Buying a home in the Netherlands as an Indian expat

Indian professionals are the largest group of internationals we work with in Leidsche Rijn. Since 2017 we have helped many Indian families to buy their first Dutch home. The questions they ask are often the same, so we have collected the answers here.

Can I buy on a highly skilled migrant permit?

Yes. You do not need permanent residence or a Dutch passport to buy a home, and there is no restriction on foreigners owning property. Several Dutch lenders accept the highly skilled migrant permit (kennismigrant). What they look at is your contract, your income and how long your permit is still valid. With a permanent contract, or a fixed-term contract with a statement of intent from your employer, you are usually in a good position. Read the details in our expat mortgage guide.

Why so many Indian families buy instead of rent

  • Rent for a family home in Utrecht is often higher than the monthly mortgage payment for a comparable home.
  • With every payment you repay part of the loan, so you build up equity instead of paying a landlord.
  • Mortgage interest is tax-deductible.
  • You can borrow up to 100% of the value of the home, so you need savings for the buying costs only, not for a 20% down payment as in India.
  • If you move back or move on after a few years, you can sell, or in some cases rent out the home with the lender's permission.

Using your savings from India

Many clients pay the buying costs partly with savings held in India. That is possible. As a rule, money in an NRE account can be transferred abroad freely, while transfers from an NRO account are capped per financial year and come with tax paperwork. Two practical tips: start the transfer early, because Indian banks can take time and may collect tax at source, and keep the paperwork. The Dutch lender and the notary will ask where the money comes from. For the Indian tax side, please check with your bank or a chartered accountant.

Homes that work when parents visit

Parents who come over for two or three months are part of life for many of our clients. It is one of the first things we ask about, because it changes what you should buy: an extra bedroom, preferably a bathroom on the same floor, a ground-floor room if stairs are difficult, and a supermarket and park within walking distance. Dutch staircases are steep; it is worth checking them with your parents in mind.

Vastu, kitchens and other wishes

Some buyers want a home that follows Vastu principles, such as an east-facing or north-facing entrance or a kitchen in the south-east. Tell us at the start. The orientation of every home can be checked before a viewing, which saves you wasted Saturdays. The same goes for other practical wishes: a closed kitchen with good extraction for daily Indian cooking, space for a pooja corner, or a gas-free home with an induction hob (standard in newer homes, and yes, you may need new pans).

Life in Leidsche Rijn

You will find a large and active Indian community here: Diwali, Holi, Navratri and Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in and around Utrecht, regional associations, neighbourhood WhatsApp groups, cricket clubs in Utrecht, and Indian groceries available in the city and through online Indian supermarkets that deliver to your door. Read more on our page about why Leidsche Rijn is popular with expats.

Residence, 30% ruling and the long term

  • The 30% ruling lasts a maximum of five years. We calculate your budget on your income without it, so your home remains affordable afterwards.
  • After five years of uninterrupted legal residence you can apply for a permanent residence permit. Owning a home is not a requirement for that, but it does show that your life is here.
  • If you change employer, your mortgage simply continues. Your new employer has to be a recognised sponsor for your permit, but the lender does not reassess your mortgage.
  • If you lose your job, the mortgage also continues as long as you keep paying. NHG offers an extra safety net for homes up to €470,000 (2026).

Frequently asked by Indian clients

Do I need a Dutch credit history? No. Lenders check the Dutch credit register (BKR) for negative registrations. An empty record is fine.

Does my home loan in India count? Yes. Lenders ask for all obligations worldwide, and a loan in India lowers what you can borrow here. Be open about it; leaving it out can cost you the mortgage.

Can my spouse's income count? Yes, if your partner has a Dutch income and a valid residence permit that allows work.

Can I buy before my family arrives? Yes. Many clients buy first and bring their family over once the home is ready.

Is the process safe? Yes. All payments go through the notary's protected third-party account, never directly to the seller.

Let's talk

The first meeting is free. We explain everything in English and we take the time for your questions.

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This page gives general information and is not personal financial, tax or immigration advice.