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Housing Permit Amsterdam: criteria explained

A housing permit is crucial for social rental housing in Amsterdam. Learn the specific criteria, priority declarations and how to get priority in the city.

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Housing Permit Amsterdam: criteria explained

A housing permit in Amsterdam determines whether you are entitled to a social rental dwelling in the capital. Due to the extreme housing shortage, the criteria are extra strict. The Municipality of Amsterdam and housing associations such as Ymere and De Key apply strict rules to give priority to the most urgent cases. In this article you will find the Amsterdam criteria, legal basis and practical tips.

What is a housing permit in Amsterdam?

In Amsterdam, a housing permit is mandatory for all social rental dwellings with a bare rent up to €879.66 (2024). The permit is issued by the Municipality of Amsterdam via the WoningNet system. Registration with WoningNet is the first step, but allocation depends on criteria such as registration time, income and priority.

The rules are laid down in the Amsterdam Housing Ordinance 2024 and national laws. For legal advice, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam (Vijzelstraat 77).

Legal basis Amsterdam

Main legislation for Amsterdam:

  • Amsterdam Housing Ordinance 2024: Specific criteria for priority and income test.
  • Housing Act (art. 1.1-1.2): General allocation rules.
  • Ministry of BZK Regulation: National income test for social rent.

The District Court of Amsterdam (Parnassusweg 220) handles objections to housing permits. Municipality of Amsterdam coordinates via WoningNet Amsterdam.

Amsterdam criteria housing permit

Amsterdam applies national plus local criteria. Main requirements:

1. Income test Amsterdam 2024

Your household income may not exceed the liberalisation threshold:

  • Single person: max. €31,295 gross (2024)
  • With tax partner: max. €35,525 gross
  • With children: max. €41,195 gross

Income is checked via the Tax Authorities. Exceeding leads to exclusion.

2. Priority declaration Amsterdam

Priority gives precedence over the 200,000+ waiting list. Categories:

Priority level Description Example Amsterdam
Cat. 1 - Very urgent Life-threatening situation Homelessness, victim of violence, uninhabitable dwelling (fire/flooding)
Cat. 2 - Urgent Medical/social necessity Dwelling too small (standard: 1 room p.p.), medical certificate specialist
Cat. 3 - Priority Economic/social issues Divorce with children, labour migration with priority

3. Registration time and suitability

Minimum 1 year registered with WoningNet. Dwellings must be 'suitable': max. 130% quality discount and within 10 years old for starters.

Applying for a housing permit in Amsterdam

  1. Register with WoningNet Amsterdam
  2. Submit priority application to Municipality of Amsterdam (online or counter)
  3. Provide supporting documents: income, medical certificates, rental agreement
  4. Wait for allocation (priority: weeks-months, regular: years)

Tips for success in Amsterdam

  • Register as early as possible with WoningNet
  • Collect medical documentation from GP/specialist
  • Check income via Government calculation tool
  • Consider temporary shelter via social services

Last updated: 2024. Always consult the official municipal website for current rules.