How to open a Dutch bank account without a BSN
Some banks let eligible newcomers open an account before they have supplied a BSN. The important part is checking the bank's address, identity and tax-number requirements before you apply.
Quick answer
Yes, it can be possible: some banks and app-based providers allow eligible newcomers to open an account before they have supplied a BSN.
You still need identity checks: expect passport or ID verification, and some providers may also require a Dutch address, employment evidence or other documents.
The BSN is usually not optional forever: if the provider allows you to add it later, check that bank's actual deadline and process.
Check the account itself: confirm the IBAN, Dutch payment support and any practical limits before using it for salary, rent or direct debits.
Starting a business?
This guide is for personal accounts. If you are an expat starting a freelance business (ZZP) or a B.V. and need an account to register with the KVK, check out our dedicated Business Banking guide.
BSN deadlines are provider-specific
There is no universal Dutch-law 90-day deadline for every bank account. Banks have their own onboarding and tax-number procedures. bunq currently states that customers who start without a BSN/TIN have 90 days to provide it. ABN AMRO's dedicated BSN guidance also gives 90 days to provide the BSN before the account is blocked; if the BSN is still missing after 120 days, ABN AMRO says the client relationship can end. Always check the current rule for the account you open.
Option 1: App-based banks
Some app-based banks explicitly support onboarding before you have a BSN. That does not mean every applicant or address is accepted: residence-country support, identity documents, tax residence and later TIN/BSN submission can all matter.
- Speed varies: some providers advertise account opening in minutes, but verification can take longer in individual cases.
- Address rules vary: do not assume a hotel or temporary address is accepted; check the provider's supported countries and proof-of-address rules.
- Payment features vary: confirm the IBAN and Dutch payment features you actually need before relying on the account.
Option 2: Traditional Banks (Expat Desks)
Some established Dutch banks also allow eligible customers to open an account before supplying a BSN. ABN AMRO currently says a personal account can be opened without a BSN if its other requirements are met, including an official home address in the Netherlands for the standard app route.
- Do not generalise the process: some banks offer app onboarding; others may require extra verification or contact with an expat team.
- Check the document list: identity, residence and tax-residency requirements differ by bank and applicant.
- Address can still be the bottleneck: opening without a BSN does not necessarily mean opening without a qualifying residential address.
Compare banks that may let you start before your BSN
Compare the actual onboarding requirements rather than treating "no BSN yet" as the only criterion. Address, identity, tax residence, IBAN and payment features can all affect whether an account works for your situation.
bunq
bunq says eligible customers can start without a BSN, provide their TIN/BSN within 90 days and open through the app; residence eligibility still applies.
N26
Check the current N26 country eligibility, IBAN and Dutch payment features against your own needs before choosing it as a temporary or long-term account.
* BSN/TIN deadlines differ by provider. Check the bank's current rule for the specific account you open.