Finding a room or studio in the Netherlands is tough and expensive. The Dutch government
helps people with lower incomes — including (international) students who meet the rules —
through a monthly rent allowance (huurtoeslag).
Good to know: “Housing allowance” and “Rent allowance” are the same thing in the Netherlands — both refer to huurtoeslag.
Calculate your rent allowance
Am I entitled to housing benefit?
Can international students get rent allowance?
Yes — international students can qualify for rent allowance if they meet all conditions.
The most important one is that you rent an independent place (your own front door
plus your own kitchen and toilet). You also need to be registered at your address in the
Dutch municipality (BRP) and have the right residence status.
Requirements for rent allowance (2025)
The tax authority (Belastingdienst) uses these main rules for huurtoeslag:
- Age: You are 18 or older.
- Independent home: Your rental has its own front door, kitchen and toilet, and you signed a rental contract.
- Registration: You are registered at the address in the Dutch municipality (BRP).
- Rent not too high: In 2025 the rent you pay for allowance purposes may be at most €900.07 per month. If all residents are under 23 (and no child lives with you), the limit is €477.20.
- Assets (savings/investments) not too high: On 1 January 2025 you may have at most €37,395 in assets (or €74,790 together with a benefit partner).
- Income: Your allowance depends on your (household) income. If it’s higher, the allowance goes down — possibly to €0.
- Nationality/residence: You have an EU/EEA/Swiss nationality or a valid Dutch residence permit.
How to apply for rent allowance
- Make sure you have a BSN and a working DigiD.
- Check your rent (incl. eligible service costs) and expected annual income.
- Apply in Mijn Toeslagen (Belastingdienst).
- Keep your details up to date (income changes, moving to another address, new housemates).
Payments: when do you get the money?
After approval, the allowance is paid in advance around the 20th of each month to your Dutch bank account.
If the 20th is a weekend/holiday, payment is on the next working day.
Also consider healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) if you live in the Netherlands and meet the rules.
FAQ: Rent / Housing allowance
What is the difference between rent and housing allowance?
There is no difference in the Netherlands — both terms refer to huurtoeslag, the
monthly rent benefit from the Belastingdienst.
Can I get rent allowance in a student room (shared house)?
Only if your room is an independent unit with its own front door, kitchen and toilet.
Most rooms in shared houses are not independent, so they don’t qualify.
What are the 2025 rent and asset limits?
Max rent for allowance purposes: €900.07 per month (or €477.20 if all residents are under 23 without a child).
Max assets on 1 January 2025: €37,395 (single) or €74,790 (with a benefit partner).
When is the monthly payment made?
Usually on the 20th of each month (or the next working day). Payments are made in advance to your bank account.
What if my income changes or I move?
Update your details in Mijn Toeslagen right away. If your income rises, your allowance can decrease
(or stop). Moving to a different address usually means a new calculation.
Expertise
We are an independent website specialized in insurance and focused on students. Our insurance expert Linda van Reenen has checked the information on this website. She is a specialist in the field of student insurance.
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Medical advice
Our website is designed to help students and young people as much as possible with insurance information. We are not doctors and cannot provide medical advice. Do you have specific questions about your health? Please consult a doctor or healthcare professional.
