For a successful 30% ruling application, you need various documents, including an employment contract, valid passport, diplomas, and CV. International employees coming from abroad must additionally provide extra documentation such as translated and legalized diplomas, proof of foreign work experience, and an extract from the basic registration of persons. Complete and correct documentation is crucial to prevent delays or rejections.
Why is proper documentation crucial for your 30% ruling application?
The 30% ruling documents form the foundation for a successful application with the Tax Administration. Missing or incorrect documentation often leads to delays or even rejection of your application, which can cost valuable time.
The Tax Administration must be able to determine that you meet all conditions for the 30% ruling. This means they must verify that you possess specific expertise that is scarce in the Dutch labor market, that you were recruited from outside the Netherlands, and that you lived at least 16 months more than 150 kilometers from the Dutch border.
Each document plays a specific role in demonstrating your eligibility. Your employment contract, for example, shows your salary and position, while your diplomas prove your specific expertise. Without complete documentation, the Tax Administration cannot make a decision about your application.
A Global Mobility Compliance Audit can help evaluate your documentation before you submit the application. This prevents common mistakes and ensures that all documents are correctly prepared according to current regulations.
Which basic documents are mandatory for every 30% ruling application?
For every 30 percent ruling application, certain basic documents are always mandatory, regardless of your nationality or background.
Your employment contract is the most important document because it shows your salary, job description, and employer. The Tax Administration uses this information to check whether your salary meets the minimum threshold of ā¬46,660 for 2025, or ā¬35,468 if you are younger than 30 with a master’s degree.
A valid passport or identity document is necessary for identification. Additionally, you must submit diplomas and certificates that demonstrate your specific expertise. These documents prove that you possess knowledge and skills that are scarce in the Dutch labor market.
| Document | Purpose | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Employment contract | Salary and position verification | Signed by both parties |
| Passport/ID | Identity verification | Valid and readable |
| Diplomas | Proof of specific expertise | Official copies |
| CV | Work experience and qualifications | Current and complete |
Your CV must provide a complete overview of your work experience and qualifications. This document helps the Tax Administration understand why your specific expertise is valuable for the Dutch labor market.
What additional documents do you need if you come to work from abroad?
International employees in the Netherlands must submit additional documentation beyond the basic documents to verify their foreign background and qualifications.
An extract from the basic registration of persons from your home country shows your residential history. This document is crucial to prove that you lived at least 16 months more than 150 kilometers from the Dutch border before coming to work in the Netherlands.
Foreign diplomas and certificates often need to be translated by a sworn translator. Depending on your country of origin, legalization or apostillation may be necessary to confirm the authenticity of your documents.
Employer statements from previous foreign employers can help support your expertise and experience. These documents show that you actually possess the specific knowledge and skills that are scarce in the Dutch labor market.
For family members moving to the Netherlands with you, additional documents such as marriage certificates, children’s birth certificates, and medical statements may be needed, especially if you want to take advantage of benefits like exchanging driver’s licenses.
How do you prepare your documents correctly to prevent delays?
Correct preparation of your documentation prevents common mistakes that lead to delays in your 30% ruling expats application.
Ensure that all translations are performed by recognized, sworn translators. The Tax Administration only accepts official translations, so avoid using online translation services or informal translations.
Check whether your documents need legalization or apostillation. This depends on your country of origin and the treaties that the Netherlands has with that country. Countries that have signed the Hague Apostille Convention usually have a simpler process.
Digitize all your documents in high quality before sending them. Keep both digital and physical copies of all documents. Ensure that all text is clearly readable in the scanned versions.
Common mistakes you should avoid:
- Incomplete employment contracts without clear salary mention
- Expired identity documents
- Non-certified translations
- Unclear or unreadable copies
- Missing signatures on the application form
Plan sufficient time for collecting and preparing your documents. Legalization and translation can take weeks, so start preparing your application early.
What are the key points to remember with your 30% ruling documentation?
The most important documents for your expat tax Netherlands application are your employment contract, passport, diplomas, and CV. International employees additionally need translated and legalized documents.
Timing is crucial for your application. You can apply for the 30% ruling within four months after you started working in the Netherlands. Ensure that all documents are complete and correct before submitting the application.
Take into account the maximum salary threshold of ā¬246,000 per year for 2025. Above this amount, the 30% ruling no longer applies. It’s also important to know that the ruling applies for a maximum of five years for applications approved after January 1, 2019.
Navigating through the complex Dutch bureaucracy can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with local procedures. Professional guidance in collecting and preparing your documentation can save much time and stress.
Don’t forget that your employer usually submits the application for you or together with you. Ensure that you both sign the application form and that all required documents are attached before sending the application to the Tax Administration. If you need assistance with your application, contact our experts for professional guidance.
