Mortgage for entrepreneurs and the self-employed

As a self-employed person you can absolutely get a mortgage in the Netherlands, and in 2026 it's easier than it used to be: many lenders now accept just one year of figures (you no longer need three years), and an NHG-backed mortgage is possible after roughly 12 months of self-employment. The big difference from an employee is how your income is proven, your loan amount is based on a calculated, sustainable income rather than a fixed salary slip.

Proving your income as an entrepreneur

The main challenge for the self-employed is demonstrating a stable, sufficient income. Unlike an employee on a fixed salary, your income can vary with how your business performs, so lenders look at how reliable and durable that income is.

The standard route is the Inkomensverklaring Ondernemer (Entrepreneur's Income Statement). An independent, certified expert reviews your figures and calculates a "toetsinkomen" (assessment income) that lenders and NHG accept. This statement is what most lenders and the NHG scheme rely on, and it's usually based on your most recent figures (often just the last year, sometimes averaged over up to three years where available).

To prepare the Inkomensverklaring Ondernemer and complete your application, lenders typically ask for:

• Annual figures / tax returns: your most recent annual accounts and income tax returns. Many lenders now accept one year of figures; up to three years can strengthen your case if your income fluctuates.
• Financial statements: profit and loss accounts and, depending on your legal form, a balance sheet, showing the health of the business.
• Bank statements: personal and business statements to confirm consistent cash flow.
• Business registration: your KvK (Chamber of Commerce) extract confirming the legal status and start date of your business.
• Industry-specific documentation: for some professions, contracts or recurring-income records that support the durability of your income.
• Credit history: lenders check your BKR record (and sometimes the business's standing) as part of the overall picture.

NHG and the assessment income

The Inkomensverklaring Ondernemer isn't proof that your finances are "independent" of the business, it's an independent calculation of the income lenders are allowed to count. With it, you can qualify for an NHG-backed mortgage (National Mortgage Guarantee), which often means a lower interest rate.

For NHG and most lenders in 2026, the key points are:

• You've usually been self-employed for at least 12 months (NHG accepts ~1 year of trading).
• The NHG limit in 2026 is €470,000 (the maximum purchase price covered by the guarantee).
• Your loan amount is based on the calculated assessment income, not just last month's revenue.

Own Money and Loan-to-Value (LTV)

When taking out a mortgage for entrepreneurs, having your own money can be advantageous. It increases your chances of getting a mortgage and can lead to more favorable terms. Lenders appreciate personal funds that an entrepreneur contributes as a down payment when purchasing a property.

The amount of own money required can vary based on several factors, including:

• The entrepreneur's financial situation
• Business contribution
• Purchase price of the property
• Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio

Generally, the higher the personal contribution, the more favorable the mortgage terms and potentially lower interest rates.

Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio for the self-employed

The Loan-to-Value ratio is how much you borrow relative to the value of the home. In the Netherlands the maximum LTV in 2026 is 100%, so in principle you can finance the full purchase price (the buying costs on top, such as transfer tax and the notary fees you pay when buying, come out of your own funds). The 100% cap applies whether you're employed or self-employed; what differs for entrepreneurs is the income side of the calculation, not the LTV limit itself.

Contributing your own money still helps: a lower loan relative to the property value reduces the lender's risk and can earn you a more favourable interest rate.

Frequently asked questions

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