Mortgage advice for expats
You work in the Netherlands, feel at home here, and are ready to take the step towards owning your own home. But how does getting a mortgage as an expat actually work? Dutch rules are different from those in your home country, and not every bank has experience with your situation. We do. At Libero Financieel, we guide expats from the first conversation all the way to handing over the keys at the notary.
We offer all our guidance fully in English.
Can I get a mortgage in the Netherlands as an expat?
Yes, you can — even without a Dutch passport. Your options depend on your residency status and nationality:
- EU citizen: You have essentially the same mortgage options as a Dutch buyer. You can borrow up to 100% of the market value.
- Non-EU citizen with a permanent residence permit: You can also get a full mortgage, provided your income comes from employment.
- Non-EU citizen with a temporary residence permit: A mortgage is possible, but not always up to 100% of the property value. We find the lender that best fits your situation.
Not sure whether you qualify? In a free introductory call, we will tell you exactly where you stand.
What we take care of for you
Applying for a mortgage in the Netherlands is straightforward when you know the way. We do. Here is what you can expect from us:
- A free first consultation: we calculate your maximum mortgage and discuss your wishes
- Full mortgage advice in English, via video call or at our office in Enschede
- We select the lender that best matches your nationality, income and residency status
- We draw up your Financial Requirements List
- We submit the mortgage application on your behalf and keep you updated via the digital client portal
- We connect you with a buying agent, notary and interpreter where needed
- We advise on additional insurance: life insurance, home and contents insurance
From first call to your own front door: how it works
- Free introductory consultation
We discuss your financial situation, residency status and housing wishes. Afterwards, you will know exactly how much you can borrow and what your monthly costs will be. - Finding your home
Would you like help finding and bidding on a property? Through Libero Expats and our complete purchase guidance, we handle that for you too. - Offer accepted — applying for the mortgage
We go through the purchase agreement together and select the mortgage type and lender that suit you. All in English, step by step. - Upload documents via the client portal
Through our digital client portal, you upload the required documents and track the progress of your application at any time. - Mortgage offer and binding commitment
We receive the offer, go through it together and make sure everything is in order before you sign. - To the notary
The moment that matters: you sign the deed of delivery and the mortgage deed. We make sure an interpreter is present if needed.
Our fees
You always pay after the mortgage has been finalised. You only pay €350 upfront to start the advisory process.
| Fee | |
| First-time buyer (first mortgage) | € 2,495.- |
| Existing homeowner (with current mortgage) | € 2,995.- |
| Entrepreneur / self-employed (first-time buyer) | from € 2,695.- |
| Entrepreneur / self-employed (with mortgage) | from € 3,195.- |
Want to know exactly what is included? Check the rates page or ask us directly.
We know your situation
We work with expats from all over the world: from China, India and Brazil to the United Kingdom, Poland, Germany and Finland. Our clients work at companies such as Unilever, Adyen, Thales, Booking.com and Takeaway, and at the University of Twente. They are knowledge migrants, doctors, PhD candidates, self-employed professionals and healthcare workers with a BIG registration.
What they have in common: they wanted certainty in an unfamiliar system. Financial peace of mind. That is exactly what we give them.
Plan a free introductory call More info for expats (English)
Frequently asked questions about mortgage advice for expats
Can I get a mortgage in the Netherlands without a permanent residence permit?
Yes, in many cases this is possible. EU citizens can generally get the same mortgage as Dutch nationals. If you have a temporary residence permit, there are lenders willing to finance your purchase, sometimes up to 90% of the property value. In a free introductory call, we will look at what is achievable for you.
How does the 30% ruling affect my maximum mortgage?
Some lenders take the 30% ruling into account when calculating your maximum mortgage, which means you may be able to borrow more. Others do not. We know which lenders assess your situation most favourably and select the best match for you on that basis.
Do you offer mortgage advice fully in English?
Yes. All our guidance is provided fully in English if that is your preference. Consultations via video call or at our office in Enschede, the purchase agreement, the mortgage offer — we explain everything in plain English.
How much of my own money do I need to buy a home as an expat?
Your mortgage can cover up to 100% of the market value of the property. The additional buying costs (notary fees, transfer tax, valuation) are paid from your own funds. These typically amount to 2 to 6% of the purchase price. Are you under 35 and buying a property under €555,000? Then you pay no transfer tax. Read more on our buying costs page.
When do I pay the advisory fee?
Always after the mortgage has been finalised. You only pay €350 upfront to start the process. No mortgage? Then you do not pay the full fee. View all fees on our rates page.