How it works
- Opening a local bank account can be done online depending on your nationality.
- In all cases at least one face-to-face meeting with a bank employee is needed to make the account fully operational.
- Your employer will need your bank account information in order to pay your salary.
- Choose a bank that has special expat services for internationals in Belgium.
Opening a local bank account
The steps you follow depend on whether or not you have a Belgian residence permit.
Without a Belgian residence permit
- Contact a bank (online or in a branch) with the necessary documents:
- National ID card or passport,
- Copy/scan of your rental contract in Belgium (lease contract) if already available (otherwise a document confirming your last legal address before coming to Belgium),
- Confirmation document that contains proof you are coming to live in Belgium (your work contract for example).
- Once all the documents have been submitted to the bank, count on 2 working days for the account to be set-up and active, and about a week for the bank card to arrive.
With a Belgian residence permit
- Contact a bank (online or in a branch) with your Belgian residence permit.
- Count on 1 to 2 working days for the account to be set-up and active, and about a week for the bank card to arrive.
Banks with expat services
These Belgian banks have a specialized Expat desk:
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