Best bank accounts for expats in Belgium 2026

While Belgian banks offer a range of options for residents, expats and non-residents may find that eligibility rules and in-person appointments shape what’s available. This guide walks through the main account options for expats in Belgium, helping you understand what’s possible and how to choose an account that meets your needs.

Can I open a Belgian bank account as a non-resident?

Yes, it is possible to open a Belgian, but options are often more limited. Most banks will ask for a Belgian address and a National Registry Number. If you are not a resident yet, international providers like Wise or Revolut are often easier to open as they don’t require Belgian residency to provide you with a EUR IBAN.

Can I open a Belgian bank account online before moving?

Some major banks, such as ING Belgium and KBC Brussels, have dedicated Expat services that allow you to start your application online from abroad. However, you will typically need to visit a branch in person once you arrive to sign the final paperwork and collect your debit card. You will also be expected to provide your Belgian National Registry Number within a set period (usually 90 days) to keep the account fully active.

Can I open a bank account in Belgium without an address?

In most cases, you will need a Belgian address to open a standard bank account, as banks generally require proof of registration and a National Registry Number. Registration with your local commune is usually necessary before a full current account can be approved and fully activated.

Without a Belgian address, options are limited, and Belgian banks rarely open accounts without local registration. However, international providers such as Wise or Revolut may allow you to open an account remotely using foreign identification and online identity verification. These can serve as a temporary solution until you register your address in Belgium and apply for a local bank account.

What is the best Belgian account for expats?

There is no single best Belgian account for every expat, as eligibility and features depend on residency status, documentation, and how you plan to use the account. Belgian banks usually require local registration and a Belgian address, which means many expats only open a bank account after arriving. Before that, or alongside a local bank, specialist providers and international accounts are often used to manage everyday finances and move money across borders. Once settled in Belgium, most people will need a standard Belgian current account to receive a salary, pay rent and household bills and manage everyday spending.

• Wise Account: Multi-currency account for holding, sending, and spending money internationally, commonly used by expats before and after moving to Belgium
• Revolut Account: An app-based multi-currency account with 30+ currencies, debit cards and budgeting tools, suited to everyday spending and travel
• ING Do More Pack: Full-service Belgian current account designed for expats, featuring English-language support, insurance perks and onboarding options from abroad.
• KBC Brussels Plus Account: A standard current account with expat-friendly features, including remote onboarding, two debit cards, and a mobile app available in English.
• Belfius Beats Pulse: A 100% digital, fee-free Belgian payment account that includes a debit card and access to one of the market’s top-rated banking apps.
• Hello Bank! Account: An all-inclusive free mobile account from BNP Paribas Fortis, offering a Visa debit card and innovative payment methods.

Wise account

The Wise account is widely used by expats in Belgium who need to manage money in more than one country. Opening is fully online and possible before arrival, with no requirement for Belgian residency, which makes it useful during the move and while getting set up locally. Wise is not a bank, but a multi-currency account that works well on its own or alongside a Belgian bank account later. Accounts are free to open and come with no monthly maintenance fees.

With Wise, you can hold and exchange 40+ currencies, including euros, and receive money using local or SWIFT account details for selected currencies. International transfers are available to 140+ countries, with transparent fees shown upfront and currency conversion at the mid-market exchange rate. The Wise debit card works in 150+ countries, including Belgium, for everyday spending and ATM withdrawals, with automatic currency conversion when needed.

Revolut account

Revolut offers a digital account used by many expats in Belgium who want app-based money management and multi-currency features in one place. Account opening is online, but eligibility generally requires Belgian residency, which makes Revolut more suitable once you have arrived and registered locally. Personal customers can choose between a free Standard plan or paid plans with monthly fees up to around 70 EUR, depending on features and usage needs.

Accounts allow you to hold and exchange 30+ currencies and include a linked debit card for spending in Belgium and abroad. Currency exchange uses Revolut’s own rate, with plan-based limits on fee-free exchanges and additional charges that may apply once allowances are exceeded or when exchanging at weekends.

Customers who are residents of Belgium can also receive a Belgian IBAN for salary payments and direct debits, while other currencies are received using SWIFT details. English-language app support is available.

ING Do More Pack

ING Belgium is a popular choice for expats who want a full Belgian current account for salary payments, rent and daily spending. The account can be opened through the ING app, and for those moving from neighbouring countries like France or Spain, the process can even be started from abroad before you arrive. Applicants generally need to provide their Belgian National Registry number within a set period after registering locally, but the Do More pack is specifically built to help newcomers get settled with English-language support and local banking features.

When opening a current account, you select the ING Do More payment package, which has a monthly fee of €5. This fee is reduced to €1.90 if you deposit your salary or at least €700 per month from an external source. The package includes unlimited SEPA transfers, purchase protection, and ticket cancellation insurance. The account also provides access to ING+ Deals for cashbacks and discounts with various partners, as well as a discount on home insurance for tenants, which is a common requirement in Belgium.

KBC Brussels Plus Account

KBC Brussels offers a standard current account that is highly accessible for the international community in the capital. You can apply for the account online using a foreign ID before you have a permanent Belgian address or a local identity card. While the application starts digitally, you will need to visit a physical branch in person once you arrive in Belgium to sign your documents and pick up your debit card. The bank provides dedicated English-language support through its app and the KBC Live team to help expats navigate the local system.

The KBC Brussels Plus Account costs €4.25 per month and includes two debit cards that you can personalise with your own photos. The account is managed through a high-end mobile app that features Kate, a digital assistant that helps with daily banking tasks and payments. For those who need more than just basic banking, the package offers a free credit card (subject to approval) and additional digital services like a secure digital safe and compatibility with Apple Pay.

Belfius Beats Pulse

Belfius offers the Beats Pulse account as a 100% digital solution for those who want a fee-free Belgian bank account managed entirely via a smartphone. It is a practical choice for expats who are already settled and registered in Belgium and want a reliable home base for their local euro transactions. The account gives you access to one of the top-rated banking apps on the Belgian market, allowing you to track your spending and manage payments with ease.

Opening an account is free and there are no monthly maintenance fees either. It includes a debit card for spending and withdrawals in Belgium and across the SEPA zone, though it does not support multi-currency features or transfers outside of Europe. While the experience is mainly digital, you still have the option to visit a Belfius office for personal advice from a specialist if you have specific financial needs or questions.

Hello Bank! Account

Hello Bank! is the mobile-first brand of BNP Paribas Fortis, offering an all-inclusive free payment account for residents in Belgium. It is a modern option designed for those who prefer to manage their money on the go, with no monthly fees for standard daily operations. To open an account, you must be a Belgian resident and hold a Belgian ID card, making it a great second step once you have officially moved and received your local residency documents.

The account is free to manage and includes a contactless debit card made from recycled plastic that works on both the Bancontact and Visa networks. It supports innovative payment methods like Wero for instant mobile transfers and works with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Garmin Pay. You can also activate Easy Save, which automatically rounds up your card payments to the nearest euro and puts the difference into a savings account, helping you save money without thinking about it.

How to open a Belgian bank account as a non-resident?

Opening a Belgian bank account as a non-resident is possible, but the process depends on the type of provider you choose. Most Belgian banks require a local address and a National Registry Number, which is a unique identification number of natural persons who are registered in Belgium. In practice, this means many expats open a local current account only after arriving and starting their registration process.

International providers and multi-currency accounts may allow you to open an account online before moving, with fewer local requirements. Many expats utilise one of these accounts temporarily, then open a Belgian current account once they have registered their address and received their residency documents.

Typical steps

• Choose between a Belgian bank or an international provider
• Check whether non-residents are eligible and whether online opening is possible
• Gather the required identity and residency documents
• Apply through the bank’s app, website, or in a branch if required
• Complete identity verification and wait for account approval

Required information and documents

Requirements vary by bank and account type, but the following are commonly requested.

• Passport: Valid photo identification to confirm your identity.
• Residence permit or Annex 15: Proof that you are legally allowed to live or work in Belgium, or the temporary document proving your registration is in progress.
• National Registry Number: Your unique identification number issued by the commune. Some banks allow you to start an application without this initially, provided you supply it within a set period (usually 90 days).
• Proof of address: Confirmation of your registered Belgian address..
• Proof of income or employment: Some banks may request an employment contract, payslips or other income documentation, especially for credit card applications.
• Student confirmation: Required when applying for a student account.

If you are opening a business account, additional documents may include:

• Company name and legal structure
• BCE/KBO registration extract – proof of your company’s registration in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises
• Proof of representation rights

Because requirements differ between providers, it’s worth checking the exact list with the bank or account provider before applying, especially if you are opening an account from abroad.

Do you need a local bank account in Belgium?

A Belgian bank account is not always legally required, but in practice, it usually becomes necessary once you are living in the country. Many everyday payments are built around a local current account, and relying only on a foreign or international account can lead to delays or extra paperwork.

Expats setting up their new life in Belgium will typically need a local account to receive their salary, rent an apartment, set up utilities and health insurance, and manage tax payments. While SEPA regulations mean any EU IBAN should technically be accepted, some employers, landlords and service providers still prefer a Belgian IBAN to avoid administrative hurdles.

Daily spending in Belgium also relies heavily on the Bancontact network. While most places accept Visa or Mastercard, many smaller shops, government offices, and local supermarkets still prefer or exclusively accept Bancontact for debit card payments.

International accounts can be helpful during the transition period, but once you are registered locally and fully settled, opening a Belgian account generally makes managing finances simpler and more practical.

How to move your money to Belgium

Moving money to Belgium can feel complicated if you are relocating internationally for the first time, but there are a few common ways to do it. The right option depends on how much you are moving, how often you need to transfer funds, and whether you want to keep money in more than one currency. Some people move funds in one large transfer, while others prefer a more flexible setup that lets them manage money across countries as they settle in.

Common ways to move your money

• Bank or wire transfer: Money can be sent directly from your existing bank to a Belgian bank account using an international wire or SEPA transfer. Banks such as ING support this once your account is open, but international transfers through banks can be slower and may involve higher fees or less favourable exchange rates.
• Money transfer with a specialist provider: Specialist providers such as Wise focus on international transfers, often with clearer pricing and faster delivery. This option is commonly used to move savings, pay initial living costs, or send money to Belgium before a local bank account is fully set up.
• Multi-currency account: Multi-currency accounts let you hold, convert, and spend money in different currencies from one place. Accounts from providers like Wise or Revolut allow you to keep funds in your home currency, convert to euros when needed, and spend or withdraw money in Belgium using a debit card. This approach can be helpful during the transition period, as it avoids repeated transfers while you are still managing finances across borders.

Useful resources

• Wise Account: Official Wise website with details on multi-currency account features and pricing.
• Revolut: Revolut Belgium plans, fees, and feature limits for residents in Belgium.
• ING Do More Pack: ING Belgium expat services providing an overview of current account packages, monthly fees and opening requirements.
• KBC Brussels Plus Account: Information on account features and eligibility criteria.
• Belfius Beats Pulse: Pricing and features for the free digital payment account and mobile app.
• Hello Bank! Account: Information on the all-inclusive free payment account.