How to open a business account in Netherlands

Snapshot

To open a Dutch business account you usually register the business with the KvK first, then apply with the KvK extract, proof of identity and, for a BV, the articles of association and details of the ultimate beneficial owners. App based providers such as bunq and Qonto can open in days, while ABN AMRO, ING and Rabobank often take one to four weeks. As of 7 April 2026.

Step one: Register the business with the KvK, the Chamber of Commerce, and get a KvK number.
Documents: KvK extract, proof of identity, and for a BV the articles of association and ultimate beneficial owner details.
Timeline: App based providers can open in days. ABN AMRO, ING and Rabobank often take one to four weeks for a BV, as of 7 April 2026.
Foreign founders: The NFIA Quick Scan can route eligible foreign backed startups to ABN AMRO, ING or Rabobank. Verify eligibility.

Fees and features as of 7 April 2026Last reviewed 7 April 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

Opening a business account in the Netherlands follows a clear order. You first register the business with the KvK, the Kamer van Koophandel or Chamber of Commerce, which gives you a KvK number. You then apply to a provider with the KvK extract, proof of identity for the owners and directors, and, for a BV, the articles of association and the identity of the ultimate beneficial owners. App based providers such as bunq and Qonto can open an account within days once registration is in place, while ABN AMRO, ING and Rabobank often take one to four weeks because of know your customer and anti money laundering checks, and a BV usually takes longer than a sole trader. Founders without Dutch residency who are backed by a recognised facilitator can use the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency Quick Scan. Figures are shown as of 7 April 2026. Confirm the document list and timeline with the provider.

The steps to open a business account in Netherlands

The process is broadly the same across providers, though the speed and the exact paperwork differ. As of 7 April 2026.

Register the business with the KvK and obtain a KvK number. A BV is incorporated at a notary first, then registered.
Choose a provider that accepts your legal form, whether a sole trader, a BV, a stichting or a vereniging.
Apply with the KvK extract, proof of identity for the owners and directors, and, for a BV, the articles of association and ultimate beneficial owner details.
Complete the know your customer and anti money laundering checks, which may include a video or in person step at a traditional bank.
Receive the IBAN and activate cards and online banking once the account is approved.

Documents you usually need

The exact list varies by provider and legal form. Confirm it before you apply. Verify with the provider

The KvK extract for the business.
Proof of identity for the owners, directors and any ultimate beneficial owners.
For a BV, the articles of association and the share and ownership structure.
For a stichting or vereniging, the articles and the board details.

How long it takes

App based providers such as bunq, Qonto, Wise Business and Revolut Business can often open an account within a few days once your KvK registration is in place. Traditional Dutch banks such as ABN AMRO, ING and Rabobank usually take one to four weeks because of the know your customer and anti money laundering review, and a BV takes longer than a sole trader because of the ultimate beneficial owner checks. Foreign backed startups recognised by the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency can use the Quick Scan, which routes the application to ABN AMRO, ING or Rabobank with a reply in a few working days. As of 7 April 2026. Confirm current timelines with the provider.

Compare business accounts available in Netherlands

These providers accept business customers in the Netherlands. Fees and eligibility shown as of 7 April 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

Compare business accounts →

Questions about opening a business account in Netherlands

Do I need to register with the KvK before opening a business account?

In almost all cases yes. Dutch providers open the account in the business name and ask for the KvK extract, so the business is registered with the Chamber of Commerce first. A BV is incorporated at a notary, then registered. As of 7 April 2026. Confirm the steps with the provider and your notary.

What documents do I need to open a business account in the Netherlands?

Usually the KvK extract, proof of identity for the owners and directors, and, for a BV, the articles of association and ultimate beneficial owner details. A stichting or vereniging provides its articles and board details. The exact list varies, so confirm it with the provider, as of 7 April 2026.

How long does it take to open a business account in the Netherlands?

App based providers can often open within a few days once your KvK registration is in place. ABN AMRO, ING and Rabobank often take one to four weeks because of know your customer and anti money laundering checks, and a BV takes longer than a sole trader. As of 7 April 2026. Confirm timelines with the provider.

Can I open a Dutch business account without living in the Netherlands?

Sometimes. Some neobanks onboard remotely and accept a foreign IBAN, and foreign backed startups can use the NFIA Quick Scan to approach the large banks. Many traditional banks still ask for a BSN or a Dutch address. See the non resident page for detail. As of 7 April 2026. Verify with the provider.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 7 April 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.