What paperwork is required for non-EU tenants?

Renting a home in the Netherlands in 2026 is a process characterized by enormous administrative pressure. For tenants who come from outside the European Union (non-EU), this challenge is even greater. Landlords and brokers use strict protocols to comply with laws and regulations regarding identification, income and residence status. Because competition in the rental market is fierce, having a perfectly organized file is not only an advantage, but an absolute prerequisite.

When you enter the market as a non-EU citizen, a landlord looks at two key issues: can you legally stay in the Netherlands and can you pay the rent in the long term? To answer these questions, you must provide a specific package of documents. In this article, we explain the paperwork that is essential for a successful rental application in 2026.

Proof of legal residence status

The most important document for a non-EU tenant is the residence permit. Without this document, a landlord is officially not allowed to conclude a long-term rental contract with you in 2026.

• The residence card: You must provide a copy of the front and back of your residence document. This shows your status (e.g. Highly Skilled Migrant, Blue Card or Family Reunification) and whether you are allowed to work.
• The MVV or visa: If you have just arrived in the Netherlands and have not yet received your physical pass, the sticker in your passport (Authorization for Provisional Residence) in combination with the IND's appointment confirmation is often sufficient in the first phase.
• Passport: A valid copy of your international passport is always required for identification purposes. Note that in 2026, banks and brokers will often use secure apps to verify your identity, requiring you to make an NFC scan of your passport.

Income certificates and employer statement

The income requirement in the free sector in 2026 is often between 3 and 4 times the monthly rent as gross income. For non-EU citizens who often come to the Netherlands for work, the burden of proof is very specific.

The employer statement is the most critical document. This must be a recent document (no older than three months) stating your position, salary and the nature of your contract (preferably indefinite). If you are a highly skilled migrant, it is essential that the employer explicitly states that they are a sponsor recognized by the IND. In addition, you must submit your last three payslips. Are you coming directly from abroad? Then your signed employment contract is usually sufficient, provided that it meets the income requirements.

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The 30% ruling and tax documentation

Many non-EU expats make use of the 30% -ruling, a tax facility where part of the salary is paid untaxed. Although this scheme was austerity in 2026, it remains an important factor for your disposable income.

It is advisable to add the decision of the tax authorities concerning the 30% ruling to your file. Although brokers primarily look at the gross salary, demonstrating a higher net disposable income may be the deciding factor for a landlord who is unsure about your financial capacity. This evidence shows that you have more space in your budget for the city's ever-rising energy costs and service costs.

Bank statements and the social security number (BSN)

A Dutch bank account will be almost mandatory to rent a home in 2026. Landlords often ask for a bank statement for the last three months that shows your salary deposits.

In addition, your BSN (Social Security Number) is required. Although you only get this number after registering with the municipality (which is only possible if you have a rental contract), brokers often ask for this at an early stage. For non-EU citizens who settle in the Netherlands for the first time, this can be a “chicken and egg” problem. In 2026, most hosts will solve this by including a clause in the contract that states that you must provide proof of registration in the BRP (Basic Registration of Persons) within a certain period of time after the start of the rental.

The landlord statement or letters of reference

Because you come from outside the EU, you probably don't have a rental history in the Netherlands yet. Landlords see this as a risk.

You can overcome this by having a landlord statement from your previous country of residence translated into English or Dutch. Here, your previous landlord states that you were a good tenant and always paid on time. If you come to the Netherlands via a large international organization or a multinational company, a reference letter from your HR department confirming the employee's reliability can do wonders. In the competitive market of 2026, this “social burden of proof” is often what sets you apart from other candidates.

Payment receipts and deposit

Although strictly speaking, there is no paperwork for the application, you must be prepared for the documentation surrounding the deposit. For non-EU tenants, landlords sometimes ask for a higher deposit (e.g. two or three months' rent instead of one) in 2026, especially if the employment contract includes a probationary period.

Make sure you add proof of the deposit transfer and the first month's rent directly to your digital map. This shows that you have sufficient liquidity. In 2026, people will also be asked for an “origin of funds” statement if you transfer a large sum of money from abroad at once for the initial costs, in order to comply with the anti-money laundering legislation (Wwft).

Collecting all of this paperwork requires accuracy and planning. By having a digital file ready in a cloud environment, you can act immediately upon viewing. In 2026, the tenant who not only has the right income, but also has the best administration in order will win.

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