Practical Guide for International Students

How to Open a Bank Account

Opening a Dutch bank account is not legally required, but it makes student life much easier: debit cards are widely used, credit cards are less accepted, and many Dutch payments run through iDEAL.

Step 1

Get Your BSN as Early as Possible

Most Dutch banks will ask for your BSN (Citizen Service Number). You normally receive your BSN after registering with your municipality in the BRP (Personal Records Database).

BRP Registration

For stays of 4 months or longer, you register with your municipality and receive your BSN.

RNI Registration

For stays shorter than 4 months, you generally can't register in BRP, but you may be able to get a BSN via the RNI (Non-residents Records Database).

Step 2

Choose What Kind of Bank Account You Want

Traditional Dutch Banks

  • Physical branches + full Dutch banking features
  • Account opening can take up to ~2 weeks

Online / Mobile Banks

  • Usually faster onboarding, fewer documents
  • Support is mostly digital

StudyPath Tip

If you can provide salary + rent + bills, a traditional Dutch account is often the smoothest for day-to-day life — especially for iDEAL payments.

Step 3

Prepare Your Documents

Most banks ask for some combination of these documents — have them ready before you apply

Valid passport / ID

BSN (Citizen Service Number) — or provide it later

Proof of enrolment or admission letter

Proof of address (e.g. rental contract)

Residence permit card or IND approval letter (non-EU/EEA)

BRP extract (some banks require this)

Don't Have a BSN Yet? (Common for New Arrivals)

Some banks allow you to open an account first and provide the BSN later, but you must submit it within a set timeframe:

~90 days

Common university guidance

~120 days

Some bank policies

Always follow the bank's stated deadline for your case. Timelines vary between banks and routes.

Step 4

Apply (Online App or Appointment)

Many banks let you apply through their mobile app; others prefer a branch visit or a scheduled appointment. Here's what usually happens:

1

Submit your details and upload identity documents

2

The bank verifies your identity

3

You receive your IBAN account number and then your debit card

4

Activate online banking and set your PIN / security settings

Do You Need a Dutch IBAN?

SEPA Rules

Within SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area), refusing an EU/EEA IBAN for euro transfers and direct debits is not allowed — this is known as "IBAN discrimination."

In Practice

  • Dutch webshops and bills commonly use iDEAL
  • Day-to-day card payments are mostly debit-card based

Special Cases

Under 18 Years Old

Many banks allow minors to open an account, but typically require a parent or guardian's consent.

No Fixed Address Yet

Some banks require a Dutch address. Others may accept temporary proof of residence or enrollment documentation. It varies.

StudyPath Tip: Fastest Arrival-Week Plan

Get your banking sorted as quickly as possible after arriving in the Netherlands.

1
Arrange a temporary address (even a short-stay is fine)
2
Register at the municipality → get your BSN
3
Apply for a bank account immediately (or use a bank that allows BSN later)

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Dutch banks ask for your BSN, but some allow you to open an account first and provide the BSN later. You must submit it within the bank's stated deadline.
It depends on your priorities. Traditional Dutch banks offer full banking features and physical branches. Online/mobile banks offer faster onboarding and fewer document requirements. For day-to-day use including iDEAL, a traditional Dutch bank is often the smoothest choice.
Yes, many banks let you apply through their mobile app. Others prefer a branch visit or a scheduled appointment.
iDEAL is the most common online payment method in the Netherlands. Dutch webshops and bills commonly use iDEAL, and a Dutch bank account makes these payments smoother.
It varies. Traditional Dutch banks may take up to around 2 weeks. Online/mobile banks are usually faster. Having all your documents ready speeds things up.
You can use a foreign bank account for basic transactions, but debit cards are widely used in the Netherlands and credit cards are less accepted. Many Dutch payments run through iDEAL, so a Dutch bank account makes daily life much easier.