Skip to content

Payment accounts available for large numbers of Ukrainian refugees

Published on:

Refugees from Ukraine can now quickly open a payment account with banks and other payment service providers after arriving in the Netherlands. Dutch payment account providers are ready to assist large numbers of refugees. A payment account enables them to receive living allowances or wages and pay for everyday essentials. Each payment account comes with an IBAN, a debit card and access to online banking or a mobile app for banking and payments. Transfers to and from other countries are also possible.

Composition of international banknotes with the Ukrainian flag on top, as a visual reference to currency, economy and financial context.

The websites of the Dutch Payments Association and the Dutch Banking Association (NVB) provide practical explanations, advice and instructions. They also link to information from individual payment service providers, such as banks, where refugees can apply for a payment account, with the assistance of a support worker if necessary.

Medy van der Laan, chair of the NVB, said: “For people who came here fearing violence and with very few possessions, it is important that they can lead as normal a life as possible. Access to payments is part of that.” Gijs Boudewijn, managing director of the Dutch Payments Association, said: “Our members have pulled out all the stops to organise this quickly and effectively. We are pleased that we can make this contribution together.”

Valid identity document

The Dutch Payments Association, the NVB and their members have streamlined their processes in consultation with supervisory authorities, the government, municipalities, aid organisations and sector associations to help the large numbers of refugees expected. Payment account providers require a valid Ukrainian biometric passport or identity document and, in many cases, a citizen service number (BSN). Municipalities register Ukrainian refugees when they arrive in the Netherlands and issue them with a BSN.

Refugees who cannot yet open a payment account, for example because they do not have a valid passport, are eligible for a temporary prepaid debit card from the municipality where they are staying. The municipality can load living allowances onto the card, which the cardholder can use in the Netherlands to pay for everyday essentials and make other payments.

European Council implementing decision

The European Council adopted a special implementing decision to support the reception and protection of millions of Ukrainian refugees. Banking supervisors also temporarily relaxed the rules and guidelines for providing payment accounts to refugees from Ukraine, allowing the expected large number of applications to be processed more quickly.

Related articles