal accounts at one bank count as one deposit, EUR 100,000 in total | A separate deposit holder, up to EUR 100,000 per bank apart from the partners' own accounts | Protected separately from the owner's accounts, even at the same bank |
| Later, the switch to a BV | A new KVK number and VAT ID number; check your contracts, the business bank account included | Not covered by the sources read | The BV applies with the documents above; moving an old account to it is not covered here |
Not a recommendation: which form fits your business is a conversation.
How the process works, from the KVK number to the account
Choose where to bank
(you). A SEPA account in the name of the business or entrepreneur may serve; check any non-bank in the DNB register. No official time.
Register the business at the KVK
(you; for a BV, the notary). Usually by appointment; no bank account number needed, no cash for the fee. See KVK registration for starters. Sole proprietor: within a week either side of the start, the number comes at once.
Check the UBO entry and order the proof
(you; for a new BV, the notary). The bank checks the UBO entry; order a KVK extract and, for a partnership or BV, the UBO report. UBOs within 7 days; online UBO change 4 working days; certified paper extract 5 working days.
Assemble the file by legal form
(you; we check). The documents in the table above, plus a business plan, expected turnover and source of capital if asked. No official time.
Apply
(you). A shielded visiting address can force a branch visit, and address rules differ by bank. Quick Scan answer within 5 business days, NFIA or facilitator cases only.
Due diligence
(the bank). Identity, UBOs, ownership, control and purpose, with enhanced checks where the Wwft requires them. Often 2 to 8 weeks (business.gov.nl, indicative); extra checks may be charged.
The decision
(the bank). Approval, or a refusal under freedom of contract; the statutory basic account is not yet available. Ten working days only once art. 4:71k Wft is in force.
After opening
(you). Give the Tax Administration a non-Dutch account as a current account, keep business and private money apart (see bookkeeping for a Dutch start-up) and register UBO changes. Confirmation letter within 3 weeks; UBO changes within 7 days.
Steps 6 and 7 belong to the bank: no approval or date is promised.
Official timing Indication only
- Choose where to bankYou. A SEPA account in the business's or entrepreneur's name may serve; check any non-bank in the DNB register.No official time
- Register at the KVKYou; for a BV, the notary. Usually by appointment; no account number needed, no cash for the fee.Sole proprietor: number at once if registered within a week either side of the start
- Check the UBO entryYou; for a new BV, the notary. Order a KVK extract and, for a partnership or BV, the UBO report.UBOs within 7 daysOnline UBO change 4 working daysCertified paper extract 5 working days
- Assemble the file by formYou, and we check. The documents in the table above, plus business plan, expected turnover and source of capital if asked.No official time
- Apply to the bankYou. A shielded visiting address can force a branch visit; address rules differ by bank.Quick Scan answer within 5 business days, NFIA or facilitator cases only
- Due diligenceThe bank. Identity, UBOs, ownership, control and purpose, with enhanced checks where the Wwft requires them.Often 2 to 8 weeks (indicative); extra checks may be charged
- The decisionThe bank. Approval, or a refusal under freedom of contract; the statutory basic account is not yet available.Ten working days only once art. 4:71k Wft is in force
- After openingYou. Give the Tax Administration a non-Dutch account as a current account; keep business and private money apart; register UBO changes.Confirmation letter within 3 weeksUBO changes within 7 days
Steps 6 and 7 belong to the bank: no approval or date is promised
Sources: business.gov.nl, KVK, the Dutch Banking Association (NVB), Wwft, art. 4:71k Wft, Belastingdienst.
Is your company ready for the bank's questions?
Tell us your legal form, where you live and who owns the business. We reply with what is ready and what is missing.
What the bank asks for, and why
Each bank sets its own list and may add questions. E-money institutions run the same Wwft checks, says DNB.
Your identity and residence
Valid identification, even online, handed over as a secure copy (KVK advice), and proof of home address. From outside the EU, possibly a visa or residence permit (for an American founder: the DAFT visa application).
Proof of registration and the UBO entry
The bank holds proof of your KVK registration and checks that the UBOs are entered (art. 4 lid 2 Wwft). It reports any mismatch with the UBO register to the KVK (art. 10c lid 1).
Who owns and controls the company
The bank must understand a company's ownership and control (art. 3 lid 2 sub b Wwft): hence an organisational chart where shares are held through other companies.
What the account is for
The bank establishes the purpose and intended nature of the relationship (art. 3 lid 2 sub c Wwft): hence the business plan, turnover, source of capital and countries of trade.
Checked before the account exists
Due diligence comes before the relationship starts (art. 4 lid 1 Wwft), with enhanced checks in the cases art. 8 lid 1 Wwft lists.
When the checks cannot be met
The bank may not enter the relationship (art. 5 lid 1 Wwft) and ends an existing one (art. 5 lid 3). The government says a Wwft refusal needs a misuse risk the bank finds too large.
Where to bank, and what protects the money
What the provider is decides what protects your balance. We name and rank no provider.
Sources: business.gov.nl, DNB, Directive 2009/110/EC, Regulation (EU) No 260/2012, Belastingdienst; checked 29 September to 8 October 2026.
| The question | What the law or the official source says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| A bank with a Dutch licence | The Dutch deposit guarantee: up to EUR 100,000 per person per bank, business accounts included | business.gov.nl, deposit guarantee |
| A bank from another EEA state | The deposit guarantee scheme of its own country | business.gov.nl |
| A licensed or passported e-money institution | Not a deposit: the funds are safeguarded and earn no interest. One from another EEA state complies with Dutch law; its passport is valid only in the EEA | Directive 2009/110/EC, arts. 6(3), 7(1) and 12; DNB |
| An exempted e-money institution | Not under DNB supervision; at most EUR 150 can be stored in an account at any one time | DNB |
| How to check a provider | The register states the activities each e-money institution may provide and marks licensed, exempted and passported institutions | DNB public register |
| A SEPA IBAN outside the Netherlands | May serve the Dutch business if it suits business use and is in the name of the business or entrepreneur | business.gov.nl |
| Banking only outside the SEPA zone | An IBAN account with a bank in the Netherlands is needed | business.gov.nl |
| Payers, payees and the Tax Administration | The Tax Administration accepts any SEPA zone IBAN; a payer or payee may not specify the Member State of the other side's reachable account. Some payroll providers or suppliers prefer a Dutch IBAN | business.gov.nl; Regulation (EU) No 260/2012, art. 9(1) and (2) |
| A non-Dutch account given to the Tax Administration | A current account, never a savings account; a confirmation letter follows within 3 weeks | Belastingdienst |
Payment institutions are also listed by DNB; nothing further is stated here.
- Deposit guarantee up to EUR 100,000 per person per bank, business accounts included
- Sole proprietorship: business and personal accounts at one bank count as one deposit
- VOF, CV or maatschap: a separate deposit holder, apart from the partners' own accounts
- BV: protected separately from the owner's accounts, even at the same bank
- Not a deposit: the funds are safeguarded and earn no interest
- Exempted institution: not under DNB supervision
- Exempted institution: at most EUR 150 can be stored in an account at any one time
Check any provider in the DNB public register. Sources: business.gov.nl, Directive 2009/110/EC, DNB.
State fees and official timings on the way to the account
No state fee for opening an account appears in the sources we read; the state's costs are the KVK's. Our fee is on request.
2026 amounts: Financiële regeling handelsregister 2019, version in force from 1 July 2026. Times: KVK, business.gov.nl, the Dutch Banking Association (NVB).
| Item | Amount or time | Legal basis or official source | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| KVK registration fee, every legal form, not payable in cash | EUR 85.15, one-off | Art. 5 Financiële regeling handelsregister 2019; business.gov.nl | 2026 |
| Certified paper extract | EUR 19.20 | Art. 2, same regulation | 2026 |
| Digitally certified extract | EUR 9.60 | Art. 1, same regulation | 2026 |
| Digitally certified extract of the UBO register | EUR 3.10; not confirmed to be the "KVK UBO report" banks ask for | Art. 1, same regulation | 2026 |
| Processing of a certified paper extract | 5 working days | KVK | current |
| UBO registration; an online UBO change | Within 7 days; 4 working days | business.gov.nl; KVK | current |
| The account itself | No state fee found; each bank sets its own tariff, not printed here | Each bank's own terms | not applicable |
| Approval of a business account | Often 2 to 8 weeks, an indication, not a statutory period; extra checks may be charged, size not published | business.gov.nl | current |
| Quick Scan answer | Within 5 business days of a complete scan; only for founders assisted by the NFIA or a recognised facilitator | NVB | current |
| Business basic account, art. 4:71k Wft | A decision within ten working days once in force; enacted, not in force when checked on 6 October 2026, no date known | Staatsblad 2026, 182; Wft | not in force |
Problems we solve
- "The bank said no"
Banks have freedom of contract. In 2021 the four largest banks did not accept about 15,000 prospective business customers; 18% were refused on Wwft grounds, often for incomplete documents (Kamerstuk 36711 nr. C, citing DNB; figures some years old).
- "There is no branch where I live"
Online opening is possible, says the KVK, unless a shielded visiting address blocks it; identity is checked either way. In its Quick Scan notes, the banks' association names two banks accepting a notary-legalised ID copy.
- "My shares are held through another company"
The bank must understand who owns and controls the company. We prepare the organisational chart with you and check the UBO entry before you apply.
- "Is there a fast track, or a right to an account?"
The Quick Scan is for founders assisted by the NFIA or a recognised facilitator, and is no accelerated route. The basic-account right (Staatsblad 2026, 182) is enacted, not yet in force. We are neither the NFIA nor a facilitator.
Refused before, or a structure the bank finds hard to read?
A refusal, a layered structure or no branch nearby: tell us what happened, and we check the file before the next application.
Why work with us
Lina Haddad, founder permits and banking lead, Amsterdam. Eight years on onboarding files of founders who move. Arabic, Dutch, English.
From our practice: the first question is often whether a week-old company can apply. We check the KVK number and the UBO entry first, then the bank's list and its questions on ownership and purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business bank account before my company is registered?
No. The banks' association says an application without a KVK number is not possible, and business.gov.nl says to register before you apply. Under the Wwft the bank must hold proof of registration and check that the UBOs are entered. ING's own FAQ, read on 3 October 2026, says it takes no application for a BV still being incorporated.
Do I need a business bank account as a sole proprietor or freelancer?
The KVK says it is not mandatory for a sole proprietor. A private account may be used for the business only if the bank's terms allow it, and banks check private accounts at random. Payment platforms and online sales channels require a business account even from a sole proprietor. Whether to open one is your decision.
Why was my business account application refused, and what can I do now?
DNB, cited by the government, found that in 2021 the four largest banks did not accept about 15,000 prospective business customers: 82% of refusals traced mainly to the bank's own choice, 18% to the Wwft, often for incomplete documents. The government calls these figures some years old. Next: another bank, a complaint, the courts or your trade organisation.
How long does it take to open a business bank account in the Netherlands?
The portal business.gov.nl says approval of a company account often takes between 2 to 8 weeks. That is an indication, not a statutory period, and a bank may charge for extra checks. Before the application, the KVK takes 4 working days to process an online UBO change and 5 working days for a certified paper extract.
Can a foreigner open a Dutch business bank account without a Dutch address?
It depends on the bank. Some require a permanent address in the Netherlands, some a Dutch business address, and some accept a foreign address if at least one owner lives in the Netherlands. A founder who banks only outside the SEPA zone needs an account with a Dutch bank. A personal account for a non-resident is a separate subject.
Will my Dutch clients and the Tax Administration accept a non-Dutch EU IBAN?
The Tax Administration accepts any SEPA zone IBAN. Under Regulation (EU) No 260/2012 a payer or payee may not specify the Member State of the other side's payment account, provided the account is reachable. Some organisations, such as certain payroll providers or suppliers, still prefer or only work with a Dutch IBAN.
Is my money as safe at an e-money institution as at a bank?
The protection differs. A deposit at a bank with a Dutch licence is guaranteed up to EUR 100,000 per person per bank, business accounts included. Funds at an e-money institution are not a deposit: under Directive 2009/110/EC the institution must safeguard them, and no interest may be paid on them.
How do I check whether a provider is a bank or an e-money institution?
Look the provider up in the DNB public register. It states the activities each e-money institution may provide and marks licensed, exempted and passported institutions. DNB states that exempted institutions are not under its supervision; the exemption is for e-money accounts that hold at most EUR 150 at any one time.
Is there a legal right to a business bank account in the Netherlands?
Not yet. Article 4:71k of the Wft (Staatsblad 2026, 182) will oblige banks offering business accounts to let EU companies, associations and foundations in the Business Register apply for a basic payment account in euro. It was not in force when checked on 6 October 2026. Once in force, a bank must still refuse where it cannot meet the Wwft.
What documents does a company need to open a bank account?
It depends on the legal form, and each bank may ask for more. For a BV the KVK names the articles of association, the register of shareholders, the KVK number and a KVK UBO report. For a VOF: the partnership contract and identification of all partners. A sole proprietor needs identification and a KVK extract.
How much money do I need to open a business bank account?
We found no minimum balance for opening an account in the sources we read, and each bank may set its own conditions. The state's costs on the way are the KVK's: a one-off registration fee of EUR 85.15 in 2026 and EUR 19.20 for a certified paper extract.
Is there a free business bank account in the Netherlands?
There is no state business account, and we found no state fee for opening one. Each bank sets its own tariff, which changes, so we do not print it. The statutory business basic account is enacted but not yet in force. Our own fee for preparing the file is on request.
Can I open a business bank account online?
The KVK describes online opening as possible. A shielded visiting address in the Business Register can block it, and the bank may then ask you to visit a branch and answer additional questions. The bank always asks for proof of identification, even when the account is opened online.
Which bank in the Netherlands is best for foreigners?
We do not rank banks. Residence and address conditions differ per bank, so check them before you apply, and check what a provider is in the DNB public register. Which provider fits your business is a question for a conversation once the file is ready.
Can I buy a company that already has a bank account?
The account is in the company's name and stays with it, but new UBOs must be registered within 7 days, and the bank reports any mismatch. Selling or mediating in the sale of legal entities is a licensed trust service under the Wtt 2018; our page on buying an existing Dutch BV instead of starting one sets out the conditions.
Get your file ready before the bank sees it
Tell us your legal form and where you stand with the KVK. We reply with what the bank will ask and what is missing.