Yes, you can open a USD business bank account for your Netherlands BV — fully remotely, without a resident director in the Netherlands. Hollis & Co. provides FDIC-insured USD accounts for Dutch BV entities through Column N.A., Member FDIC.
Why Netherlands companies need a USD bank account
Dutch BVs are popular among international founders for their flexibility, credibility, and access to European markets — but many of those founders invoice in USD, work with US clients, and hold capital in dollars. A USD business account under your BV lets you receive USD payments directly, pay international vendors without currency conversion friction, and connect your Dutch entity to US-based payment platforms. It also keeps USD operating funds clearly separated from your EUR accounts.
The problem with traditional banks
Banking for a Dutch BV as a non-resident founder involves friction that doesn't get talked about enough.
- BVs legally require a bank account during incorporation: The notary completing your BV formation needs confirmation that the statutory capital (minimum €0.01, practically higher) has been deposited. This is a formation account, separate from your ongoing operating account — and finding a bank willing to provide it is the first hurdle for non-residents.
- Dutch banks expect a resident director or local business activity: ABN AMRO, ING, and Rabobank all typically require a resident director or demonstrable Dutch economic activity before opening a full business account.
- Legalized and translated documents required: Dutch banks often require documentation to be apostilled or legalized and translated into Dutch, adding cost and time.
- Registered Dutch address is required and verified: A registered office address alone may not satisfy banks looking for genuine Dutch presence.
- Timeline varies wildly: Some applications complete in a day; others take weeks, especially for non-residents or non-EU directors.
What documents you need
- 1Articles of Association and Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Dutch notary
- 2KVK Trade Register extract with your company's registration number (from the Kamer van Koophandel)
- 3Government-issued photo ID and proof of residential address for every director, shareholder, and UBO
- 4Dutch VAT (BTW) number, if your company is already VAT-registered and applicable to your application
How to open a USD account for your Netherlands BV
- Complete your BV formation first. Ensure your notary has finalized the Articles of Association and your company is registered in the KVK Trade Register.
- Gather KYC materials for all individuals. Passports and proof of address within 90 days for every director, shareholder, and UBO.
- Apply with Hollis & Co. Submit your application fully remotely — no branch visit, no Dutch-resident director requirement, no in-person verification.
- Get approved and start banking. Complete applications are reviewed in days. Your Hollis USD account is your operating USD account — separate from any statutory capital deposit account your notary required during formation.
How long does it take?
Dutch banks can take anywhere from several days to several weeks for non-resident directors, with legalization and translation requirements adding unpredictable delays. Hollis & Co. processes complete applications in days. Note that your Hollis account is a US-based USD operating account — it doesn't replace any notary capital deposit process during BV formation.
How much does it cost?
Hollis & Co. charges a $500 setup fee and a $400 annual fee for Netherlands BV companies. There is no minimum deposit required to open or maintain the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Dutch BV need a Netherlands-resident director to open a USD bank account?
Not with Hollis & Co. Dutch company law requires at least one director of the BV, but Hollis & Co. does not require that director to be resident in the Netherlands for account opening purposes.
Can I use a Hollis USD account to satisfy the notary capital deposit requirement when forming a BV?
No. The notary capital deposit during BV formation typically requires a Dutch or EU bank account. A Hollis USD account is your operating USD account for day-to-day business — it complements your Dutch banking setup but doesn't replace the formation account.
Is a Dutch registered office address enough, or do I need a physical Dutch office?
For the Hollis application, your KVK registration and registered office address are sufficient. You don't need a physical Dutch office to open a USD account with Hollis & Co.