How to find accommodation in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is a wonderful place to live. Its vast canals, numerous bridges, and the unique architecture of the 16th and 17th centuries make it one of the most attractive cities in Europe.
Renowned for its high quality of life and cosmopolitan culture, Amsterdam is both dynamic and welcoming thanks to its rich history and cultural heritage. It’s no surprise that more and more French nationals are choosing to settle each year in the city of tulips.
First steps
Your first step when moving to Amsterdam is to register with the municipality to obtain a personal identification number (Burger Service Nummer or BSN). This number is essential for many administrative tasks, such as opening a bank account or renting a home.
As the European headquarters of several multinational companies like Netflix and Uber, Amsterdam offers plenty of job opportunities for international workers. However, if you don’t speak Dutch, you’ll need at least a good command of English to secure employment.
Amsterdam offers an exceptional lifestyle, but housing is scarce. Rental prices are generally higher than in Paris. Expect to pay around €1,500 per month for a furnished one-bedroom apartment and approximately €2,200 for a furnished two-bedroom apartment.
Amsterdam’s main neighborhoods
- The city center is the most important and lively area, home to Central Station. It features many iconic places such as the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis), the Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt), and the famous Red Light District.
- The Western Canals area is known for the most beautiful canals in the city, including Herengracht (Lords’ Canal), the historic Torensluis bridge (the oldest in the city, dating back to 1648), and the scenic Prinsengracht (Prince’s Canal).
- The Southern Canals district offers a peaceful atmosphere and equally stunning canals, such as the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), built in the 18th century.
- The Museum Quarter is primarily residential and home to some of Amsterdam’s most iconic museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the world-famous Rijksmuseum, showcasing masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals.
- The Jordaan district, surrounded by beautiful canals, is famous for the Anne Frank House, one of the city’s most visited museums.
- The Jodenbuurt and Plantage area was the old Jewish quarter, originally settled in the 17th century by Jews expelled from Spain and Portugal during the Inquisition. Rembrandt’s house, where he lived for 20 years, is located here.
- De Pijp, once a working-class neighborhood inhabited by immigrants, is now a trendy and vibrant area, also home to the Heineken Experience museum.
Important rental conditions
Renting a home in Amsterdam can be complex. You not only need to prove you can afford the monthly rent, but landlords also typically require your income to be significantly higher than the rent—often at least five times the rental amount, unlike in France.
To rent legally in Amsterdam, you must provide a BSN registration number (similar to a French social security number). Be cautious of listings that don’t require registration—these are uncommon and could lead to complications.
It’s also highly recommended to take photos of the apartment before moving in to ensure the return of your security deposit.
At E-Mobilia, our team handles every step of your relocation process. The language barrier and administrative procedures—which often become a real headache for expats—are completely managed by our specialists.
Enjoy your new life in Amsterdam with peace of mind—E-Mobilia takes care of everything!
