Banks typically require proof of income in the form of a permanent employment contract and a statement from your employer (werkgeversverklaring) detailing your contract and salary. This documentation is crucial for the mortgage approval process.

Expats with temporary contracts, PhD students, or researchers at Dutch universities need to provide a statement from their employer or institution confirming the ongoing nature of their position. This statement should be approved by the mortgage provider to ensure financing is guaranteed.

Self-employed expats may find it more challenging to secure a mortgage, as banks consider entrepreneurs riskier. The mortgage calculation is based on the net income of the last three years, requiring bank account records and income tax returns. Established self-employed individuals with more than three years of financial history may find it comparatively easier to obtain a mortgage.

EU citizens living in the Netherlands for less than five years may face certain conditions, including employment and financial independence. Depending on circumstances, a deposit may be required, and the mortgage could be limited to 90 percent or less of the property value. Providing a deposit may alleviate the requirement of having lived in the Netherlands for five years.

Non-EU citizens will generally have similar requirements to EU citizens, with potential additional strictness. Applicants may need to prove that their residence permit can be extended, and banks may enforce these requirements rigorously during the mortgage application process.