Dutch banking revolves around the BSN number. ING and ABN open in-branch; bunq is fully online and remote-friendly. Documents, fees and non-resident paths.
For a local Dutch account the BSN (citizen service number) is nearly mandatory: both ING and ABN require it, and you only get one after registering locally. If you plan to settle, register first after arrival and banking follows.
Without a BSN there is still a way — bunq is fully online and comparatively open to overseas residents, a common stopgap.
ING Netherlands and ABN AMRO have no minimum deposit, with monthly fees of about EUR 0-4 and EUR 0-3, waivable with conditions (minimum credits, student status). Visit a branch with passport, residency and BSN.
Their edge is the local ecosystem: direct debit (automatische incasso), salary payments and Dutch domestic payments are universally supported.
bunq has no minimum deposit, monthly fees of about EUR 0-3 by tier, and handles everything in-app. For non-residents and people without a BSN yet, it is one of the few open doors.
bunq's strengths are multi-currency sub-accounts and its sustainability positioning; everyday spending and subscriptions are covered. For salary payments and direct debit, a local account is still smoother.
For branch visits: passport, residency permit, BSN and Dutch proof of address; online banks take passport, address proof and a video check.
The most common failures: BSN not yet issued, proof of address in the wrong language, and underestimating how much depends on direct debit — when moving or switching accounts, migrate your automatic payments.
The Dutch citizen service number, issued after you register locally. Local accounts at ING and ABN usually require a BSN; without one, online banks like bunq are the realistic option.
Try bunq: fully online and open to some overseas residents. ING and ABN are conditionally open but usually need a branch visit and residency documents.
ING runs about EUR 0-4 a month and ABN about EUR 0-3, waivable with conditions; bunq is about EUR 0-3 by plan tier. Student accounts are usually discounted.