Frequently Asked Questions

Yes and that is exactly what makes us different. Most advisors only handle the mortgage. At Domek we help you search for the right property, guide you through the bidding process, arrange your mortgage, set up your insurance, and help with utilities and tax registration. No one covers it all like we do.

Yes. We offer personal support in more than 12 languages including Polish, Romanian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Spanish, Bulgarian, Hindi, Ukrainian, Portuguese, Turkish, and Russian. You will always work with an advisor who speaks your language and understands your situation as an international in the Netherlands.

Yes. You do not need Dutch citizenship to buy a house in the Netherlands. Whether you hold an EU passport or a residence permit, you can apply for a mortgage and purchase property. Domek has helped thousands of internationals — from skilled migrants to labour migrants — navigate this process from start to finish.

Yes. Your nationality and residency status do not prevent you from buying an apartment in the Netherlands. Whether you are a skilled migrant, labour migrant or EU national, Domek guides you through the full process — from finding the right apartment to completing the mortgage.

Not necessarily. Many banks offer mortgages to people with a temporary residence permit, depending on your income, employer, and permit type. We know exactly which lenders are open to your situation and will match you with the right bank — so you don’t waste time applying to the wrong ones.

It depends on your individual financial situation. In some cases it is possible to finance the full purchase price. We assess your situation thoroughly and match your mortgage to your capabilities. Every application is different — which is why we recommend contacting us directly for a free first calculation.

From first mortgage calculation to getting the keys, the process typically takes 2–4 months. Finding the right property can take longer depending on the market. We stay with you throughout the entire journey from search to settlement and keep the process moving at every step.

Your maximum mortgage depends on your gross income, employment contract, and any existing financial obligations. As an international, factors like the duration of your residence permit and whether your income is in euros also play a role. We calculate your maximum for free and explain exactly what is possible in your situation.

Yes. Even if you work via a work agency — including on Phase A without guaranteed hours — you can still apply for a mortgage in the Netherlands. Your income over the past years is taken into account. We have extensive experience with labour migrants working via agencies and know exactly which banks are open to this.

In most cases, no. The mortgage process for an apartment is largely the same as for a house. The main difference is that some apartments carry additional monthly service costs (VvE-bijdrage). We make sure you have a full picture of all costs before you commit — no surprises.

In addition to the property price, there are notary fees, acquisition taxes, or VAT on new developments, and banking fees. The exact amount depends on the region and type of transaction – we’ll prepare a personalized calculation before you decide.

This is a common concern for internationals on temporary contracts. The mortgage is secured on the property, not just your current job. Many lenders have experience with international professionals and assess your broader income profile. We advise you on how to structure your application to minimise this risk from the start.

Yes. After purchase we help you arrange the right home insurance and can connect you with our tax partners for advice on mortgage interest deduction and other homeowner benefits. Many ZZP migrants are unaware of the tax advantages available to them — we make sure you don’t miss out.

Yes. We offer personal support in more than 12 languages including Polish, Romanian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Spanish, Bulgarian, Hindi, Ukrainian, Portuguese, Turkish, and Russian. Buying in a foreign country should feel manageable — and with us, it does.

Yes. Our team speaks more than 12 languages. If the co-buyers speak different languages, we make sure everyone fully understands what they are signing. No one should ever buy a house in a language they do not fully understand — and with Domek, they never have to.

Yes. Buying with friends or colleagues is increasingly common, especially in competitive markets. Domek has experience arranging mortgages for non-romantic co-buyers and will guide you through the practical and legal steps involved. The key is making sure all agreements are documented before you buy.

Yes, in many cases. Some lenders are very open to internationals on temporary contracts, especially when the employer is reputable or well-known. We know which banks are the most flexible and will present your application in the strongest possible way.

Yes. Combining incomes can significantly increase your borrowing capacity and make the purchase more achievable. Domek arranges mortgages for up to four co-buyers and makes sure all agreements are properly documented — including what happens if circumstances change later.

Yes. Being self-employed does not disqualify you from getting a mortgage. The process is more involved than for salaried employees, but Domek specialises in ZZP mortgage applications and knows exactly which lenders are open to self-employed buyers — including from year one of your business.

Yes, though it requires careful preparation. We help you build the strongest possible application by selecting the right lender, preparing the right documents, and presenting your income history in context. Fluctuating income is common among self-employed people and many lenders understand this when it is presented correctly.

Yes. The mortgage process is the same as for any property purchase. The fact that you already live in the property can actually be an advantage — you know the home well and there is no need for an extensive search. We calculate your maximum mortgage and guide you through the full application.

Absolutely. Many of our ZZP clients are skilled migrants from Poland, Romania, India, Ukraine, and many other countries. We offer support in more than 12 languages and understand the specific challenges of being both self-employed and international in the Netherlands — because we have done this thousands of times.

This depends on your mortgage type and the lender’s conditions. A standard owner-occupier mortgage generally does not allow rental without permission from the bank. We advise you honestly on what is and is not possible — and if buy-to-let is your goal, we will direct you to the right product from the start.

Yes, unequal incomes are very common in joint purchases. Lenders assess the combined picture. We help you structure the application in the most favourable way for your situation — including how the ownership shares are divided between the parties.

Yes. Domek regularly helps groups of people from different countries buy property together — whether that is a couple, friends, or family members. We make sure all incomes are correctly assessed and that the mortgage structure works for everyone involved.

Yes. Many of our clients buy together with a partner or family member from a different country. We make sure both incomes are correctly assessed, both legal situations are taken into account, and that the mortgage structure works for both parties.

Not necessarily. In some cases one buyer can be based abroad, though this makes the mortgage more complex. We assess each situation individually and tell you honestly what is and is not possible for your group.

Yes. You can build additional pension capital through private savings or investment-based pension products. This is especially useful if you have gaps in your employer or state pension.

In most cases, pension products are designed for long-term use and cannot be accessed freely before retirement. However, regular savings or investments may offer more flexibility.

In many cases, yes. If your home has increased in value, you may be able to finance the renovation through your mortgage. This depends on your income, property value, and current mortgage situation. We help you calculate what is possible.

Yes. Improvements such as insulation, solar panels, or a heat pump are often supported by banks and can sometimes come with better conditions. These upgrades can also reduce your monthly energy costs.

Yes. We calculate how much you can borrow based on your new situation, including your income and financial obligations. This helps you understand what kind of property you can afford next.

Happy to help!

Do you have any questions? Contact us via WhatsApp or give us a call — our team is here for you every step of the way.