Business Bank Account Netherlands [Company Bank Account]

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 bans 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

  1. Business Banking in the Netherlands 101
  2. Frequently Asked Questions
  3. Ready to Explore Your Options?

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 in order to qualify.

With this in mind, the Netherlands is not an ideal banking jurisdiction for 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 made an attempt to revamp it’s 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.

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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.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you would like assistance navigating your banking options at home or abroad, we can help.

You can access GlobalBanks IQ, our international banking intelligence platform, in just a few clicks. Unlock our bank database, individual bank profiles, account opening strategies and reports, banker scripts, and more.

But, if you want a 100% personalized account opening service that taps into our team’s expertise and provides direct banker introductions, you can get started with GlobalBanks Insider.

Of course, if you have any questions, please contact us directly.

GlobalBanks Team
GlobalBanks Team

The GlobalBanks editorial team comprises a group of subject-matter experts from across the banking world, including former bankers, analysts, investors, and entrepreneurs. All have in-depth knowledge and experience in various aspects of international banking. In particular, they have expertise in banking for foreigners, non-residents, and both foreign and offshore companies.

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