Opening a bank account

You will need to have an IBAN bank account in order to arrange your day-to-day activities in the Netherlands.

In the Netherlands, debit cards are commonly used for everyday purchases (groceries, lunch, coffee, printing costs). They’re also helpful for paying regular expenses such as rent or your phone subscription. Online banking is widely used and is often the most convenient way to pay or send money. When opening an account, your bank will usually provide you with a debit card and online banking access.

Do I need a bank account?

As an EU/EEA student, you do not need a Dutch bank account.
If you already have an IBAN bank account in your home country, it is not necessary to open a Dutch bank account.
If you are a non-EU/EEA student, you will need to open an IBAN bank account. Below you will find more details about this.

1. Collect the necessary documents
It can differ per bank which documents are required. However, in general you will need the following documents:
- A valid ID (passport, ID card, official residence document)
- You will need your Declaration of Registration (DoR) from VU Amsterdam in order to open a student account. This declaration is available from the moment you are registered at our university, and can be collected digitally via the 'Complete registration' page in your vu.nl dashboard.
- Your citizen service number (BSN). When you register in the BRP you will receive a BSN. You can fill this in online. If you do not have a BSN it is often possible to provide this later on in the process.
2. Choose your bank

You are free to choose which bank you wish to join, of course. We have listed some options below. If you want to compare the different banks you may find helpful.
Many banks will offer discounted student rates or even offer an account free of charge.
ABN Amro bank
You can start your account without your BSN, provided you submit your BSN later.
ING bank
You can start your account without your BSN, provided you submit your BSN within 90 days.
Rabobank
ASN
Triodos Bank
Online banks

It may be more convenient to open an account with an online bank, as this will probably take less time. But of course this also depends on your personal preferences and the banking services you are looking for.
Bunq bank
N26
Wise
Revolut
3. Close your Dutch bank account before you leave

It is very important to close your Dutch bank account before you leave. You should visit the nearest bank office and they will help you close the bank account. If you do not close your bank account, you will continue to be charged for the use of it, which could result in an unexpected bill when visiting the Netherlands in the future.

VU (pre-)Master’s introduction for new international students

Your arrival as a degree student

Onboarding international students

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