Requirements for a mortgage application in the Netherlands
To begin the process, you need a citizen service number (BSN) and several important documents to support your mortgage application. While this may seem overwhelming at first, it becomes much easier with the right guidance.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our mortgage advisors today, and receive expert advice based on your situation.
Which documents are needed to apply for a mortgage?
To get a mortgage in the Netherlands, lenders must verify that you can afford the monthly payments. Whether you are employed or self-employed, and whether you apply alone or with a partner, you need to provide specific financial documents to prove your eligibility.
1. Your income
Whether you are employed or self-employed, mortgage lenders in the Netherlands need to verify your stable income to assess your borrowing capacity.
Recent payslips (typically the last three months), an employment contract and a letter from your employer confirming your employment status, position, and income. If you are self-employed, you will need to provide tax returns, financial statements, and possibly additional documentation demonstrating the stability of your income.
2. Property details
Lenders also review your property details, including the purchase agreement and appraisal report.
3. Your debts and savings
Lenders require proof of your savings, such as bank statements and investment accounts, to ensure you can cover costs beyond the mortgage. Mortgage lenders can also check your debts—including loans, leases, and credit cards—to accurately assess your borrowing capacity.
4. Your personal information
You are also required to provide your identification documents, including a copy of a valid passport, BSN number and your residence permit, if applicable.
Can EU and non-EU citizens get a mortgage in the Netherlands?
Yes, both European Union and non-European Union nationals can get a mortgage in the Netherlands.
If you are from a European Union country, a country in the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, you have the same rights as Dutch citizens when applying for a mortgage.
To get a mortgage approved, you must have a Burgerservicenummer (BSN) — the citizen service number issued when you register with your local municipality.
If you are from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you need to provide a valid resident permit in addition to other documents.
How long does it take to get a mortgage approved in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, the full mortgage application process can take between 4 and 6 weeks. However, the timeline often depends on how busy the bank is and how quickly we provide or collect all the necessary documents.
Our mortgage advisors have established strong connections with lenders, which sometimes allows us to complete the mortgage process more quickly.
Your work-employment contract plays a major role in how mortgage lenders assess your eligibility. Check how different contracts can impact your mortgage application:
Permanent contracts are considered a secure option for many lenders. With a permanent job, you are more likely to have a faster and easier mortgage application case. To get your mortgage approved, your mortgage lender asks you for a recent salary slip (werkgeversverklaring).
Temporary or fixed-term contracts: you may still qualify for a mortgage if your employer provides a letter of intent to extend your contract. Some lenders are more flexible, especially if you have been working in the same field for a while. For more information, contact our mortgage advisors.
ZZPs or business owners need to provide more documents. If you are self-employed as a business owner, Dutch lenders typically require up to 3 years of income history, supported by tax returns and profit and loss statements. Freelancers (zzp), however, may only need to show income for the last 12 months. Are you self-employed and you are searching for a mortgage? Contact our team today.
Expats with income from abroad can borrow up to 100% loan-to-value when purchasing a property in the Netherlands. If you live and work in the Netherlands but get paid in a foreign currency, then depending on the mortgage lender and their policies, you can often borrow up to 90% loan-to-value. Additionally, you need to provide all documents translated into English.
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