Economic stability, job availability and security, safety, and exceptional climate are only a few reasons why the Netherlands became one of the best countries to live in.
More and more people move to the Netherlands yearly, which naturally means less housing space
and higher rent prices. The average rent price went from 11 euros per square meter in 2011 all the way up to 16 euros in 2021, and the prices have kept increasing ever since. This especially applies to big cities, where in Amsterdam, the average price of rent reaches 21.8 euros per square meter. If you need more help and information on how to rent apartment in the Netherlands find it here.
With these prices increasing, it became difficult for both - locals and internationals - to keep up with the rent prices. Luckily, the government took necessary steps to help the vulnerable groups with their rent needs by introducing the rent allowance.
Rent allowance is the government's help for covering
the renting expenses of both locals and internationals.
But, there are some conditions
they're required to meet.
Requirements you need to fulfill to get the rent
allowance:
- You're at least 18 years old
- You're renting independent housing with a kitchen, toilet, and a
bedroom
- You're registered at your home address in the Netherlands alongside
your benefit partner
(if there's someone else
living with you).
- You are an EU resident (or you have the nationality of Switzerland,
Norway, Liechtenstein, or Iceland). If you are a resident of another
country, you need a residence permit
or work permit
- You have proof of your monthly rent (social security documents, bank
statement, and similar)
- Your rent isn't too high
- Your (combined) income isn't too high
To be able to obtain the rent allowance, your rent
can't be higher than
- €452,20 if you're 18-23 and have no kids
- €808,06 if you're 18-23, if you have kids
- €808,06 if you're over 23 years old
Furthermore, there are capital and investment
restrictions as well - you can't have a yearly salary higher than €33.748 or
a combined of €67.496 if you have a benefits partner.
If you fulfill all the requirements, you are entitled
to collect the rent allowance. Besides the requirements, there are two things
that you need to have before applying:
- A citizen
service number (BSN)
You will receive this number when you register with
the municipality. If you have a benefit partner, you will need to show its
citizen service number as well
A DigiD serves as a precaution by the Dutch government
to ensure that you are the person you claim to be. In addition, it gives you
more security as it's strictly personal.
You can use it to access the Dutch government, pension
fund, and care institution websites.
Once you have those covered, you have everything you
need to apply for the rent allowance. To do so, you need to visit the Netherlands tax authority
website
(Mijn toeslagen).
The website is in Dutch. So it may be a little tricky
for expats, but you can always call the Tax Information Line
to make an appointment and help you with the
application.
Furthermore, make sure that you apply for rent
allowance on time. To apply for a rent allowance for 2023, you need to send
your application before the first of September 2024.
Once you apply, it will usually take around eight
weeks
for your application to be processed. Once approved, you will receive
the funds in your Dutch bank account, usually on the 20th of each month.
There is no need to apply multiple times - you should
only apply once, and when it gets approved, it keeps renewing by itself each
year.
You are obligated to notify the tax authorities if
there are any changes in your status. For example, you change your job, and
your salary increases, your benefit partner's capital increases, or something
else that makes you not eligible for receiving the rent allowance.
If you’re in need of assistance with your rent
obligations, this service can be a real lifesaver. The process can get a little
complicated with the documentation, especially if you are uncertain of where to
rent your accommodation.
Luckily, there are Dutch Renting services
available that will help out with picking the
location, negotiating with landlords, organizing utility subscriptions,
providing you with photos of the real estate, and taking care of every detail
to make sure that your stay in the Netherlands is as comfortable and care-free
as possible.
As a country with digital and technological
advancements, phenomenal infrastructure, and overall stability, the Netherlands
has countless opportunities to offer to internationals. The rent allowance is
one of many perks you can enjoy once you start your career in Europe's business
center.
