If you’re looking to open a business bank account in the Netherlands, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’re going to share specific details about account opening, which companies can actually open here, and the challenges they’ll face.
We’ll also explain why (in most cases), it might be better to consider opening elsewhere, including with banks in other European countries (like banks in Serbia) or even with online banking platforms.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- Business Banking in the Netherlands 101
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Do You Want Help Opening Bank Accounts?
Business Banking in the Netherlands 101
In certain circumstances, it is possible to open a business bank account in the Netherlands for foreign companies. However, in almost all cases, businesses are required to have an actual on-the-ground presence in the Netherlands to qualify.
If you do have a local presence in the Netherlands and opening a business bank account here is the right fit for you and your company, you need to consider the banking services available to you. This includes scheduled fixed payments like standing orders or direct debits for the collection of payments.
It’s important to note that the Netherlands is not an ideal banking jurisdiction for all businesses, including businesses that do not have a local presence. Instead, non-resident businesses like these should consider one of the many other available options both in Europe and abroad.
Of course, the Netherlands does have a reputation as one of Europe’s tax havens. This is primarily due to special tax arrangements that allowed entities to avoid taxes by passing profits between jurisdictions (e.g. Curacao and Aruba) as well as being a destination for major corporates looking to reduce their withholding tax exposure.
That said, the Netherlands updated tax-related laws in the early 2000s and has since attempted to revamp its banking sector to be more geared towards onshore business activities.
With this in mind, if your business does have a local presence in the Netherlands, then it might qualify for local banking. If that’s you, keep reading to learn more about the possible options.
Alternatively, if you’re seeking digital currency institutions or crypto-friendly banks in Europe, you can click this link to access the information you’re looking for.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are two of the most common questions that we receive from people looking into business bank accounts in the Netherlands. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Who Can Open a Corporate Bank Account in the Netherlands?
To open a corporate bank account in the Netherlands, a business must have a local presence. In the context of the Netherlands, local presence typically means local operations, local staff, local offices, etc.
Can a Foreign-Owned Company Open a Bank Account in the Netherlands?
Yes, in many cases a foreign-owned company can open a bank account in the Netherlands. However, in order to do so, they are typically required to have a local presence.
Do You Want Help Opening Bank Accounts?
If so, you can access GlobalBanks Insider and start the process of applying for an offshore account in a few clicks.
GlobalBanks Insider is a dedicated account opening solution that involves direct support from our team and direct introductions to the banks of your choosing. It gives you instant access to the…
+ Direct support from a team of banking experts
+ Direct introductions to your desired banks
+ Answers to your most pressing questions and challenges
+ Expert insights on which banks to choose & why
+ Plus FULL access to our entire suite of account opening tools and intelligence!
And “yes!” GlobalBanks Insider is designed to help foreign and non-resident individuals and companies open bank accounts.
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