{"type":"document","data":{"id":"69ebd041-12e8-4915-af01-8242eb13a3d0","localeString":"en-GB","publishDate":"2024-10-23T15:50:09.963+02:00","contentType":"onecms:editorialPage","hasMacro":false,"flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"robotInstruction":{"noIndex":false,"noFollow":false},"description":"ING offers tailored solutions for your personal and professional requirements, including daily banking, loans, savings, investment opportunities, insurance, and retirement planning."},"mainHeaderZone":{"componentType":"editorialHeader","coreHeader":{"title":"How to Open a Bank Account in Belgium: Expat Banking Guide","subtitle":"Are you an expat looking to open a bank account in Belgium?","body":"This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about expat banking in Belgium. From the conditions and required documents to the services offered by various banks in Belgium, we have all the information to help you navigate the process as a non-resident."},"backLink":{"textLink":{"url":"/en/individuals/daily-banking","text":"Daily banking"}},"date":"2024-07-09","readingTime":3},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Can you open a bank account in Belgium when you are an expat?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Of course. If you want to prepare for your expatriation to Belgium and open a bank account before you move, you can do so under certain conditions. These conditions vary depending on the bank. </p><p>At ING, for example, you can open an account as a Belgian non-resident provided that you: </p><ul><li><p>prove that you intend to work in Belgium (employment contract)  </p></li></ul><ul><li><p>come to settle in Belgium, i.e. officially have your residence in Belgium.  </p></li></ul><p>This is subject to acceptance by ING. </p>"}},{"componentType":"highlight","title":"Good to know!","richBody":{"value":"<p>A Belgian non-resident or a non-resident in Belgium? Although the difference may seem tiny, it is in fact very significant. Indeed, a Belgian non-resident is a Belgian who does not live in Belgium, whereas a non-resident in Belgium refers to a person who does not live in Belgium and who does not have Belgian nationality. This refers to the specific case of foreign expatriates who have not yet settled in Belgium but who intend to do so in the near future. Note also that to be considered a Belgian resident, you must have your residence or wealth in Belgium.  </p><p>If you are Belgian and live abroad, you can <a data-type=\"internal\" href=\"/en/individuals/daily-banking/expat-after-departure\">consult this article</a>.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"How do I open a bank account in Belgium as an expat?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>If you do not (or not yet) live in Belgium, you can start preparing your account opening application online, then finalise it in a branch when you arrive.  </p><p>At ING, you can even use your own ID papers if you don’t yet have your Belgian resident card.  Here’s how to do this at ING:</p><ul><li>Before starting the procedure, make sure you have the following supporting documents at hand:<ul><li>your identity papers;</li><li>a proof of your address abroad;</li><li>a proof of your link with Belgium (e.g. a contract with an employer, recurring business, real estate, first-degree family, etc.);</li><li>the CRS (Common Reporting Standard) declaration completed and signed by you (available online).</li><li>You can be asked other questions depending on your personal situation.</li></ul></li><li>Start your request online and finalise it in an ING branch when you arrive. Once your account is open, you will get an IBAN number and a SWIFT/BIC code in a few working days. Once your applications have been accepted, you will be able to order a credit card.  </li></ul><p>However, depending on the situation in certain non-European countries, you may have to finalise your account application at an ING branch. </p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Belgian current account for expats: what services are available?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>You can carry out your usual banking transactions online, except for investing. Only a person who resides in Belgium can avail himself or herself of online banking services to make investments. </p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Which bank to choose in Belgium when you are a non-resident?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Take the time out to compare the services available and the fees for banking products and services.  Check whether the services and/or transactions you usually perform will be accessible to you.</p>"}}]},"complementaryZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Also interesting!"},{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"small","title":"Are you moving soon to Belgium?","intro":"Find here the expat checklist.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/2671d9ca-bad7-4498-ad2a-60763c5fe6f8/prepare-arrival-1920","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/40cd08b80b272fbc/original/prepare-arrival-1920.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"link":{"url":"/en/individuals/daily-banking/expats-prepare-arrival"}},{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"Expats in Belgium","body":"Events, news, documentation","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/73ffcc98-fd4b-45f4-9e53-94ce24a6ef0d/during-your-stay-1920","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/733a27bf3d000943/original/during-your-stay-1920.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2020-12-04","link":{"url":"/en/individuals/daily-banking/expat-during-your-stay-belgium"}}]}]}}}