Opening a bank account by Ukrainian citizens
The local authority recommends you to open a bank account in the Netherlands. This will make it easier for you to arrange various matters and help you participate in everyday life. Also, a local bank account means we can transfer funds to you more easily and conveniently. After opening a bank account, you can let us know what your bank account number (IBAN) is, so we can transfer your allowances for living expenses to it.
Opening a bank account is subject to various rules and regulations. Banks are obliged to check your data and ID. In some cases, this can result in delays before the account is assigned to you and ready for use. The website of the Dutch Banking Association has published useful information for Ukrainians looking to open bank accounts (in English).
You can open a bank account with one of the following banks:
ABN AMRO
Open a bank account online.
- Information [in English]
- Needed: Ukrainian passport and Dutch Citizen Service Number (BSN)
- Cost of bank account: €1.95 per month (including payment account, debit card, identifier to activate the app)
- Next step: Download the ABN AMRO app for iOS or Android.
- Note. Debit card is needed to activate the app. The card delivery is 3-5 working days after your application.
Bitsafe
Open a bank account online.
- Information [in Ukrainian and English]
- Needed: Ukrainian passport, ID card or driver’s license
- Cost of bank account: Free, includes debit card. Transaction fees apply.
- Next step: Download the Bitsafe app for iOS or Android.
Bunq
Open a bank account online.
- Information [in English]
- Needed: Ukrainian passport or ID card
- Cost of bank account: Free for the first three months; then €2.95 per month. This includes a debit card and the immediate use of Apple Pay / Google Pay.
- Next step: Download the Bunq app for iOS or Android.
ING
Opening a bank account at a bank branch.
- Information [in Ukrainian and English]
- Needed: Ukrainian passport, BSN number, BRP registration
- Cost of bank account: €2.35 per month, free transactions within the EU. (€1.90 for digital-only, which excludes ATM use). Payment account, a debit card and the use of ApplePay / GooglePay.
- Next step: Visit the nearest branch of the ING Bank.
Rabobank
Open a bank account online.
- Information [in Ukrainian and Dutch]
- Needed: Ukrainian passport and Dutch Citizen Service Number (BSN)
- Cost of bank account: Free until 1 March 2023. (Online payment account, debit card and the use of Apple Pay / Google Pay).
- Next step: Download the Rabobank and Rabo Mobiel Identificeren apps for iOS or Android.
- Note. A debit card is needed to activate your account and receive the IBAN. The card delivery is 3 working days after your application.
SNS
Opening a bank account at a bank branch.
- Information [in Ukrainian and English]
- Needed: Ukrainian passport and Dutch Citizen Service Number (BSN)
- Cost of bank account: €2.55 per month (payment account and debit card).
- Note. Provided the applicant does not have other Dutch payment account(s).
- Next step: Go to the nearest SNS branch.
Triodos
Opening a bank account by mail.
- Information [in Dutch]
- Needed: Ukrainian passport and Dutch Citizen Service Number (BSN)
- Cost of bank account: €5 per month (payment account and debit card).
- Next step: Download the application form (in Dutch)
- Note. The processing time of the request takes about 10 working days.
Disclaimer. The contents of this page have been compiled with the utmost care. No rights can be gained from the information contained herein. The City of Amsterdam bears no responsibility for any incorrect copying or editing of data.
The 5 security rules for safe banking
- Always keep your security codes secret such as your PIN, identification codes or any response codes you receive from your bank.
- Make sure that nobody else ever uses your debit or credit card, whether online or in person.
- Keep the device you use to do your banking secure.
- Check your current account on a regular basis.
- Report any incidents to the bank immediately and follow the bank’s instructions.
Protect yourself from scams
Furthermore, you should be aware that criminals trick you into sending money directly from your account to an account controlled by the criminal.
In a deception scam, a criminal will typically call you and pose as a someone from a genuine organization, such as a bank the police or government department.
The criminals use social engineering tactics and groom and manipulate you into transferring money or divulging your personal and financial details.
Don’t be a money mule!
Criminals recruit people to launder illegally obtained funds. So never give your bank account details to anyone unless you know and trust them.
Download information on safe banking in the Netherlands
(Source: Dutch Banking Association)
The contents of this page have been compiled with the utmost care. No rights can be gained from the information contained herein. VRK bears no responsibility for any incorrect copying or editing of data.