Requirements and documents to open a business account in the Netherlands

Snapshot

What you need to open a Dutch business account starts with registration at the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, the KvK. As of 6 March 2026 most providers ask for the KvK number and a recent extract, identification for the directors, a citizen service number known as the BSN for residents, and an ultimate beneficial owner declaration. A BV usually adds its notarial deed of incorporation.

Registration: A KvK number and a recent KvK extract, usually issued within the last week or two
Identification: A valid passport or ID for every director and authorised signatory, with a BSN for resident directors
Ownership: An ultimate beneficial owner declaration and the ownership structure
Verify the list: Requirements vary by provider and legal form, so confirm the current list with the provider

Fees and features as of 6 March 2026Last reviewed 6 March 2026

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

What you need to open a Dutch business account depends on your legal form, but the core is the same. As of 6 March 2026 a sole proprietor, often a ZZP freelancer running an eenmanszaak, opens with a KvK number and extract, a valid ID and a BSN. A private limited company, a BV, adds its notarial deed of incorporation, the articles of association and a clear ownership structure, and every director and ultimate beneficial owner is identified. Identification is by a video call or in a branch, and some providers use iDIN. The exact list varies by provider, so confirm before you apply.

What you need by legal form

The documents follow your legal form. A sole proprietorship, the eenmanszaak, provides personal identification, a BSN and the KvK extract. A general partnership, the VOF, identifies each partner. A private limited company, the BV, provides the notarial deed of incorporation, the articles of association and a shareholder or ownership overview, and a Dutch business address is often expected. Every director, authorised signatory and ultimate beneficial owner is identified. As of 6 March 2026, so verify the current requirements with the provider.

Documents and identification

Plan for the items below. The exact list varies by provider and legal form. Verify with the provider

A KvK number and a recent KvK extract for the company, usually issued within the last week or two.
A valid passport or national ID for every director and authorised signatory, with a BSN for resident directors.
An ultimate beneficial owner declaration, the ownership structure, and a description of the nature and activity of the business.
For a BV, the notarial deed of incorporation and the articles of association, and often a Dutch business address.

When something is unclear

Requirements differ across providers and change over time, and a new business may not yet hold every document. If you are unsure whether a registration in progress, a missing BSN for a non resident director, or a foreign address is accepted, treat the position as unclear and confirm with the provider rather than assuming. As of 6 March 2026.

Compare business accounts available in the Netherlands

These providers accept business customers in the Netherlands. Fees and eligibility shown as of 6 March 2026. Confirm current terms and the document list with the provider before applying.

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Questions about requirements in the Netherlands

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

Most providers ask for the KvK number and a recent extract from the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, identification for the directors and authorised signatories, a citizen service number known as the BSN for resident directors, and an ultimate beneficial owner declaration with the ownership structure. A BV usually adds its notarial deed of incorporation. The exact list varies by provider, so confirm before applying. As of 6 March 2026.

Do I need a KvK number before I open a business account?

Generally yes. You register the business at the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, the KvK, and then apply with the KvK number and a recent extract. A few providers let you start an application while registration is in progress, but most wait until the registration is complete. Confirm what your provider accepts. As of 6 March 2026.

How do providers verify my identity in the Netherlands?

Identification is usually by a video call or in a branch, and some providers use iDIN or a small verification payment from a Dutch personal account. Every director and authorised signatory is normally identified, and ultimate beneficial owners are checked. Confirm which method the provider uses. As of 6 March 2026.

What is an ultimate beneficial owner declaration?

An ultimate beneficial owner, or UBO, is a person who ultimately owns or controls the business, often someone holding more than a set share of the company. Providers ask you to declare the UBOs as part of anti money laundering checks, and the Netherlands also keeps a UBO register. Confirm the threshold and the documents with the provider. As of 6 March 2026.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 6 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

Requirements and documents in the Netherlands