Business Banking for Expats
Whether you are a freelancer (ZZP) or founding a B.V., find the best English-first business accounts with fast digital onboarding.
Traditional Banks vs. Neo-banks
Opening a business account at a traditional Dutch bank (like ING or ABN AMRO) can involve more extensive checks and longer processing times, particularly for international founders with complex B.V. structures. Neo-banks offer a fully digital, English-first alternative and may provide a faster application process once your KVK registration is complete.
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GoDutch
The modern business neo-bank tailored for the Dutch market. Fast digital onboarding once you have your KVK number, with direct integrations to Dutch accounting software.
Key Features
- Fast OnboardingGoDutch states you can open an account within 1 business day (requires valid KVK / Notary docs).
- Dutch IBAN (NL)Supports iDEAL and SEPA Instant for local transactions.
- Bookkeeping IntegrationsConnects directly to Moneybird, Exact, Twinfield & e-Boekhouden.
- Safeguarded FundsGoDutch is an agent of Swan (an e-money institution). Client funds are securely safeguarded in segregated accounts at top-tier European banks (like BNP Paribas) in accordance with European e-money regulations.
Good to know
- Requires an active KVK number (and notary registration for B.V.)
- No cash deposits or branches
Revolut Business
A strong option for businesses that regularly work with international clients or currencies.
Key Features
- Local NL IBAN & iDEALRevolut Business now provides local Dutch IBANs and supports iDEAL payments.
- Multi-Currency MasteryManage and exchange multiple currencies at competitive exchange rates, with allowances depending on your plan.
- Corporate CardsIssue unlimited virtual and physical cards for yourself or your team with spend controls.
- API & IntegrationsIntegrates with Xero, QuickBooks, Slack, and provides a powerful API for custom workflows.
Good to know
- Stricter KYC requirements for certain high-risk business models.
- Free tier exists, but most businesses opt for Basic (€10) or higher.
Good to know before you apply
Do I need a KVK number first?
A common misconception is that you need a business bank account to register your company. In reality, it usually works the other way around. For most business accounts, you will need to have your business registered with the KVK first.
For a B.V. (Besloten Vennootschap), the bank may also ask for incorporation documents from your notary. Once your paperwork is in order, neo-banks like GoDutch or Revolut can often process your application faster than traditional retail banks.
ZZP vs B.V. applications
The onboarding process heavily depends on your legal structure. For a ZZP/freelancer, the application is generally simpler because there is no separate company structure or UBO structure to verify.
For a B.V., banks need to identify and verify the Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) as part of their legal customer due diligence requirements. If your B.V. has international shareholders or a complex holding structure, traditional banks may take longer to process these applications. Digital providers may offer a faster application process, but they still require detailed corporate documentation.
What if I am a non-resident founder?
Opening a Dutch business account as a non-resident can be more difficult. Banks assess factors such as your country of residence, business activities, company structure and the documentation you can provide.
As a non-resident, digital business platforms are often a practical route, but keep in mind that acceptance is never guaranteed and depends heavily on your specific situation and the bank's current risk appetite.