The Ultimate Guide to 30% Tax Ruling and Mortgages for Expats in the Netherlands

Moving to the Netherlands comes with plenty of surprises—and not all of them involve stroopwafels or windmills. For expats, one of the best-kept secrets is the legendary 30% tax ruling. Pair that with finding the perfect home and navigating Dutch mortgages, and you’re on quite the adventure! At Financial Consultancy Holland, we make these cross-border journeys not just painless, but positively exciting.

What Is the 30% Tax Ruling?

The 30% tax ruling is the Dutch government’s way of saying “welcome!” to highly skilled internationals. If you’re recruited from abroad, you might qualify to have 30% of your gross salary paid out tax-free—a huge boost for your take-home pay and your housing budget. This benefit is designed to offset extra costs expats face when relocating to the Netherlands, like travel, accommodation, and maybe a few extra bikes.

The tax-free allowance currently applies for up to five years, as long as you meet certain criteria. And here’s the plot twist: starting January 2027, the percentage drops to 27%, so now is a great time to lock in those savings for your mortgage journey.

Who Qualifies for the 30% Ruling?

Not every expat can waltz into the Dutch tax office and claim this golden ticket. To be eligible:

• You must be recruited from abroad by a Dutch employer (or a company affiliate).
• You need specialized experience or expertise that’s scarce in the local labor market.
• You’ll need to meet a minimum salary requirement (for 2025: €46,660, or lower for younger, highly educated applicants).
• You must have lived at least 150 km away from the Dutch border for most of the two years before moving.

If you’re unsure or want someone else to handle the paperwork—Financial Consultancy Holland is your expert guide.

How Does the 30% Ruling Affect Mortgages?

Here’s where things get interesting for homebuyers. Mortgage providers in the Netherlands love the 30% ruling almost as much as expats do! That extra net income makes it easier to qualify for larger mortgages, often leading to better interest rates and improved loan conditions.

Banks will usually include your gross income before the tax exemption when calculating mortgage eligibility, but every lender has its own policy. Getting the 30% ruling approved can make a major difference when you’re ready to buy your Dutch dream home—so don’t miss out.

Pro Mortgage Tips for Expats

Because Financial Consultancy Holland works with expats every day, here are our best insider tips:

• Get pre-approved with the 30% ruling factored in.
• Explore multiple lenders for the best rates—some value the 30% ruling more than others.
• If you’re unsure about eligibility, ask for a free consultation with our team. We have answers!

Why Choose Financial Consultancy Holland?

Ready to take the next step? Let Financial Consultancy Holland guide you confidently through every stage of your Dutch homebuying journey. Contact us today for a free consultation and personalized mortgage checklist. With over 200 successful expat mortgage approvals in Amsterdam last year, we know exactly what it takes to help international buyers land a home in the Netherlands.