From passport to pay slips, and from BSN to residence permit: here's exactly which documents you need as an expat to view, apply for and rent a home in the Netherlands.
Finding a rental home in the Netherlands as an expat is one thing — having the right documents ready in time is just as important. Landlords and rental agents ask for a complete file before offering a tenancy agreement, and missing paperwork is one of the most common reasons a candidate loses out on a home to someone who has everything ready to go.
This article lists exactly which documents you need when viewing and renting a home in the Netherlands, what differs between EU and non-EU citizens, and what you only need to arrange after signing the rental contract.
Proof of identity
You always need a valid form of ID. For EU, EEA or Swiss citizens, a valid passport or national ID card is sufficient. If you're coming from outside the EU/EEA, a landlord will usually also ask for a copy of your passport and your residence document or visa.
Bring a copy rather than the original to a viewing, and cover your citizen service number (BSN) on any copy you provide — a landlord doesn't need it at this stage.
Proof of income and employment
Landlords want to know you can afford the rent. Common documents for this include:
- Your last three pay slips;
- An employment contract or employer's statement;
- If you're relocating for work: an assignment letter or offer letter from your (future) employer;
- For the self-employed: your income tax assessment or an income statement from the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority), possibly supplemented with annual figures.
How heavily landlords weigh your income against the rent varies per landlord and per property — there's no legally fixed standard for this in the private rental sector. If you can't yet provide Dutch pay slips because you're just relocating, an assignment letter with a salary indication and possibly a bank statement showing available funds can help demonstrate your financial position.
Residence status: important for non-EU citizens
As a citizen from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you need a valid residence status to live in the Netherlands — for example a residence permit for work, highly skilled migrants, study, or an entry visa (mvv). A landlord is allowed to ask for proof of your residence status or of a pending IND application before entering into a rental contract with you.
Still in the process of obtaining your residence permit but need to arrange housing already? Make sure you at least have a temporary address for the first period so you can register upon arrival. Read more in our guide on securing a rental property before moving to the Netherlands.
BSN: what it is and when you need it
The citizen service number (BSN) is your personal number for dealing with Dutch authorities — needed for work, health insurance, a bank account and the tax authorities, among other things. You don't need a BSN for a viewing; it only becomes relevant around the time you register with the municipality.
In most cases, a landlord doesn't need your BSN to enter into a rental agreement with you; there's no legal requirement for the number to appear in the rental contract. Some landlords ask for it anyway, for example with an eye on potential housing allowance. Be cautious about sharing your full BSN, and always ask why it's needed and how it will be stored.
Don't have a BSN yet because you're new to the Netherlands? You obtain one by registering with the municipality (see below) or, if you're staying for less than four months, via the Non-Residents Register (RNI) at one of the designated municipalities.
Additional documents you may be asked for
- A reference from a previous landlord — rental agents and international housing organisations sometimes ask for this, though it isn't a legal requirement.
- An extract from the Personal Records Database (BRP) — needed if you're already registered elsewhere in the Netherlands and are moving to a different municipality.
- Proof from a guarantor — if your income or Dutch credit history isn't (yet) sufficient, a landlord may ask for a guarantor who vouches for the rent with their own ID and proof of income.
After signing: registering with the municipality
Once you have an address in the Netherlands, you must register with the municipality (Personal Records Database, BRP) within a set period after your move-in date. If you're staying longer than four months, this registration is mandatory; reporting it late can result in a fine. You'll need:
- A valid form of ID;
- A copy of the signed rental contract (including the signature page), or a written permission statement from the main resident if you're moving in with someone else.
After registering, you'll receive your BSN (if you didn't already have one), which you can then use to arrange health insurance and a bank account, among other things. Learn more about how a Dutch rental contract works in our article on how a rental contract works.
Checklist: documents at a glance
- Valid passport or ID card (EU) / passport + residence document (non-EU)
- Last three pay slips and employment contract, or an assignment letter if relocating
- For the self-employed: income tax assessment or income statement
- Proof of residence status or a pending IND application (non-EU)
- If applicable: reference from a previous landlord, BRP extract, guarantor details
- After signing: ID and rental contract for registering with the municipality
Need help getting your file in order?
A complete, correct file is often the difference between missing out and securing a home — especially in a sought-after city like Amsterdam. Our rental specialists know what landlords in the region expect and can help you get your file in order before you start viewing. Get in touch with us, no strings attached, and we'll guide you from your first viewing all the way to signing.
