Do I need a Dutch bank account to work in the Netherlands?

If you’re moving to the Netherlands for work, you might be wondering if having a Dutch bank account is necessary.

While it’s not mandatory to open a local bank account as a working professional in the Netherlands, having one can make your life much easier.

Let’s dive into why!

Am I legally required to have a Dutch bank account to work in the Netherlands?

No, you’re not legally obligated to open a Dutch bank account if you work here.

On paper, if you’ve got a European IBAN (International Bank Account Number) and your bank supports SEPA transfers, you’re fully equipped to make transactions within the Netherlands.

However, like riding a bicycle around Amsterdam during rush hour, there’s a difference between what’s legally allowed and what’s accepted.

For example, IBAN discrimination, or the inability to make transactions between banks in EU member states, is technically illegal. Unfortunately, in practice, some Dutch employers and payroll services may refuse to accept your non-Dutch bank IBAN.

In addition to this, many popular Dutch payment systems just aren’t equipped to deal with foreign bank accounts.

Why it’s handy to have a Dutch bank account for work

If you want to avoid the digital headache of having your foreign IBAN or bank card rejected, opting for a Dutch bank account is a great idea.

First and foremost, a Dutch IBAN ensures that you get paid quickly and reliably. Many other work-related essentials, like a local mobile number and a public transport card, will also require a local IBAN.

Most importantly, however, your Dutch bank account will come in handy when tax season rolls around.

Whether you’re setting up payments with the Belastingdienst, receiving a tax refund, or going over things with an accountant, having a local account simplifies the process.

Plus, employers often prefer Dutch bank accounts

And here’s the real tea: even if Dutch employers can make transactions to your foreign bank account, they may not always want to.

Many employers tend to use payroll systems that are optimised for local bank-to-bank transfers, and foreign IBANs may get auto-rejected.

Payments to non-Dutch banks can also take much longer to process, especially if your bank is outside of the Eurozone or doesn’t support SEPA transfers.

In addition to this, payments to non-EU banks may also involve additional fees and require extra information for tax compliance, which can be a real administrative headache.

While it might initially seem more convenient to use your foreign bank account while working in the Netherlands, dealing with a non-Dutch IBAN might be more hassle than it’s worth.

What has your experience of using a foreign bank in the Netherlands been like? Share your experience in the comments below!