Expat Mortgage in Tilburg

What does the 30% ruling mean for your maximum mortgage?

If you have the 30% ruling, you receive part of your salary tax-free, under certain conditions, as compensation for the extra costs of working in the Netherlands. This matters for your mortgage, because lenders may treat the allowance differently, and that can affect how much you can borrow. From 2026, the ruling can be applied to a maximum of €262,000 of your salary. On top of that, the ruling will change from 2027 for certain groups of employees. And if your ruling expires in a few years, a lender may also look at your income without the allowance. That's why it's smart to have your situation calculated in advance, both with and without the ruling.

Which employment contract and residence permit do you need?

For a mortgage, a lender wants certainty about your income and your situation in the Netherlands. A permanent contract keeps things simple, but a mortgage can also be possible with a temporary contract. The exact requirements differ from lender to lender. If you're from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland, your residency status and residence permit can play a role. If you're an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you generally don't need a residence permit to live and work in the Netherlands.

Can you get an NHG mortgage as an expat?

Yes, as an expat you can get a mortgage backed by the Dutch National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG), provided you meet the conditions. In 2026, the NHG limit is €470,000, or €498,200 if you meet the conditions for extra financing of energy-saving measures. The lender does need to be able to assess your income and documents in a way that fits within its acceptance rules. Foreign income, a temporary residency status or a 30% ruling can require extra attention there.

EU versus non-EU: what can you expect?

If you're from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, your residency status is usually straightforward, because you don't need a separate residence permit to live and work in the Netherlands. If you're from outside the EU, your residence permit can play a bigger role. Lenders may also ask for extra documents about your income, your employer or your residency situation. The exact requirements differ per lender.

Curious what you can borrow as an expat?

Every situation is different, certainly with a 30% ruling, a foreign employer or a temporary contract. We're happy to dig into your numbers and explain in plain language what is and isn't possible. Schedule a no-obligation consultation via 06 52 69 88 22 or email Martin@belderbrandt.nl. And of course, the whole conversation can simply be in English.