How to Open a Bank Account in Belgium

Opening a bank account in Belgium is an important practical step for many people planning to live in the country.

Although Belgium does not require its citizens or residents to deal using bank cards, the process of opening a bank account will make it easier for you to receive your monthly salary, pay any bills or taxes, or settle any obligations that require a bank account.

You can follow our article on Europedia Encyclopedia 24 europedia24.com to learn about all the steps you need to open a bank account in Belgium, as well as the conditions and papers that must be met.

We will also provide you with a list of the most important banks in Belgium through which you can create your bank account, whether by going to the bank yourself or by opening your bank account online.

Not only that, but we will show you the details of the types of bank accounts approved in Belgian banks, and the steps followed to create the account in detail, so follow along with us.

Types of bank accounts in Belgium

Before we learn how to open a bank account in Belgium, let us first discuss the types of accounts available in Belgian banks and available to residents and non-residents of the country, Arabs and foreigners in particular.

Choosing the type of bank account through which you will conduct your banking transactions on a daily basis is an important step so that you can properly enjoy its features.

Belgian banks offer many types of accounts, each of which has a number of features to suit the purpose for which you want to obtain a bank account.

Of course, the purpose of opening a bank account varies whether this account is for individuals or is opened as a corporate account, and its type is determined on the basis of that.

The types of bank accounts that Arabs can open in Belgium include the following types:

• Basic Current Account:

You can open a basic current account in Belgium completely free of charge without having to pay any monthly fees, which will help you with cash withdrawals and basic daily payments.

This type of bank account in Belgium is not linked to a credit card, but it can be linked to a direct debit card, and a small fee is deducted when requesting the issuance of an additional card for the same account or during cash withdrawals and payments on the Internet.

• Premium Current Account:

The premium current account differs from the basic one in that a monthly fee is paid after it is issued. In addition, it enables you to obtain a credit card, allows you to convert between currencies, and you can issue one additional card for free.

• Bulk Accounts:

Pooled accounts in Belgium are accounts where you can collect all your bank-related finances in one account, such as your credit cards and insurance information.

In order to be able to open a pooled account in Belgium, you will have to pay monthly fees, which are somewhat higher than other types of accounts.

• Savings Accounts:

The savings account systems provided by Belgian banks allow you to save sums of money for a number of years and for any purpose you want, whether to buy a house or secure school and university expenses for children.

After you create this type of account, you can also withdraw your money from it as soon as 24 hours have passed if you wish, without facing any obstacles.

• External accounts:

The types of external accounts provided by Belgium are considered very suitable for Arab communities and people who travel frequently.

An external account enables you to transfer money to any country you want repeatedly and in any currency. Also, the taxes imposed on this type of account are lower than those imposed on other types of accounts.

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Best bank in Belgium to open an account for non-residents

Opening a bank account in Belgium is one of the necessary and important things that you must do, whether you are an expatriate to the country or want to move there.

Having a bank account will make it easier for you to make all the daily or monthly payments and cash withdrawals that you will need.

Although Belgium opens bank accounts for people in reception centers through Belfius Bank, this account only enables you to receive your monthly expenses from the state through it.

You cannot use the asylum salary account to transfer money or receive monthly salaries.

Names of banks in Belgium

Here is a list of the best banks through which you can open a bank account in Belgium for non-residents and expatriates to the country. They are the following banks:

BANK

ING Bank is one of the banks that provides a website in more than one language, the most important of which are English, German, and Dutch.

You can also open a bank account in Belgium through ING Bank without paying any fees. It also has all types of accounts that you can choose from, in addition to the fact that the bank itself has more than 700 branches throughout the country.

You can enjoy the services provided by ING Bank through its electronic platform through the following link:

ING Bank website

BNP Paribas Fortis

BNP Paribas Fortis Bank is considered one of the largest banks in Belgium, and provides the possibility of opening bank accounts for clients, whether individuals or companies.

You can make deposits and withdrawals through more than 3,700 ATMs available within the country and affiliated with BNP Paribas.

The bank also provides the possibility of opening a bank account in Belgium for free for people who have not reached the age of 18, and for a 3 euro monthly fee for those who are older.

You can access the BNP Paribas Fortis website and browse it in English, Dutch or German through the following link:

BNP Paribas Fortis website

Belfius Bank Belgium Belfius

Belfius Bank Belgium is the most famous bank among Arabs and expatriates in Belgium, as accounts are opened for people in reception centers through it as soon as they arrive there.

Belfuis Bank is considered one of the largest banks in the country. It was established in 2011 and has provided many distinguished banking services to its customers over all these years.

You can learn about the services of Belfius Bank Belgium and access its website through the following link:

Belfius Bank Belgium website Belfius

Bank KBC

KBC Bank enables young people who are not more than 24 years old to open an account for free, and it also provides an electronic platform available in English, Dutch, and German.

You can access the KBC Bank electronic platform through the following link:

KBC Bank website

These banks are considered among the best banks that provide many privileges to anyone who wishes to open a bank account in Belgium through them.

All you have to do to open the account is go to the bank you have chosen and specify the type of account, of course after providing all the required papers and documents, the most important of which are your passport and residence information.

How to open a bank account in Belgium online

If you need to open a bank account in Belgium online that will save you from carrying out all your financial obligations once you arrive in the country or even before traveling there, you can rest assured that this feature is provided by many large Belgian banks through their websites and through several simple steps.

You can open a bank account in Belgium very easily through the electronic platforms of one of the following banks:

• Belfius Bank.
• BNP Paribas Fortis.
• Crédit Agricole Bank.
• ING Bank.
• KBC Bank.
• Argenta Bank.
• Bank or Postal Bank.
• AXA Bank.

Steps for opening a bank account in Belgium online

All you have to do to be able to open a bank account in Belgium online is to do the following steps:

1. First, choose the bank you want to open the account with, then enter its electronic platform.
2. Learn about the types of accounts provided by the bank you have chosen, after you click on the icon for the Personal Accounts or Individual Accounts section, and choose the type of account that is appropriate for you.
3. Click on the “Open a New Account” icon to be able to fill out the application form, which usually includes the following data:
   • Full name.
   • date of birth.
   • Residence address.
   • Mobile number.
   • Passport number.
   • The number recorded on your residence data.
4. You will find an icon for uploading the documents required to open a bank account in Belgium. Click on it to attach the documents.
5. Sign the bank agreement, which includes agreeing to all its terms and conditions, which may be sent via your email.
6. The bank may ask you to deposit some money into your new account so that you can complete all the required procedures.

How to open a bank account in Belgium for non-residents?

All you have to do in order to open a bank account in Belgium for non-residents is to choose the bank you want to deal with from among the group of banks that we mentioned in this article, which are considered among the largest banks such as Belfius Bank, ING Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis, and others.

Then log in to the electronic platform of the bank you have chosen and click on the open new account icon after selecting the type and attaching all the required documents and signing an agreement with the bank to abide by the terms and laws that it specifies for its clients.

Documents required to open a bank account in Belgium

To open a bank account in Belgium, you must provide some documents required by the bank, whether you are a resident or a non-resident of the country. These papers include the following:

• A clear copy of a valid passport proving the identity of the account holder.
• Proof of legal residency in Belgium, proving the address where you currently reside.
• Some banks require documents proving work or study in Belgium.
• An official document proving the date of birth of the account holder.

Frequently asked questions about opening a bank account in Belgium

A concise answer based on search intent

Opening a bank account in Belgium is one of the important matters that you must be fully aware of, especially if you intend to immigrate to this beautiful European country. In summary: This guide helps you understand the topic in Belgium, explaining what to check before making a practical decision.

How to use this information with confidence

The value here is not only in displaying information, but in linking it to an actionable step: Do you need to make a reservation, submit an order, compare a cost, review a legal requirement, or confirm with an official body? So we added verification points and direct sources that reduce the possibility of error.

Checks to make before deciding

• Separate the general numbers from what applies to you by income, city, and type of residence.
• Check taxes, support or insurance from the official body before making a financial decision.
• Keep documents and invoices if it is a claim, deduction or compensation.

Official sources and trusted references

• Federal Public Service Finance
• Belgium.be

Frequently asked questions

Do the details differ within Belgium from one city or destination to another?

Yes, many practical details may differ depending on the city, institution, or type of request, so you must refer to the source responsible for your specific case.

Can you rely on this article alone?

The article helps you understand the picture and take a more conscious step, but it does not replace the official source or specialized advice if the decision is legal, financial, or academic.

Editorial note: This content was editorially revised on July 11, 2026 to add a clearer answer to the researcher’s intent, authoritative sources, and practical checkpoints that enhance trust and expertise.

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