One of the most frustrating aspects of arriving in the Netherlands is the catch-22 between the BSN (Burger Service Nummer) and a bank account. Your employer needs your bank account number to pay you. Your landlord needs it for rent payments. But most Dutch banks require a BSN before they will open an account — and you usually cannot get a BSN until you have registered at the municipality (gemeente), which in turn can take weeks if you are in temporary housing.
Why this matters
The BSN is the Netherlands' equivalent of a national identification number. Every resident — including expats on work permits — is assigned one when they register at their local gemeente. The problem is the timing: if you arrive in mid-month and your first rent payment is due, or your employer needs bank details on your first day, waiting two to four weeks for BSN registration is not practical.
Option 1: ABN AMRO's expat service
ABN AMRO has a programme specifically for highly skilled migrants (kennismigranten) and their family members that allows accounts to be opened before or shortly after arrival, sometimes without a BSN being immediately required. This works best when your employer is sponsoring your visa and is already in contact with ABN AMRO. Ask your HR department or relocation service whether they have an arrangement with ABN AMRO — many large international companies do.
Option 2: Bunq
Bunq is a Dutch digital bank that, as of 2026, allows residents to open an account with just a valid passport or ID card and a verification selfie. A BSN is not required at the point of application, though you will need to add it once you receive it. Bunq accounts come with a Dutch IBAN (starting with NL), which is important for receiving Dutch salary payments and for setting up Dutch direct debits. The monthly fee starts at €3.99 for the basic plan.
Option 3: N26 or Revolut as a bridge account
If you only need somewhere to receive your first salary payment while you wait for your BSN and a Dutch bank account, N26 (a German bank with a European passport) or Revolut (Lithuanian-registered) can serve as a temporary solution. Both offer free accounts that can be opened quickly with just a passport. The limitation is that they have non-Dutch IBANs, and some Dutch employers and landlords will not accept them. But for bridging a gap of a few weeks, they work.
Option 4: Register at the gemeente as quickly as possible
The most direct solution is to accelerate your BSN registration. Some municipalities offer urgent appointments for new arrivals, particularly if you can demonstrate an employment need. Bring your employment contract, rental agreement, and all original identity documents to the appointment. Once registered, you will receive your BSN within a week, and you can then open a full Dutch bank account.
What to tell your employer
If you are starting a job before you have a Dutch bank account, tell your employer immediately. Most international companies have encountered this situation before and can make an advance payment, hold your first salary for an extra pay cycle, or arrange a wire transfer to a foreign account. It is a manageable situation — the key is communicating it clearly rather than hoping it will resolve itself.
Summary
The fastest path to a Dutch bank account without a BSN is bunq. The best long-term solution is to register at your gemeente as soon as you have a permanent address, get your BSN, and open an account at ABN AMRO or ING. Do not let the circular nature of the problem paralyse you — most expats find a workable solution within their first two weeks.