Business accounts: Netherlands

Updated 5 October 2026

An honest assessment before work starts, the quote is fixed in writing.

The Netherlands is one of Europe's most open economies and a convenient base for EU trade through the port of Rotterdam and Amsterdam airport. Banks are supervised by De Nederlandsche Bank and European banking supervision, and almost all payments, taxes and public services run through a bank account. For a foreigner the main difficulty is that banks tie services to a Dutch citizen service number (BSN) and real activity in the country.

Corporate income tax

The 19% and 25.8% rates apply from 2023 to 2026. EUR 200,000 is about $224,080 at the European Central Bank rate of 5 October 2026. More on our Netherlands taxes page.

A Dutch business visa and the account

For non-EU entrepreneurs the route to living in the Netherlands is the startup visa with an accredited facilitator, or a residence permit for self-employment, which the immigration service assesses by the business's contribution to the Dutch economy. Company and personal accounts are usually opened after registering an address and obtaining a BSN. More on our Netherlands residence page.

What the bank checks

• Chamber of Commerce registration and beneficial owner details;
• directors' BSN and addresses in the Netherlands;
• activity, clients and payment countries;
• the origin of capital and owners' funds.

Documents

• a Chamber of Commerce extract and articles;
• directors' passports, BSNs and addresses;
• a business description, contracts and expected turnover;
• proof of source of funds.

How the account opening works

1. Company. We register the company through a notary and enter it with the Chamber of Commerce.
2. Address and number. We register the director's address and obtain a BSN.
3. Bank. We choose a bank that works with your type of business.
4. Review. We prepare the file and answer the bank's questions on owners and payments.
5. Opening. The bank opens the account and the company starts operating.

Personal account

Dutch banks open accounts for individuals after they register an address with the municipality and obtain a BSN. For people moving on the startup visa or a self-employment permit, we plan these steps before the company account.

Why applications are refused

• the company has no activity or director in the Netherlands;
• an opaque ownership structure;
• an unverified source of funds;
• links to sanctioned countries.

What we do

We register the company, help with the address and BSN, choose the bank, prepare documents and handle the account opening, and for relocation build a route through the startup visa or a self-employment permit. A manager will calculate the cost in the chat.

What we do

• Corporate account - opening assistance

See also

Company formation · Personal account · Investment property · Country taxes · All country programs

FAQ