Struggling to Find Short-Term Housing When You First Arrive in the Netherlands?

Moving to a new country is exciting, but it also comes with urgent decisions, and one of the most immediate needs is a place to stay upon arrival. For expats, students, and international workers coming to the Netherlands, temporary accommodation can be surprisingly hard to find.

This article explains why that is, what to expect, and how to prepare smarter.

1. Why Is Short-Term Housing Hard to Find?

Unlike hotels or hostels, short-term rentals (from a few weeks to a few months) are not widely available in the Netherlands. Most landlords prefer longer-term tenants because it gives them more stability and less turnover.

Here are a few key reasons why temporary options are limited:

High demand in large cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam

Strict rental regulations on subletting and short stays

Many furnished properties are reserved for long-term leases

Students and new arrivals all looking at the same time (especially August–October)

2. The Challenges Faced by Newcomers

Without a fixed address, it’s difficult to:

Register with the municipality (gemeente), which is often required to get a BSN number

Open a bank account or access health insurance

Feel settled and start a job or studies

It can create a stressful loop: you need housing to complete essential tasks, but you need those tasks done to secure housing.

3. Common (and Risky) Workarounds

Some newcomers try:

Booking Airbnbs or hotels long-term, which can be costly

Accepting unverified offers from Facebook or forums, which carries risks of scams

Using couch-surfing or shared temporary rooms, which may not offer legal stability or registration

That’s why it’s important to use reliable platforms and avoid informal arrangements that could create problems later.

4. Tips to Secure Temporary Housing Before You Arrive

Here’s how to improve your chances of finding a safe, short-term place:

✅ Start your search early

Begin your search at least 6–8 weeks before your arrival if possible.

✅ Focus on cities with more options

Amsterdam has the most short-term listings, but other cities like The Hague or Leiden may be more affordable and accessible.

✅ Use Huisly

With Huisly, you can search listings from trusted platforms like Funda, Pararius, Kamernet, and more, all in one place. It saves you time, shows you verified ads, and lets you filter for furnished, short-term properties that allow registration.

5. What to Look for in Temporary Rentals

Make sure any temporary place includes:

A clear rental contract

Furnished or semi-furnished condition

Ability to register at the address

Transparent information about deposit, utilities, and notice period

Final Thoughts

Finding a temporary home in a new country can be challenging, but it's not impossible. With early planning, realistic expectations, and support from trusted platforms, you can land with more peace of mind, and focus on settling into your new life.

Still looking for short-term housing in the Netherlands? Try Huisly — your all-in-one platform that gathers listings from across the country so you can find the right fit, even before you arrive.