Getting Loans in the Netherlands: Personal Loans, Mortgages, and Business Financing

Yes, expats can get loans in the Netherlands including personal loans, mortgages (up to 100% property value), and business financing, though you'll need at least 3 years employment history, Dutch Credit Bureau (BKR) approval, valid residence permit, and stable income to qualify. Dutch banks (ABN AMRO, ING, Rabobank) and dedicated credit providers offer various lending products with interest rates typically ranging from 6-10% depending on your credit profile and loan type.

Dutch Culture and Debt

Generally, the Dutch are genuinely averse to debt. People prefer saving toward purchases rather than borrowing impulsively. However, approximately half the Dutch population carries debt, typically between 11,500-15,000 euros on average. Real estate represents the exception, over 60 percent of Dutch people have mortgages, higher than any other European country. The Dutch understand strategic borrowing when backed by asset value.

Where to Borrow Money

Traditional banks (ABN AMRO, ING, Rabobank, SNS) offer conventional lending products. Online banks (bunq, N26) provide limited loan products. Dedicated credit providers (Becam, De Nederlandse Kredietmaatschappij, Freo, Lender & Spender, Santander) specialize in lending outside traditional banking. Interest rates and conditions vary substantially, comparing multiple lenders prevents overpaying.

Personal Loan Types

Revolving credit establishes a withdrawal limit with interest charged on borrowed amounts. Overdraft allows spending beyond zero balance with interest charges. Leasing (available at many retailers) enables paying for products in installments, cars, phones, home appliances all available through leasing arrangements with interest costs.

Credit cards allow purchasing with borrowed money, with interest charged on unpaid balances. Mini loans (flash credit like Klarna) provide small amounts requiring quick repayment. Pawning uses personal items as collateral for short-term loans, the pawnshop can sell the item if you don't repay. Advance securities work similarly but use financial assets as collateral.

Loan Requirements and Documentation

You must be older than 18, though some banks require 21+. Standard requirements include valid ID, proof of residency, stable income, and positive credit history with the Dutch Credit Bureau (BKR). Expats typically need employment history dating back three years or self-employment documentation.

Required documents vary by lender but typically include valid passport or ID, residence permit, recent income statements, employment contracts, marital status proof, and documentation of any existing debts. Divorced applicants must provide divorce decrees and child support details. Banks verify information with BKR, your credit history determines loan availability and interest rates.

Loan Costs

Interest rates vary between 6-10 percent depending on loan type and lender. Administration fees accompany most loans. Total costs depend on loan duration, amount, and your credit profile. Online comparison tools allow side-by-side evaluation of different lender offerings, comparing saves hundreds of euros.

Mortgage Lending in the Netherlands

Amsterdam ranks third-most expensive for property rentals in Europe after London and Paris. Purchasing often makes financial sense compared to perpetual renting. Dutch banks offer mortgages covering up to 100 percent of property price, unusual globally. Property and mortgage interest are typically tax-deductible, improving affordability.

Fixed-rate mortgages lock interest for specific periods, 2, 5, 10, or 30 years. You'll know exact costs throughout the fixed period. Banks prefer applicants with permanent employment contracts and minimum residency periods, requirements vary by lender.

Get professional mortgage advice before house hunting. Most banks employ mortgage advisors. Specialist expat mortgage firms like Klår Finance understand international borrowers' specific situations. International transfers for down payments benefit from transparent services, avoiding hidden exchange rate markups that traditional banks apply.

Sustainable Household Loans

The Dutch government incentivizes sustainability through special loan programs. Zero VAT applies to solar panel installations. Subsidies support renewable energy installations. Energy-saving facility loans enable retrofitting homes for efficiency. These government-backed programs make sustainable home improvements financially viable.

Student Financing

The Dutch student financing system (currently undergoing reform) includes basic grants, supplementary grants for low-income families, and cheap loans with favorable repayment terms. Only Dutch citizens or residents with specific permit types qualify automatically. International students on study visas may qualify meeting certain requirements.

Business Lending

Business loans finance real estate, stock, and expansion. SME loans (midden-en kleinbedrijf krediet, MKB) offer favorable terms for small-to-medium enterprises. Regional Development Agencies provide loans for companies serving specific Dutch regions. Revolut Business and business multi-currency services offer multi-currency management for international business operations.

When You Can't Repay

If struggling, contact your lender immediately, most offer payment plans. Contact your municipal debt counselor (schuldhulpverlener) for additional help developing affordable plans. As last resort, debt restructuring (wettelijke schuldsanering, Wsnp) involves court proceedings. A judge determines whether restructuring is appropriate.

Default consequences are severe. Unpaid loans allow lenders to sue and seize possessions (except for mortgages, where banks repossess the property without court permission).

Final Thoughts

The Dutch lending system is structured and transparent. While requirements for expats can feel stringent, they're manageable with planning. Understanding available options, comparing lenders, and maintaining good financial habits significantly improves loan approval chances and terms. After six years managing various Dutch financial products, I've learned that honest communication with lenders and financial planning prevent most borrowing problems.

For more expat resources and guides, visit ExpatsList.org, explore our community blog, or list your financial services to help other expats in the Netherlands.