Published 18 June 2026 · Updated 11 July 2026 · 7 min read
If you own or rent out a home in the Netherlands, you will sooner or later run into the energielabel — the official energy label. For internationals it can be confusing: the rules are Dutch, the portals are Dutch, and nobody explains what it actually means. This guide clears it up.
In short: a valid, registered energy label is legally required to sell or rent out a home in the Netherlands. It rates the property from A+++++ (most efficient) to G, is registered in the national EP-Online database, and stays valid for 10 years.
What is a Dutch energy label?
An energy label (energielabel) is an official certificate that shows how energy-efficient a home is. A certified energy performance advisor (EP-adviseur) inspects the property — looking at insulation, glazing, heating, ventilation and installations — and calculates a rating on a scale from A+++++ (best) down to G (worst).The result is registered in EP-Online, the national database for Dutch energy labels, and issued as an official PDF certificate.
Do I legally need one?
Yes. A valid energy label is mandatory in two situations:
- Selling a home — the notary (notaris) needs a registered label before the property can be transferred to the buyer.
- Renting out a home — the label must be available to the tenant and shown in the listing.
The label must also appear in every property advertisement, for example on Funda. The Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) can impose fines on owners who complete a sale or rental without one, so it is not something to leave to the last minute.
How do you get an energy label?
The process is straightforward when someone handles the Dutch side for you:
- Book an inspection — share your address and property type. A slot is often available within 48 hours.
- On-site inspection — a certified advisor visits and records the relevant features. This takes roughly 30–60 minutes depending on the size of the home. You don't have to be present yourself; a tenant, agent or key-holder can provide access.
- Registration — the advisor calculates the rating and files it with EP-Online.
- Certificate — you receive the official PDF, ready to forward to your agent or notary.
What does an energy label cost?
Prices depend on the property. As a guide, an apartment typically costs around €195 and a house around €245, including the on-site inspection and EP-Online registration. A 24-hour rush service is usually available for an additional fee when you're closing on a tight deadline. Always ask for a fixed quote up front so there are no surprises.
How long does it take?
Most labels are ready within 2–3 working days after the inspection. If your closing or rental start date is sooner, a rush service can prioritise both the inspection and the registration, often turning it around within 24 hours.
How long is the label valid?
A registered energy label is valid for 10 years from its EP-Online registration date. That means a single label usually covers you across multiple rental cycles or until your next sale — you rarely need to repeat the process soon.
What do the letters mean?
The A–G scale reflects the calculated energy performance of the building. In broad terms:
- A (and A+ to A+++++) — highly efficient, low expected energy use and running costs. Common in newer or well-insulated, renovated homes.
- B–C — moderately efficient; typical for many mid-century homes with some upgrades.
- D–G — less efficient; often older properties with limited insulation or older heating systems.
A lower letter doesn't stop you selling or renting — the label simply reflects the property's current state. If you're planning improvements, your advisor can point out which upgrades, such as insulation, glazing or a heat pump, would raise the score.
Why use an expat-focused service?
The Dutch energy label system was never designed with internationals in mind: the government portals, forms and most advisors work in Dutch. An expat-focused service handles the whole journey in English — booking, inspection, EP-Online registration and the final certificate — so you never have to navigate a Dutch-only system or chase an inspector who doesn't reply in English.
Which areas are covered?
Expat Energy Labels serves Amsterdam, Utrecht, Almere, Hilversum, Amersfoort and the wider Randstad.. If you're not sure your address is in range, sending it over on WhatsApp gets you an instant answer.
Frequently asked
Do I need to be home for the inspection?
No — anyone who can provide access, such as a tenant, agent or key-holder, is fine.
Can everything really be done in English?
Yes. Booking, paperwork, registration and your certificate are all handled in English.
What information do you need to start?
Just your address, property type (apartment or house) and a contact number.
Have a specific situation or a deadline coming up? See the full FAQ or get a fixed quote — we'll come back with a slot and price, usually within a few hours.