Dutch bank account, refund living expenses, student finance and DigiD

If you will be living in the Netherlands for a longer period of time, it might be convenient to open a Dutch bank account. In the Netherlands it’s more common to use a Maestro Debit card instead of a credit card. Still many grocery shops do not even accept credit cards and cash money is becoming less accepted. Students from these (SEPA) countries can use their current bank account(s) in the Netherlands as long as it has a Maestro debit card. As you can only open a bank account once you have received your BSN number from the municipality where you have registered yourself as a resident, it can take a while before you will actually have a Dutch bank account. So please take this into account in your preparations. Requirements of opening a bank account • The minimum age to open a bank account is 18 years; • You need to have a BSN number; • Study period in the Netherlands is longer than 6 months. Students under 18 Students who are younger than 18 years can open a bank account but a parent must be present at the appointment for opening a bank account. Below are several banks that we know offer good services to international students. Of course you are free to open a bank account with a bank of your choice. • ABN AMRO (possibility to open a bank account without needing a physical appointment) • ING Online Banking If you do need to open a bank account fast, you could choose to open a (temporary) bank account with an online bank such as BUNQ or N26.

Students who required a visa to enter the Netherlands had to transfer a certain amount to HZ, in order to prove to the IND that you have sufficient financial resources for living expenses (this doesn’t apply to exchange students). Once you are in the Netherlands and have opened a Dutch bank account, HZ will transfer the amount of the living expenses back to you. To arrange this, you must submit a request to the Financial Department by email fin@hz.nl. Please include the following documents: - (A copy of) your Dutch bank account contract, - (A copy of) your bank card and - (A copy of) your student card You can only open a bank account once you have received your BSN number from the municipality where you have registered yourself as a resident, it can take a while before you will actually have a Dutch bank account. So please take this into account in your preparations. In case you need help with insurance matters please contact the International Students Service Point (ISSP).