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.
At ING, non-residents can apply to open a bank account if they can demonstrate a clear link with Belgium, such as:
an employment contract with a Belgian employer,
recurring professional or business activities in Belgium,
ownership of real estate in Belgium,
close family ties in Belgium.
This is subject to acceptance by ING.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Start your account opening as an expat"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Not sure where to begin?
The simulator guides you to the most efficient way to start your current account application, based on your country of residence and personal situation.
"}},{"componentType":"feature","featureName":"expat-wizard"},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"A non-resident in Belgium refers to a foreign national 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. To be considered a Belgian resident, you must have your residence or wealth in Belgium.
Belgian non-resident is a Belgian who does not live in Belgium. If you are Belgian and live abroad, you can consult this article.
"},"title":"What is the difference between a Belgian non‑resident and a non‑resident in Belgium?"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"How to open a bank account in Belgium as a non‑resident"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"If you do not (or not yet) live in Belgium, you can start preparing your account opening application online.
In most cases, the application is finalised once you arrive in Belgium, during a face‑to‑face appointment in an ING branch.
However, residents of France, Germany, Spain and Luxembourg may be able to complete the entire account opening process digitally via the ING Banking app or Home’Bank.
If you do not yet have a Belgian residence card, you can use your foreign identity documents.
"},"title":"Opening a bank account before moving to Belgium"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"ING may request additional documents depending on your personal situation.
"},"title":"Required documents"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Non‑residents can prepare their account opening online.
Final verification and identification usually take place during a face‑to‑face appointment in an ING branch.
Residents of France, Germany, Spain and Luxembourg may be able to complete this step digitally via the ING Banking app or Home’Bank.
Once your account is open, you will get an IBAN number and a SWIFT/BIC code, allowing you to receive a local salary and make payments in Belgium. Once your applications have been accepted, you will be able to order a credit card.
Use the simulator to find the most efficient way to start your ING current account application based on your country of residence.
"},"title":"Online vs branch account opening"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What banking services are available to non-residents?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"As a non-resident, you can carry out your usual banking transactions online, including payments and transfers.
However, online investment services are only available to customers who are registered as residents in Belgium.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Which bank should non‑residents choose in Belgium?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"When choosing a bank in Belgium as a non‑resident, it is important to compare:
Planning ahead ensures a smoother financial start in Belgium.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Prepare your ING bank account online before arrival and gain time once you settle in Belgium.
"},"title":"Planning your move to Belgium?"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Frequently asked questions about opening a bank account in Belgium"},{"accordionList":[{"richBody":{"value":"Yes, non‑residents can open a bank account in Belgium, provided certain conditions are met. Banks must verify a clear link with Belgium, such as:
At ING, account opening for non‑residents takes place in a Belgian branch (face‑to‑face appointment required) and is subject to acceptance after document review.
"},"title":"Can non residents open a bank account in Belgium?"},{"richBody":{"value":"No. You can start preparing a bank account before moving to Belgium, provided the required conditions and documents are met.
"},"title":"Do I need to live in Belgium to open a bank account?"},{"richBody":{"value":"Banks typically require ID, proof of address, proof of link with Belgium and a CRS declaration. Exact documents depend on your residency status.
"},"title":"What documents are required to open a bank account in Belgium?"},{"richBody":{"value":"A non‑resident in Belgium is someone who:
This typically includes expats who plan to move to Belgium but have not completed local registration yet.
"},"title":"What is considered a non resident in Belgium?"},{"richBody":{"value":"Yes, having local registration can make the process easier. However, using ING’s online preparation flow before arrival helps save time and allows you to start your banking setup in advance.
"},"title":"Is it easier to open a bank account after moving to Belgium?"},{"richBody":{"value":"Yes. A Belgian national number is not required to open an account initially. You must, however, provide it within 90 days after account opening once you receive your Belgian residence card or permit.
(This requirement does not apply to diplomats, NATO staff or EU institution employees.)
"},"title":"Can I open a bank account without a Belgian national number?"},{"richBody":{"value":"You can still open an account if you provide an acceptable temporary address, such as:
Hotels or Airbnb bookings are not accepted as proof of address.
For diplomats, EU officials and NATO staff, an official certificate confirming the address is accepted.