Renting as an expat or newcomer

As an expat or newcomer in the Netherlands, you face a unique set of challenges. You don’t know the system, you might not speak the language, and you lack the documents Dutch landlords expect. This chapter guides you through the maze.

The chicken-and-egg problem: address-BSN-bank account

The notorious problem: you need a BSN (citizen service number) to open a bank account. For a BSN, you need an address. And for an address, you need a home. The solution is a specific order:

• Temporary housing: Short-stay, Airbnb, anti-kraak (squatting management), or staying with friends/colleagues. Some municipalities also accept a postal address.
• Register with the municipality: Register at the municipality with your temporary or postal address. You need: