Why I built Dutch Ruling
A short, honest account of how this site started and what it is for.
By the founder · Last updated 2026-05-23
I am the founder of Dutch Ruling. I graduated from Tilburg University with a master's degree, was told by a major consultancy that I had roughly a 50/50 chance at the 30% ruling, and decided to build my own case instead. I got approved on the first submission. This site is the process I used, turned into a tool for other expats in borderline situations.
What this site is
A free eligibility checker for the Dutch 30% ruling, plus a small set of paid services for people who want a written verdict or a fully managed application. The checker is built specifically for the cases large firms tend to under-serve: Dutch master's graduates, freelance income during studies, zoekjaar transitions, and other gray-zone profiles.
Why it exists
When I started my own application, the advice I could get was either too generic (templates and ChatGPT answers) or too expensive for what was really a research project. The questions I needed answered were specific: does freelance KvK income during studies break the "recruited from abroad" condition? How do recent Court of Appeal rulings (including ECLI:NL:GHAMS:2020:1946 and case 22/01157) treat Dutch master's graduates? What does the annex to the application actually need to contain?
I worked through those answers, built an application, and got the ruling. Then I turned the decision tree into a quiz and the research into the rest of this site.
How I work
- The eligibility check is free and always will be.
- If your case is straightforward, the free check is usually enough.
- If it is borderline, the paid services are priced flat and scoped honestly.
- If I think your odds are low, I will say so rather than sell you a service.
Credentials and links
Tilburg University master's graduate. Successfully obtained the 30% ruling on a borderline profile. Available on LinkedIn (link to be added). For business or HR enquiries, see Contact.
What's next
Start with the eligibility check. If you want context first, read how the 30% ruling actually works or the borderline cases handbook.