Temporary accommodation in Amsterdam: practical solutions for mid-term stays

Article provided by our partner City Retreat

Rental options

There are various forms of leases and rentals in the Netherlands, each with different implications for temporary residents looking for mid-term stays – between one month and a year. Understanding the distinctions can help you decide whether a traditional rental contract or a professionally managed temporary accommodation is better suited to your needs. The good news for international residents is that you can navigate most Amsterdam housing matters in English.

Indefinite leases (standard) offer long-term security, as they have no fixed end date, and landlords can terminate only on specific legal grounds. As these leases often have a minimum rental period of 12 months, they are rarely suitable for mid-term accommodation.

Fixed-term leases are only allowed in limited circumstances, for tenants such as students or people who are obliged to move temporarily due to renovations.

Holiday rentals and short-stay accommodation are relatively easy to find, but they are often illegal for stays exceeding 30 days, offer no legal protections, and don’t allow municipal registration as a resident. Revenue is subject to VAT and tourist tax, which inflates prices.

Specialised rental arrangements include ‘diplomatic clause’ leases, where landlords rent their home while abroad, and vacancy permit rentals for properties intended for sale or undergoing renovation. These can be a good option for mid-term stays but are less readily available.

Corporate housing or serviced apartments are specifically intended as mid-term accommodation. Read on for more on these options.

Professional solutions

Corporate housing is designed for executives, project teams and relocated professionals. It offers fully furnished apartments with hotel-like services. These properties usually include equipped kitchens, workspaces, linens and towels, as well as optional housekeeping. Providers typically handle utilities and internet and often assist with municipal registration – essential for obtaining a Citizen Service Number (BSN) if you’re staying longer than four months. When compared to hotels, corporate housing often delivers more home comfort and better overall value.

Serviced apartments bridge the gap between hotels and traditional rentals. They come fully furnished and ready to move into, with most leases starting from just one month and simple extension options. An all-inclusive monthly fee typically covers rent, utilities, internet and other essentials. Professional management also offers support with maintenance and paperwork, and most providers offer services in English.

Rental pricing

For prime Amsterdam locations, these are the typical yearly rental costs you can expect:

• Long-stay unfurnished: €19,800–€35,400
• Long-stay furnished: €23,400–€39,000
• Serviced apartments: €44,100–€63,300
• Short-stay rentals: from around €63,900 for a one-bedroom

Lowest prices are for one-bedroom apartments, highest prices for well-appointed three-bedroom apartments. For long-stay rental, properties that fall under the controlled rental sector may be considerably cheaper – if the landlord sticks to the rules – as rents are capped based on factors such as size, property value and quality of fittings. Additional costs can include utilities for unfurnished rentals, deposits, internet setup, municipal taxes and tourist tax. Serviced apartments often provide good value for stays of up to 12 months when factoring in total costs and convenience.

Where to find accommodation

There are various routes to finding temporary accommodation in Amsterdam:

• Corporate housing and serviced apartment providers, such as our partner City Retreat, offer professional, flexible solutions with transparent pricing. Other agencies for expat rentals include Corporate Housing Factory and Short Stay Group.
• International mid-term platforms include HousingAnywhere, Flatio and Nestpick.
• Rental search aggregators such as RentalFinder and Stekkies offer smart filtering and multiple-platform searches for a monthly subscription fee, also for temporary accommodation.
• Traditional rental websites Funda and Pararius focus on long-term rentals with standard Dutch contracts, but both also have filters for temporary rental.

Expat forums and Facebook groups can also provide leads and practical advice. However, be aware that private arrangements carry higher risks. See tips on avoiding housing scams in Amsterdam. And learn more about ways to rent property in the Amsterdam Area.

Top tips for navigating Amsterdam accommodation

• Start your search early. Begin looking at least six to eight weeks before your planned move-in date, as demand is consistently high. Search mid-month and around New Year, when fewer people want to move.
• Check which type of contract you’re signing, as it affects your rights, costs and registration possibilities.
• Serviced apartments can be cost-effective for stays up to twelve months when you factor in included utilities, furniture and services. Unlike most standard Dutch rental contracts, they offer flexibility for day-one termination.
• Be aware that standard rentals generally require that your income is three times the monthly rent.
• If you’re relocating for work, check whether your employer offers relocation support or has partnerships with serviced apartment providers.
• If you’re making a private rental arrangement, never transfer money before viewing and obtaining credentials. Always view properties in person if possible and avoid transferring money before signing a verified contract.
• For information on tenants’ rights in the Netherlands, and how to avoid scams, see !WOON.

Amsterdam’s housing market can be challenging, but temporary accommodation is manageable with the right preparation. Using reputable providers, starting your search early and understanding your rights will make the process smoother and less stressful.

City Retreat specialises in serviced apartments and corporate housing across Amsterdam and offers personalised assistance.

Useful links

Rent property in the Amsterdam Area