New Regulations: Permit Required for Owning Holiday Flat in Amsterdam

Starting from 1 January 2026, out-of-town residents wanting a holiday flat in Amsterdam will need a permit to address housing shortage.

The Municipality of Amsterdam is set to introduce new regulations that will impact out-of-town residents who own second homes in the city. Starting from 1 January 2026, individuals looking to own a holiday flat in Amsterdam will be required to obtain a permit. These new rules aim to address the housing shortage in the Dutch capital by restricting the usage of second homes.

Under the current regulations, owners of second homes in Amsterdam are not allowed to rent out their properties to tourists or use them as office spaces. Additionally, owners cannot register themselves or their children as residents of Amsterdam if the property is considered a pied-à-terre. Even if the property is rented out, it must be priced above a certain threshold to avoid falling into the social housing category reserved for city residents.

To gather input from local residents, the city council is seeking opinions on the new regulations. Residents are encouraged to submit their feedback during the summer, which will be taken into consideration when drafting the final rules. Until the new policy comes into effect, the existing regulations will remain in place.

The upcoming changes in regulations for owning holiday flats in Amsterdam highlight the city's efforts to address the housing shortage and regulate second home ownership. By requiring permits for ownership and restricting usage, the Municipality aims to ensure that second homes are not contributing to the housing crisis in Amsterdam.