Rent allowance and healthcare allowance for hospitality workers in the Netherlands

If you work in hospitality in the Netherlands – for example as a chef, kitchen assistant, service staff,
cleaner, bar staff or hotel employee – you may qualify for financial support related to housing and healthcare.

On this page we explain the main housing and healthcare benefits for hospitality workers in the Netherlands.

1. Rent allowance (huurtoeslag) in the Netherlands

Rent allowance is a contribution from the Dutch government for people who live independently and have a
low or middle income. Many hospitality workers miss out on money they may be entitled to.

Amounts (2025 – indicative)

• Up to approximately €450 per month in rent allowance.

Income limits (2025 – indicative)

• Single household: up to €35,500 gross per year
• With partner: up to €47,250 gross per year

Main conditions

• Independent accommodation (own toilet, kitchen and front door).
• Rental contract in your own name.
• Registered at the rental address.
• Valid citizen service number (BSN).

Figures and limits can change. Always check the official pages below for the current thresholds.

➜ Official information:

Rent allowance (huurtoeslag) – Dutch Tax Office

2. Healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) in the Netherlands

Everyone in the Netherlands must have basic health insurance. For workers with lower incomes – including many
hospitality employees – healthcare allowance may be available.

Amounts (2025 – indicative)

• €100 – €130 per month healthcare allowance.

Income limits (2025 – indicative)

• Single household: up to €37,500 gross per year
• With partner: up to €47,250 gross per year

Figures and limits can change. Always check the official pages below for the current thresholds.

➜ Official information:

Healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) – Dutch Tax Office

3. What do these benefits mean in practice?

For many hospitality workers in the Netherlands:

• Rent allowance can significantly reduce monthly housing costs.
• Healthcare allowance can help make health insurance premiums more affordable.

This can make the Netherlands especially attractive for European hospitality workers who:

• have a stable contract or longer seasonal placement, and
• want to live and work in the Netherlands on a more secure basis.

4. How do you apply in the Netherlands?

Rent allowance (huurtoeslag)

• Make sure you have a rental contract in your name and you are registered at the address.
• Apply via the Dutch Tax Office (Toeslagen).
• Keep your income and rent details up to date to avoid repayments later.

Healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag)

• Make sure you have Dutch basic health insurance.
• Apply via the Dutch Tax Office (Toeslagen).
• Review your situation regularly (income/partner) to stay accurate.

5. The Netherlands in the European context

On our overview page
Benefits for hospitality workers in Europe
you can compare the Netherlands with other European countries
when it comes to housing and healthcare benefits.

6. Join our international community

Want to learn more about living, working, renting, insurance and salaries in European hospitality?
Join our community:

Chefs from Europe – Work Abroad (Official Group)