Practical information
Housing for international employees
Finding housing in Amsterdam is challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the local housing market. Due to the current housing crisis, affordable housing is extremely scarce. The UvA’s Staff Housing team provides limited assistance to eligible international employees by offering housing, when available. While we do our best to support you, it is important to be flexible, as choice is often limited due to high demand and low supply. We strongly encourage you to begin your own housing search alongside our assistance.
Practical information
Housing for international employees
The UvA Staff Housing office helps international PhDs, researchers and guests coming directly from abroad to look for housing in a competitive housing market.
Looking for housing
On your own
Finding suitable accommodation in Amsterdam is difficult and competitive, as The Netherlands is facing a major housing crisis. Availability is limited, and demand is high, which means it may take time and effort to secure a place. We strongly encourage you to start your independent search early and explore multiple options to increase your chances of success. Find tips and information below.
Types of housing
In the Netherlands, there are different types of rental housing available, each with its own characteristics, rental prices, and conditions. Below is an overview of the main housing types: social housing, private sector housing, and anti-squat housing.
1. Social Housing
Social housing offers relatively affordable homes intended for people with lower incomes. Properties are owned by social housing corporations. Waiting lists are very long (up to 15 years), but actively searching and registering can improve your chances. Eligibility depends on your income being below a certain threshold. You can apply for social housing in Amsterdam via Woningnet Amsterdam.
2. Private Sector Housing
Private sector housing is non-subsidized rental housing owned by private landlords or organisations. Rents and conditions are less regulated than social housing. Landlords often require proof of a monthly income 3.5 to 4 times the rent. Housing allowance is not available for private sector rentals
3. Anti-squat housing
If you are looking for temporary housing, anti-squat might be a good option. These contracts are usually short-term and affordable but come with less security and more flexible terms. Anti-squat housing is often used by students or temporary residents willing to accept a more transient living situation.
Housing platform tips
Finding housing in Amsterdam is challenging due to the tight market. That's why it requires a significant investment of time and effort. It's essential to familiarize yourself with the housing market. Below, you'll find some starting points for each type of housing. Please note that there are many more platforms available than the ones listed here.
Social Housing:
- apply through Woningnet Amsterdam.
Subletting: (a very common and useful way of getting temporary housing)
- Most common through through Facebook groups, however, avoid scams
- Kamernet: Offers a large number of rooms. You need to have a personal profile to respond to room adverts.
Short stay accommodation: (between 1 month and 1 year)
Most of the housing tips provided here are specifically relevant for Amsterdam. However, public transport in the Netherlands is excellent, making it easy to commute from surrounding areas. Expanding your search to nearby cities and towns can significantly increase your chances of finding suitable accommodation.
Avoid scams
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of offers that seem unrealistically cheap or perfect.
- Verify photos and listings. Use Google reverse image search to check if photos are genuine or copied from other ads.
- Research the landlord and property. Search the landlord’s name and the address online. Look for reviews and check if the landlord or agency is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK).
- Always ask for a rental contract. A signed contract protects your rights and clearly states the rental conditions. Make sure you understand the terms before signing, ask a Dutch colleague to review the agreement with you if needed. Double-check the contract dates and cancellation terms. Many contracts cannot be ended during the first 12 months. After that, a one-month notice period is usually required. A refundable deposit of up to two months’ rent is standard. Always pay by bank transfer when possible; if you pay in cash, request a signed receipt.
- Be cautious with subletting. Illegal subletting can affect your tenant rights.
- Know your tenant rights. If you’re unsure, contact support organisations like !Woon for legal advice.
Additional steps & expenses
4. Housing Allowance (Huurtoeslag)
If you rent a self-contained accommodation in the social housing system, you may be eligible for a housing allowance (huurtoeslag), depending on your income and savings. Applications must be submitted through your local municipality. The University of Amsterdam cannot apply on your behalf or influence the outcome.
Moving to Amsterdam involves several important administrative tasks. Below is an overview of key actions to take after your arrival.
1. Registering in Amsterdam
If you plan to live or work in the Netherlands for more than four months, you must register with the municipality (gemeente). Visit the City of Amsterdam website for detailed registration instructions.
2. Citizen Service Number (BSN)
If you are registering in the Netherlands for the first time, you will receive a citizen service number (BSN) burgerservicenummer). This number is essential for, working in the Netherlands, opening a bank account, accessing healthcare, and applying for benefits and allowances.
3. DigiD: Your Digital Identification
A DigiD is required for most official matters in the Netherlands. It is a unique online identification linked to your BSN and home address. You can apply for a DigiD online.
5. Taxes & Utility Costs
- Tourist Tax (for hotel stays): If you do not register with the municipality, hotels will charge a X%
- Municipal Taxes: Read more about the types of taxes in the Netherlands.
- Waste Collection: Municipal taxes include fees for garbage collection. You will receive a letter or email with payment instructions. If you have a low income, you may be eligible for an exemption from municipal taxes.
- Water Charges: Waternet manages water supply and purification in Amsterdam. You will receive an annual bill for water use and water tax. If you have a low income, you may qualify for an exemption. Read more about Waternet tax remission.
Looking for housing
UvA Staff Housing Office
The UvA Staff Housing team assists eligible international PhD candidates, Postdocs, researchers, and academic guests who are relocating directly from abroad. Below, you can check whether you meet the eligibility criteria and learn what to expect from the housing process.
What to expect?
Staff Housing works with a network of trusted housing partners to offer accommodation to eligible international staff members. Through these partnerships, we are able to provide a limited number of accommodations. Most of these accommodations are furnished short-stay accommodations with a maximum stay of six months. In some cases, unfurnished long-stay options may be available, but this is less common.
A registered applicant will receive a one-time housing offer that matches their needs as closely as possible. This means that the one-time offer will often be a temporary stay of 6 months, and not for the duration of your stay.
Unfortunately, viewings of accommodations are not possible. If you choose to decline the offer, or if no suitable housing is available, you will need to continue your housing search independently. While we do our best to assist you, we cannot guarantee that you will receive a housing offer, even if you are registered with us. Availability depends on the housing market and your flexibility regarding your needs.
Am I eligible for UvA Staff Housing?
UvA Staff Housing supports specific categories of international staff who are coming from abroad. This primarily includes international PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, guest researchers, and lecturers coming directly from abroad.
You are not eligible if you have resided in the Netherlands for more than 6 months, or if you hold a Dutch passport/nationality. Unfortunately, we are unable to assist if either of these conditions apply.
We work in collaboration with faculties and research institutes across the UvA. Most institutes are affiliated with our service and refer eligible staff members to us.
Please contact your faculty or research institute for more information and referral.
How to apply
Your faculty or research institute must arrange your UvA Staff Housing application, as you cannot submit this by yourself. Please note that faculties must submit applications at least 8 weeks before your arrival to ensure sufficient processing time. Follow the step-by-step process below:
- Step 1: Contact your faculty or research institute to initiate a housing request. They will submit an application to UvA Staff Housing on your behalf.
- Step 2: You will receive a “Welcome to UvA Staff Housing – Action Required” email from us. This message includes a link to complete your personal registration form, where you will be asked to provide your personal details and housing needs. Please complete this registration within 7 days. Your application is complete once this form is submitted.
- Step 3: Six weeks prior to your start date, Staff Housing starts searching for suitable accommodation. In case of availability, Staff Housing will present you with the best available housing option in Amsterdam. This usually happens 6-3 weeks prior to your start date.
- Step 4: Within 72 hours, respond to our offer with your acceptance or decline. To officially accept the accommodation offer, you must pay the UvA Staff Housing fee.
- Step 5: Your details will be forwarded to the housing provider managing your accommodation.
- Step 6: The housing provider will contact you regarding tenancy registration, rent payment, and contract details.
- Step 7: You are ready to collect your keys and move in.
Accommodation types and rent
UvA Staff Housing partnerships include social housing providers, private sector corporations, and hotels. As a result, the accommodations vary in terms of price, duration of stay, conditions, and availability.
We mainly offer short-stay accommodation up to 6 months, with a limited number of long-term options available in specific cases.
The type of accommodation offered depends on your research position, length of stay, budget, household composition, and whether you will be living alone or with others. The more requirements you specify, the harder it will be for us to make you an offer.
Check what kind of accommodation types and rent you can expect.
Housing Fee: costs to expect
When accepting an accommodation offer from UvA Staff Housing, you will be asked to pay the non-refundable UvA Staff Housing Fee. The fee is 585 EUR regardless of the duration of your stay.
Why do I have to pay the UvA Staff Housing fee?
The housing fee of 585EUR is used to cover costs associated with providing accommodation to international staff who are eligible for housing. These include costs for vacancy, reservations and rent arrears. These costs cannot legitimately be covered by university funding, which is meant for academic purposes only.
Please note: the housing company that owns your accommodation will charge a separate administration fee or contract costs when you sign the rental agreement. For additional housing-related expenses, see the section below.
Future steps & expenses
Moving to Amsterdam involves several important administrative tasks. Below is an overview of key actions to take after your arrival.
1. Registering in Amsterdam
If you plan to live or work in the Netherlands for more than four months, you must register with the municipality (gemeente). Visit the City of Amsterdam website for information on how to register.
2. Citizen Service Number (BSN)
If you are registering in the Netherlands for the first time, you will receive a citizen service number (BSN) (burgerservicenummer). This number is essential for, working in the Netherlands, opening a bank account, accessing healthcare, and applying for benefits and allowances.
3. DigiD
A DigiD is required for most official matters in the Netherlands. It is a unique online identification linked to your BSN and home address. You can apply for a DigiD online.
4. Housing Allowance (Huurtoeslag)
If you rent a self-contained accommodation in the social housing system, you may be eligible for a housing allowance (huurtoeslag), depending on your income and savings. Applications must be submitted through your local municipality. The University of Amsterdam cannot apply on your behalf or influence the outcome.
5. Taxes & utility costs
- Tourist tax (for hotel stays)
- Waste collection
- Water
Looking for housing
On your own
Finding suitable accommodation in Amsterdam is difficult and competitive, as The Netherlands is facing a major housing crisis. Availability is limited, and demand is high, which means it may take time and effort to secure a place. We strongly encourage you to start your independent search early and explore multiple options to increase your chances of success. Find tips and information below.
Looking for housing
UvA Staff Housing Office
The UvA Staff Housing team assists eligible international PhD candidates, Postdocs, researchers, and academic guests who are relocating directly from abroad. Below, you can check whether you meet the eligibility criteria and learn what to expect from the housing process.
Types of housing
In the Netherlands, there are different types of rental housing available, each with its own characteristics, rental prices, and conditions. Below is an overview of the main housing types: social housing, private sector housing, and anti-squat housing.
1. Social Housing
Social housing offers relatively affordable homes intended for people with lower incomes. Properties are owned by social housing corporations. Waiting lists are very long (up to 15 years), but actively searching and registering can improve your chances. Eligibility depends on your income being below a certain threshold. You can apply for social housing in Amsterdam via Woningnet Amsterdam.
2. Private Sector Housing
Private sector housing is non-subsidized rental housing owned by private landlords or organisations. Rents and conditions are less regulated than social housing. Landlords often require proof of a monthly income 3.5 to 4 times the rent. Housing allowance is not available for private sector rentals
3. Anti-squat housing
If you are looking for temporary housing, anti-squat might be a good option. These contracts are usually short-term and affordable but come with less security and more flexible terms. Anti-squat housing is often used by students or temporary residents willing to accept a more transient living situation.
Housing platform tips
Finding housing in Amsterdam is challenging due to the tight market. That's why it requires a significant investment of time and effort. It's essential to familiarize yourself with the housing market. Below, you'll find some starting points for each type of housing. Please note that there are many more platforms available than the ones listed here.
Social Housing:
- apply through Woningnet Amsterdam.
Subletting: (a very common and useful way of getting temporary housing)
- Most common through through Facebook groups, however, avoid scams
- Kamernet: Offers a large number of rooms. You need to have a personal profile to respond to room adverts.
Short stay accommodation: (between 1 month and 1 year)
Most of the housing tips provided here are specifically relevant for Amsterdam. However, public transport in the Netherlands is excellent, making it easy to commute from surrounding areas. Expanding your search to nearby cities and towns can significantly increase your chances of finding suitable accommodation.
Avoid scams
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of offers that seem unrealistically cheap or perfect.
- Verify photos and listings. Use Google reverse image search to check if photos are genuine or copied from other ads.
- Research the landlord and property. Search the landlord’s name and the address online. Look for reviews and check if the landlord or agency is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK).
- Always ask for a rental contract. A signed contract protects your rights and clearly states the rental conditions. Make sure you understand the terms before signing, ask a Dutch colleague to review the agreement with you if needed. Double-check the contract dates and cancellation terms. Many contracts cannot be ended during the first 12 months. After that, a one-month notice period is usually required. A refundable deposit of up to two months’ rent is standard. Always pay by bank transfer when possible; if you pay in cash, request a signed receipt.
- Be cautious with subletting. Illegal subletting can affect your tenant rights.
- Know your tenant rights. If you’re unsure, contact support organisations like !Woon for legal advice.
Additional steps & expenses
Moving to Amsterdam involves several important administrative tasks. Below is an overview of key actions to take after your arrival.
1. Registering in Amsterdam
If you plan to live or work in the Netherlands for more than four months, you must register with the municipality (gemeente). Visit the City of Amsterdam website for detailed registration instructions.
2. Citizen Service Number (BSN)
If you are registering in the Netherlands for the first time, you will receive a citizen
service number (BSN) (burgerservicenummer). This number is essential for, working in the Netherlands, opening a bank account, accessing healthcare, and applying for benefits and allowances.
3. DigiD: Your Digital Identification
A DigiD is required for most official matters in the Netherlands. It is a unique online identification linked to your BSN and home address. You can apply for a DigiD online.
4. Housing Allowance (Huurtoeslag)
If you rent a self-contained accommodation in the social housing system, you may be eligible for a housing allowance (huurtoeslag), depending on your income and savings. Applications must be submitted through your local municipality. The University of Amsterdam cannot apply on your behalf or influence the outcome.
5. Taxes & Utility Costs
- Tourist Tax (for hotel stays): If you do not register with the municipality, hotels will charge a X%
- Municipal Taxes: Read more about the types of taxes in the Netherlands.
- Waste Collection: Municipal taxes include fees for garbage collection. You will receive a letter or email with payment instructions. If you have a low income, you may be eligible for an exemption from municipal taxes.
- Water Charges: Waternet manages water supply and purification in Amsterdam. You will receive an annual bill for water use and water tax. If you have a low income, you may qualify for an exemption. Read more about Waternet tax remission.
What to expect?
Staff Housing works with a network of trusted housing partners to offer accommodation to eligible international staff members. Through these partnerships, we are able to provide a limited number of accommodations. Most of these accommodations are furnished short-stay accommodations with a maximum stay of six months. In some cases, unfurnished long-stay options may be available, but this is less common.
A registered applicant will receive a one-time housing offer that matches their needs as closely as possible. This means that the one-time offer will often be a temporary stay of 6 months, and not for the duration of your stay.
Unfortunately, viewings of accommodations are not possible. If you choose to decline the offer, or if no suitable housing is available, you will need to continue your housing search independently. While we do our best to assist you, we cannot guarantee that you will receive a housing offer, even if you are registered with us. Availability depends on the housing market and your flexibility regarding your needs.
Am I eligible for UvA Staff Housing?
UvA Staff Housing supports specific categories of international staff who are coming from abroad. This primarily includes international PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, guest researchers, and lecturers coming directly from abroad.
You are not eligible if you have resided in the Netherlands for more than 6 months, or if you hold a Dutch passport/nationality. Unfortunately, we are unable to assist if either of these conditions apply.
We work in collaboration with faculties and research institutes across the UvA. Most institutes are affiliated with our service and refer eligible staff members to us.
Please contact your faculty or research institute for more information and referral.
How to apply
Your faculty or research institute must arrange your UvA Staff Housing application, as you cannot submit this by yourself. Please note that faculties must submit applications at least 8 weeks before your arrival to ensure sufficient processing time. Follow the step-by-step process below:
- Step 1: Contact your faculty or research institute to initiate a housing request. They will submit an application to UvA Staff Housing on your behalf.
- Step 2: You will receive a “Welcome to Staff Housing” email from us. This message includes a link to complete your personal registration form, where you will be asked to provide your personal details and housing needs. Please complete this registration as soon as possible. Your application is complete once this form is submitted.
- Step 3: Six weeks prior to your start date, Staff Housing starts searching for suitable accommodation. In case of availability, Staff Housing will present you with the best available housing option in Amsterdam. This usually happens 6-3 weeks prior to your start date.
- Step 4: Within 72 hours, respond to our offer with your acceptance or decline. To officially accept the accommodation offer, you must pay the UvA Staff Housing fee.
- Step 5: Your details will be forwarded to the housing provider managing your accommodation.
- Step 6: The housing provider will contact you regarding tenancy registration, rent payment, and contract details.
- Step 7: You are ready to collect your keys and move in.
Accommodation types and rent
UvA Staff Housing partnerships include social housing providers, private sector corporations, and hotels. As a result, the accommodations vary in terms of price, duration of stay, conditions, and availability.
We mainly offer short-stay accommodation up to 6 months, with a limited number of long-term options available in specific cases.
The type of accommodation offered depends on your research position, length of stay, budget, household composition, and whether you will be living alone or with others. The more requirements you specify, the harder it will be for us to make you an offer.
Check what kind of accommodation types and rent you can expect.
Housing Fee: costs to expect
When accepting an accommodation offer from UvA Staff Housing, you will be asked to pay the non-refundable UvA Staff Housing Fee. The fee is 585 EUR regardless of the duration of your stay.
Why do I have to pay the UvA Staff Housing fee?
The housing fee of 585EUR is used to cover costs associated with providing accommodation to international staff who are eligible for housing. These include costs for vacancy, reservations and rent arrears. These costs cannot legitimately be covered by university funding, which is meant for academic purposes only.
Please note: the housing company that owns your accommodation will charge a separate administration fee or contract costs when you sign the rental agreement. For additional housing-related expenses, see the section below.
Future steps & expenses
Some important administrative tasks need to be completed after your arrival in Amsterdam.
1. Registering in Amsterdam
If you plan to live or work in the Netherlands for more than four months, you must register with the municipality (gemeente). Visit the City of Amsterdam website for information on how to register.
2. Citizen Service Number (BSN)
If you are registering in the Netherlands for the first time, you will receive a citizen service number (BSN) (burgerservicenummer). This number is essential for, working in the Netherlands, opening a bank account, accessing healthcare, and applying for benefits and allowances.
3. DigiD
A DigiD is required for most official matters in the Netherlands. It is a unique online identification linked to your BSN and home address. You can apply for a DigiD online.
4. Housing allowance
If you rent a self-contained accommodation in the social housing system, you may be eligible for a housing allowance (huurtoeslag), depending on your income and savings. Applications must be submitted through your local municipality. The University of Amsterdam cannot apply on your behalf or influence the outcome.
If you rent a self-contained accommodation in the social housing system, you may be eligible for a housing allowance (huurtoeslag), depending on your income and savings. Applications must be submitted through your local municipality. The University of Amsterdam cannot apply on your behalf or influence the outcome.
5. Taxes & Utility Costs
- Tourist Tax (for hotel stays): If you do not register with the municipality, hotels will charge a X%
- Municipal Taxes: Read more about the types of taxes in the Netherlands.
- Waste Collection: Municipal taxes include fees for garbage collection. You will receive a letter or email with payment instructions. If you have a low income, you may be eligible for an exemption from municipal taxes.
- Water Charges: Waternet manages water supply and purification in Amsterdam. You will receive an annual bill for water use and water tax. If you have a low income, you may qualify for an exemption. Read more about Waternet tax remission.
This website uses cookies
We, and third parties, use cookies on our website. We use cookies to ensure that our website functions properly, to store your preferences, to gain insight into visitor behavior, but also for marketing and social media purposes (showing personalized advertisements). By clicking 'Accept', you agree to the use of all cookies. In our Cookie Statement. you can read more about the cookies we use and save or change your preferences. By clicking 'Refuse' you only agree to the use of functional cookies.