A separate business bank account is extremely useful, but the legal answer depends on your structure. For an eenmanszaak, VOF, maatschap or CV it is not generally a statutory requirement; a BV or NV, as a separate legal entity, must keep its finances separate.
Legal requirement versus bank terms
Even when Dutch law does not require a dedicated business account, your bank’s consumer-account terms may prohibit business use. Payment providers and marketplaces can also require a business account. Check both law and the provider’s contract.
What banks commonly ask for
- valid identification;
- KVK registration/extract;
- ownership/UBO information where applicable;
- partnership agreement or articles/shareholder information depending on structure;
- expected countries, customers, transaction flows and source of funds.
Foreign founders
A Dutch company registration does not guarantee that every bank will open an account. Banks perform customer due diligence and set their own acceptance policies. Build banking lead time into a relocation/startup plan.