Banking
Before you can manage payments, pay suppliers, or get paid by clients, you’ll need a dedicated business account. For entrepreneurs and expats setting up in Belgium, it can feel like a challenge if you’re unfamiliar with local banking requirements or applying as a non-resident.

We’re walking you through how to open a business account in Belgium, the best providers for expats and international businesses, and what documents you’ll need to get started. Alongside major banks, we’ll also introduce solutions like Wise Business, which offers multi-currency accounts with no monthly fees, mid-market exchange rates and features to simplify bookkeeping and cross-border payments.
Wise Business allows companies to manage money across borders with 40+ currencies, offering local account details for receiving payments and sending transfers at the mid-market rate with low fees (from 0.47%). Over 700,000 businesses use Wise to reduce costs and admin through integration with software like Xero and QuickBooks, Batch Payments, and business debit cards for low-cost international spending.
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Yes. A foreigner can open a business bank account in Belgium.
A business account is separate from your personal account and is used to manage your company’s financial transactions. For incorporated companies such as an SRL (formerly SPRL) or SA, opening a business account is mandatory, as you’ll need to deposit your share capital before registering with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises.
For freelancers and sole proprietors, a business account is not legally required, but it’s still recommended to keep business and personal expenses separate.
Foreign entrepreneurs can open a Belgian business account, although the process can be more complex for non-residents. Most banks, such as BNP Paribas Fortis, KBC Brussels, ING Belgium and Belfius, require a Belgian company registration number (BCE/KBO) and proof of a local address. However, digital providers like Wise Business or Revolut Business offer simpler online alternatives for expats and international companies that need to hold and receive multiple currencies without visiting a branch.
In the next section, we’ll introduce the providers that are most accessible for non-residents and explain how to navigate the procedure step by step.
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If you already hold an IBAN from a bank within the SEPA zone, you don’t need to open another separate account in Belgium. Many businesses continue to use their existing SEPA account for payments across the euro area without any issues.
To help you choose the best business bank account in Belgium for your needs, we’ve compared a mix of established Belgian banks and specialist providers. We’ll look at options suited to expats, non-residents, freelancers and international businesses who need accounts that go beyond just euro transactions.
Methodology: We looked at accounts that balance affordability with features that matter for global entrepreneurs, including:
Choosing a suitable business account can save money, simplify financial admin, and make cross-border business easier. Belgium’s banking landscape combines traditional full-service banks with newer fintechs, giving international entrepreneurs more choice than ever.
Alongside well-known names like KBC Brussels and BNP Paribas Fortis, we’ve also included non-bank services such as Wise Business and Revolut that give companies a more convenient way to handle payments and accounting.
Here’s a comparison on important features and fees, with more detail on each option right after.
| Provider | Monthly fee | Availability for non-residents | International transfer fees / Foreign transaction fees | Currency support | Security | Ease of use & key features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise Business | Free to open, no monthly fees | Yes | Transparent fees from 0.47%, mid-market exchange rate | 40+ currencies including EUR, USD, GBP | Safeguarded funds, 2-factor authentication and encryption | Fast digital onboarding, accounting integrations and debit cards for teams |
| Revolut Business | From 10 EUR (Basic), 30 EUR (Grow), 90 EUR (Scale), Enterprise (custom) | Yes | No-fee allowance depends on your chosen plan (0 with Basic, 5 with Grow, 25 with Scale). 0.6% fee above fair usage 1% weekend markup on FX | Hold, send and exchange 25+ currencies Hold up to 34 currencies in the Revolut multi-currency account | Biometric security, 2-factor authentication and encryption | Physical and virtual cards for you and your team, transfer to up to 150+ destinations, 24/7 customer support, accounting and HR software integration |
| BNP Paribas Fortis Business Account | From 6 EUR per quarter (Pro Current Account), 11.25 EUR per quarter (Essential Pro), 37.50 EUR per quarter (Flex Pro) | Yes | SEPA transfers are free of charge Non-SEPA international transfers 1.21 % (min 9.68 EUR, max 145.20 EUR) + 1 EUR Swift fee | Euro | High, bank-level security, including 2-factor authentication and biometric login options | Easy Banking Business online platform, professional debit and credit cards that are usable across Europe, upgradeable packs for growing businesses |
| ING Belgium Professional Account | 7 EUR/month (excl. VAT) – free for 12 months for eligible start-ups | Yes | SEPA transfers are free Non-SEPA transfers are 0.12% of the amount (min 12 EUR, max 120 EUR) + correspondent bank fees | EUR and selected foreign currencies | Bank-grade security with strong authentication and encryption for Business’Bank and app access | Unlimited account and mandate holders, 2 free debit cards, ING Invoice Manager and ING Checkout tools, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Payconiq supported |
| KBC Brussels Business Pro Account | 45 EUR per year or 60 EUR per year with a credit card | Yes | Free SEPA transfers Standard KBC international fees apply for non-SEPA or FX transfers (typically around 0.121% + correspondent costs) | EUR | Bank-level security with 2-factor authentication and secure online banking access | Free personal account via Twin Package, Mastercard Business Essential credit card, unlimited transactions and 24/7 support from KBC Brussels Live |
| Satchel Business Account | EU: 35 EUR/month + 375 EUR setup; Non-EU: 50 EUR/month + 1,075 EUR setup | Yes | Free SEPA transfers, Swift outgoing 0.5% (min 15 EUR, max 350 EUR), incoming 0.2% (min 10 EUR, max 100 EUR) | 38 currencies | Funds are safeguarded by the Bank of Lithuania, segregated accounts, 3D Secure, 2FA, and advanced anti-fraud systems | Fully digital account with remote onboarding, physical and virtual Mastercard cards, payroll and API integrations, batch payments |
Here are the details of the six providers we highlighted above, with key information on their fees, features and suitability for expats and non-residents.

Great for: International businesses that want a low-cost, multi-currency account with no monthly fees.
A Wise Business account is designed for freelancers and companies that trade globally. You can hold and manage 40+ currencies and get account details in 24 currencies, including EUR, USD, GBP and AUD, so overseas clients can pay you like a domestic transfer.
When it comes to payments, Wise offers transparent fees starting from 0.47%, with transfers often arriving instantly or within an hour, and you’ll always get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup. Business debit cards are available for you and your team, so you can spend internationally in 150+ countries without foreign transaction fees, and integrations with accounting platforms like Xero and QuickBooks make admin and tax season easier.
Great for: Businesses that want a flexible, digital-first account with multi-currency support.
Revolut Business gives companies an all-in-one platform to manage payments, expenses and team spending. You can open a business account to hold, convert, send and receive money in over 25 currencies at the interbank rate within your plan allowance and receive funds using European IBAN and SWIFT/BIC details. Customers can also open a multi-currency account, which holds up to 34 currencies.
Plans scale with your business, from affordable options for small teams to advanced packages with bulk payments and expense management. The app also connects with accounting and HR platforms to keep your bookkeeping and payroll organised in one place.
Great for: Entrepreneurs and companies who prefer a traditional Belgian bank with in-branch service and several account options.
BNP Paribas Fortis offers a range of business banking solutions for natural and legal persons, including freelancers, sole traders and incorporated companies. The Pro Current Account is ideal for everyday business payments, while the Essential Pro and Flex Pro packs include extra services such as debit and credit cards, multiple accounts and online accounting reports.
Each account comes with access to Easy Banking Business, where you can make payments, view transactions and manage cash flow online or in branch. Business debit and credit cards allow payments and withdrawals across Europe, and you can upgrade your plan as your company grows.
Great for: Self-employed individuals and sole proprietors who want a flexible Belgian business account with full digital access.
ING Belgium offers several business banking options, including the Professional Account for the self-employed, the Company Account for incorporated businesses, and a Start-up Package for new entrepreneurs.
The Professional Account is the most popular choice for freelancers and sole proprietors and comes with a debit card, 12 free manual transactions and access to Business’Bank and the ING Banking app, so you can manage payments in euros and other currencies from anywhere.
You can have unlimited account and mandate holders, and benefit from tools like ING Invoice Manager for e-invoicing and ING Checkout for accepting online payments. Payments via Bancontact, Mastercard Debit, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Payconiq are also supported.
If you are an expat running a small operation, you might prefer a bundled approach. The ING Extra Pack (€19.90/month) offers exceptional personal banking with travel insurance and a 1% Easy Invest bonus, and critically includes the ING Professional Current Account free for the first year, providing excellent value for new business owners.
💡 Great for: Self-employed professionals and businesses who want an affordable, local business account with reliable online banking tools.
The KBC Brussels Business PRO Account is designed for entrepreneurs who want to manage payments efficiently and keep business and personal finances separate. While the account has an annual 45 EUR fee, it comes with a free personal account through the Twin Package deal, online and mobile banking, and unlimited euro transactions.
You can also choose to add a Mastercard Business Essential Credit Card for an additional fee to pay and withdraw cash worldwide, set custom spending limits and manage expenses digitally. The account operates in euros but supports payments in other currencies at KBC’s standard exchange rate, and additional debit cards are available for 9 EUR per year.
Great for:EU and non-EU entrepreneurs who want a digital-first, multi-currency business account they can open remotely.
Satchel offers a simple way to open a Belgian business account online without visiting a branch. Accounts come with a unique European IBAN, SEPA and SWIFT support in up to 38 currencies, and physical or virtual Mastercard business cards. Both EU and non-EU residents can apply, making it one of the most accessible options for international founders.
However, while opening an account is fairly straightforward, fees are relatively high and depend on residency. EU clients pay 375 EUR to open and 35 EUR per month to maintain, while non-EU clients are charged 1,075 EUR to open, 50 EUR per month to maintain the account and are required to hold a minimum balance of 750 EUR. SEPA transfers are free, but SWIFT payments carry additional costs.
Selecting the right business account matters because it affects your daily operations, including how easily you can pay or get paid, and the long-term costs of running your company. Belgium’s business banking scene combines large branch banks with digital fintech providers, meaning you can pick from established accounts, or modern services with more international features.
When comparing your options, here are some areas to look at:

The process for opening a business account in Belgium can vary slightly between banks and fintech providers, but most follow a similar structure.
A business account is legally required for incorporated companies such as an SRL or SA, as you’ll need to deposit your share capital before registering with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (Banque-Carrefour des Entreprises / Kruispuntbank van Ondernemingen, BCE/KBO).
Freelancers and sole proprietors don’t have a legal obligation to open a business account, but it’s strongly recommended to keep business and personal transactions separate.
Non-residents can open a Belgian business account, but the process is often simpler with digital providers like Wise Business, Revolut Business, or Satchel, which allow online onboarding and multi-currency accounts. Banks usually require a Belgian company registration number and a local business address.
Exact requirements vary by provider, but you should expect to provide:
If you’re a non-EU resident, additional paperwork such as residence permits or visa documentation might also be requested.
Major Belgian banks like BNP Paribas Fortis, ING Belgium and KBC Brussels often require company representatives to apply in person or through a video verification process.
Providers such as Wise and Satchel offer 100% digital onboarding, meaning you can upload documents online and verify your identity remotely.
Once your account is approved, you’ll receive your IBAN immediately (in many digital banks) or within a few days, and cards are mailed to your registered address. Incorporated companies must also deposit their share capital to finalise business registration.
Banks and providers in Belgium require different documents depending on the type of company you operate. Having these ready helps your application go faster.
Requirements may vary slightly between banks, so it’s worth checking in advance which documents your chosen provider expects.
A dedicated business account helps keep your finances organised and avoids mixing personal and professional spending. For incorporated businesses it’s a legal requirement, but freelancers and sole traders also gain from the extra clarity. It makes tax reporting simpler and gives the local tax office a clear picture of your cash flow. It can also go a long way in helping you appear more professional when dealing with clients or partners.
Business owners in Belgium can choose between conventional banks with established branch networks and specialist digital providers that simplify international payments and admin. The right account depends on your company’s legal form, your residency status and whether you prioritise in-person service, low fees, or multi-currency support.
If you prefer branch support, cash handling and tailored advice, banks like BNP Paribas Fortis, KBC Brussels, or ING Belgium offer full-service options. But if your business works with international clients and suppliers, a provider like Wise Business can save you time and money with transparent fees, 40+ supported currencies and the mid-market exchange rate.
Yes, non-residents can open a Belgian business bank account, though the process can be more complex than for residents. Traditional banks like BNP Paribas Fortis, ING Belgium and KBC Brussels usually require a Belgian company registration number (BCE/KBO) and proof of a local address. You may also be asked for certified translations of your documents or to attend an in-person appointment.
Digital providers, like Wise Business, offer more flexible options for non-residents, allowing accounts to be opened fully online with standard ID, business registration details, and proof of address from your home country.
Using a personal account for business can work at the very start for sole traders or freelancers with minimal transactions. But mixing personal and business payments creates accounting headaches and risks tax issues. Small banks can also sometimes refuse business-related transactions on private accounts. Once your business activity and turnover grows, a separate business account is the logical next step.
The cheapest options tend to be fintech/digital providers, with many offering zero monthly fees or very low fees, especially for simpler plans with fewer features. Banks often charge monthly maintenance fees, so it’s always worth comparing providers to help you find the best and cheapest option for your business type.
Most digital providers like Wise or Revolut don’t require a deposit to open an account. However, Satchel, for example, charges a one-time setup fee (375 EUR for EU customers or 1,075 EUR for non-EU customers). More established corporate banks may ask for a small opening balance, and incorporated companies will need to deposit their share capital before registration.
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