Requirements for a mortgage application 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.

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.