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Belgian banks offer Ukrainian refugees a basic banking service

money
Access to a bank account is essential in order to function in our society. That is why Belgian banks are now offering a basic banking service for residents of Ukraine who have had to leave their country because of the war.
  • The basic banking service allows account holders to carry out basic transactions at a limited cost.
  • The existing identification rules for establishing an ordinary customer relationship also apply to the basic banking service – the bank will ask for a person's first and last name, date and place of birth and place of residence.
  • Asylum seekers, recognised refugees or subsidiary protected persons may prove their identity by means of an identity document issued by the Belgian authorities.
  • Since 7 March 2022, Ukrainian refugees can apply for a certificate of temporary protection that also allows them to use the basic banking service

The outbreak of war in Ukraine is causing untold human suffering and many residents have been forced to leave the country and seek protection within the European Union. Within a short period of time, they therefore have to make arrangements to function as best they can in a totally new environment. Belgian banks are therefore offering a basic banking service that will allow them to open a current account in order to carry out various banking transactions. After all, access to a bank account is essential in order to participate in daily life in our society.

The FAQ is a guide to the provision of basic banking services to refugees and asylum seekers, including the situation for Ukrainian refugees.

What does the basic banking service mean?

When a person is entitled to use the basic banking service, it means that for a limited cost, he/she can open a current account at a Belgian bank to carry out basic transactions such as cash withdrawals, payments by transfer or by debit card and to set up standing orders and direct debits.

Each Belgian credit institution is offering a basic service of this type and it can be obtained by filling in the application form they provide for this purpose.

Who can use the basic banking service?

As long ago as 2016, the banking industry prepared an FAQ containing further information about access to the basic banking service for asylum seekers and recognised refugees. These guidelines, of course, also apply to war refugees from Ukraine.

The existing identification rules for establishing an ordinary customer relationship also apply to the basic banking service: in accordance with the usual procedure in accordance with anti-money laundering legislation, banks are required to identify their customers. They must also be able to provide evidence of their identity and if they cannot do so, offering a basic banking service is not allowed. The bank will ask for the person's first and last name, date and place of birth and (temporary) place of residence.

What official documents give access to the basic banking service?

Asylum seekers, recognised refugees or subsidiary protected persons may prove their identity by means of an identity document issued by the Belgian authorities, such as:

  • proof of registration in the Aliens' Register (residence card A,...);
  • a provisional residence permit or certificate of residence;
  • proof of registration with the Immigration Department.

More information on the necessary official documents for the purpose of the basic banking service can be found in the FAQ.

Since 7 March 2022, Ukrainian refugees (who possess identity documents) can apply for a certificate of temporary protection from the Immigration Department that will also allow them to use the basic banking service. For additional information regarding the certificate of temporary protection, please visit the Immigration Department website.