Expat in the Netherlands? We arrange your mortgage from start to finish

Yes! As an expat you can absolutely apply for a mortgage in the Netherlands. You’ll need to meet certain conditions, such as being registered in the Netherlands (having a BSN), having income (employed or self-employed), and in non-EU cases a valid residence permit.

Yes, in many cases you can. Many expats buy a home to live in, especially because renting can be expensive and competitive. If your situation changes and you decide to move abroad or upgrade to another home, you may be able to convert your mortgage to a rental situation. Rules and lender conditions apply, but we can guide you through this process and advise you on the best way to restructure or convert your loan when the time comes. We’re also happy to advise you on buy-to-let options and the lenders that are open to expat investors.

A mortgage intermediary offers access to a wide range of lenders instead of just one bank, ensuring you get the best match in terms of interest rate and conditions. For expats, the added value is even greater: we understand international documents, residence permits and employer structures, and we help prepare your file so it meets Dutch lender requirements. We also handle communication with lenders, answer their questions and guide you through every step. This makes the process faster, clearer and far more efficient than managing everything on your own with a single bank.

A permanent contract helps, but many lenders accept a temporary contract if you have a letter of intent from your employer. For non-EU/EEA expats, you need a valid residence permit that meets certain criteria; some lenders are stricter than others.

Important documents include: passport/ID, BSN, residence permit (if required), employment contract, recent payslips, bank statements, proof of savings and any 30% ruling letter. Documents not in Dutch/English may need translation or certification.

In addition to the mortgage itself, there are several one-time costs involved when buying a home in the Netherlands. These typically include transfer tax, notary fees, an appraisal report, possible purchase agent fees, and mortgage advisory costs. Most of these expenses need to be paid from your own savings, as lenders generally do not finance them. We will give you a clear overview of the expected costs based on your personal situation and the property you are considering.

Typically, the mortgage process takes around four weeks once your application is submitted and all required documents are complete. For expats, gathering international documentation and meeting specific lender requirements can sometimes take a little longer, so preparing your documents early can help keep the process smooth and efficient.

Existing debts matter. Dutch lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio, and some types of debt (even abroad) will reduce the amount you can borrow. It’s important to be transparent about any financial obligations.

Yes, having a Dutch bank account is often necessary since your salary may be paid into it and mortgage repayments will go through it. Also, working with a mortgage advisor who knows expat-specific criteria can make the process much smoother and improve your chances of success.

Yes, this is certainly possible. We assist many expats in financing investment properties and building a long-term real estate portfolio. Most expats are able to contribute part of the investment from their own savings, which is often required when purchasing buy-to-let property. In some cases, expats can also use the equity in their own home by taking out a second mortgage to release part of the surplus value. These personal funds, combined with a business mortgage for investment real estate, can create a suitable financing structure for purchasing rental property and developing a property portfolio aimed at passive income and long-term returns.

The transfer tax exemption is available to first-time buyers who meet the applicable conditions at the time of purchase. If there are two buyers, it is possible that only one of them qualifies for the exemption. In that case, the exemption applies only to that person’s share of the property, while the other buyer pays transfer tax on their part. We always assess this carefully based on the current rules and your personal situation.

Yes, in many cases a mortgage with NHG (National Mortgage Guarantee) comes with a lower interest rate. NHG reduces the risk for the lender, which often results in more favorable mortgage conditions. Whether NHG is possible depends on the purchase price, mortgage amount and your situation. We check this as part of our advice.

A financial reservation (financing condition) protects you when making an offer on a property. It means that the purchase can be cancelled if you are unable to secure a mortgage within the agreed period. Especially for expats, this condition is very important, as the Dutch mortgage process can be complex. We strongly advise our clients not to make an offer without a financial reservation unless the risks are fully understood. During the first intake meeting, we always discuss this with you and provide honest advice. We also point out factors such as ground lease (erfpacht) and VvE costs, as these can affect your maximum mortgage. By addressing this early, we help you avoid unnecessary risks and make well-informed decisions.