How does an expat mortgage work in the Netherlands?
Getting a expat mortgage in the Netherlands as an expat is slightly different from getting one as a Dutch national.
Dutch banks look at:
- Your residence status (visa, work permit)
- Your type of employment contract
- Your income and how stable it is
- The type of property you want to buy
But don’t worry. Many Dutch banks do offer expat mortgages.
You’ll need to provide:
- Proof of income (salary slips or accountant’s statement if self-employed)
- Employer’s statement
- Residence permit or proof of EU citizenship
- Bank statements
Is it difficult to get an expat mortgage?
No, with the right advice and preparation, it is very doable.
Additional Costs:
Remember that you’ll need to have your own funds to cover the costs associated with buying a property.
📌 Around 5–6% of the purchase price
Includes:
What is the mortgage limit?
In 2025, the standard mortgage limit is 100% of the market value, and up to 106% if you’re making the home more energy efficient (e.g. solar panels, insulation).
Which banks offer expat mortgages?
Many Dutch banks are very expat-friendly.
We work with all major banks and lenders, such as:
- Rabobank
- ABN AMRO
- ING
- NIBC
- Nationale-Nederlanden
- ASR
- Vista
- Bunq
- Munt Hypotheken
…and many more
We help you choose the best option based on your specific expat situation.
Can I rent out my house if I have a mortgage?
Normally, you are not allowed to rent out your house with a standard residential mortgage in the Netherlands, unless you receive explicit permission from the bank or arrange a buy-to-let mortgage.
Temporary rental (for example, if you move abroad for a short period) may be allowed under specific conditions such as the Dutch ‘Leegstandwet’.
De Financiële Alliantie will review your mortgage terms and advise you on the possibilities.
Can I keep my Dutch mortgage if I move abroad?
In many cases, you can keep your Dutch mortgage when moving abroad, as long as you continue to meet the bank’s conditions.
However, the bank may adjust the terms, for example by changing the interest rate or removing tax deductibility if the property is no longer your main residence.
We will help you understand all the implications in advance.
How much downpayment to buy a house in the Netherlands?
You can generally finance up to 100% of the market value of the property with a mortgage.
However, you will need to cover the additional purchase costs from your own savings. These typically include transfer tax, notary fees, mortgage advice fees, valuation costs, and optional National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) costs.
In practice, you should plan for approximately 5 to 6 percent of the purchase price in savings to cover these costs.
What is the minimum deposit for a mortgage in the Netherlands?
There is no formal deposit requirement as in some other countries.
However, you do need to cover the additional purchase costs from your own savings. On average, this means having at least 5 to 6 percent of the property value in savings to pay for these costs.
Looking for an expat mortgage advisor in the Netherlands? We’re here to help.
