NL
ENHousing & relocation
Housing for international employees
From shared accommodation to fully furnished expat housing
A successful international placement does not end with recruitment, permits and arrival. Employees also need suitable accommodation, preferably within practical travelling distance of their workplace.
SkillShift supports employers in the Netherlands and Belgium with planning, sourcing and coordinating accommodation for international employees. We always start with a housing plan tailored to the organisation, the employees, the work location and the expected duration of their stay.
Two service models
Housing for direct hires or through SkillShift
Direct employment
Housing as an additional service
For direct hires, the professional enters directly into employment with your organisation. Housing can then be added as an additional SkillShift service. We develop a housing plan together and look for a suitable solution.
Staffing / secondment through SkillShift
Housing included as standard
For staffing or secondment placements through SkillShift, SkillShift remains the formal employer. Where this structure is legally applicable, suitable accommodation is arranged by SkillShift as standard.
Every project starts with a housing plan
Suitable accommodation requires preparation, particularly when several international employees are expected to arrive within the same period.
When SkillShift supports housing, we therefore start by developing a practical housing plan together with the employer. Before searching for properties, we determine which options are operationally, financially and locally feasible.
- Number of employees and expected arrival dates
- Work location and maximum commuting time
- Shift patterns and transport accessibility
- Temporary or long-term accommodation
- Private or shared rooms
- Required level of privacy and comfort
- Budget per employee
- Registration and local requirements
- Possibilities at or near the employer's premises
- Options for scaling accommodation for future cohorts
Housing becomes a planned part of international recruitment rather than a last-minute problem.
From shared accommodation to expat housing
Different employees, roles and organisations have different housing requirements. We therefore work from the agreed housing plan rather than from one standard accommodation model.
Shared accommodation
A practical solution for larger groups of employees. This can include furnished houses or accommodation with private or shared rooms and communal facilities, provided the arrangement complies with applicable local requirements.
Temporary housing and short-stay
For shorter periods or as a bridging solution, temporary accommodation through licensed guest accommodation, short-stay units or holiday parks can be an option. Whether this is suitable depends on the site's zoning and the local requirements for this type of accommodation.
Holiday parks and recreational sites often have their own zoning plan; use for labour migrant housing is not permitted everywhere.
Apartments and houses
Shared apartments, private studios or regular rental homes can provide suitable accommodation for employees staying in the Netherlands or Belgium for a longer period.
Expat housing
For highly skilled migrants, specialists, managers or other employees requiring greater privacy and comfort, we can search for fully furnished apartments and high-quality expat accommodation.
Accommodation at the employer's premises
Sometimes the most practical solution is close to the workplace. Together with the employer, we can investigate whether existing accommodation, staff facilities or temporary/modular residential units at or near the organisation's premises could be a viable option.
Planning and permit feasibility is always assessed for the specific location.
Our property and relocation network
Where accommodation at the employer's location is not possible or desirable, we can use our network of estate agents, landlords, relocation partners and accommodation providers to identify suitable options in the surrounding area.
From cost-effective shared accommodation to premium housing for an expat, we look for a solution that matches the role, budget, location and intended duration of stay.
Healthcare sector
Housing for international healthcare professionals
For larger cohorts of international healthcare professionals, accommodation close to the healthcare location can become an important part of the overall project. We therefore include housing early in the planning process.
Together with the healthcare organisation, we can investigate for example:
- Whether suitable areas within or near the healthcare location could be used for accommodation
- Whether existing staff or residential accommodation can be utilised
- Whether temporary or modular residential units on the premises could be feasible
- Whether a combination of on-site accommodation and housing in the surrounding area would work
- What transport arrangements may be required if employees live further away
For larger cohorts, a structured housing model can be particularly useful. Employees can live close to their workplace and the same framework can potentially be used when subsequent groups arrive.
Whether accommodation at a healthcare location or the installation of residential units is possible depends on factors including the site, permitted use of the building or land and applicable municipal and planning requirements. SkillShift can help the employer explore these possibilities with the relevant parties at an early stage.
If accommodation at the healthcare location itself is not possible, we can use our network to search for suitable alternatives nearby.
How SkillShift can support
- Developing the housing plan
- Determining accommodation requirements and budget
- Searching for temporary and long-term accommodation
- Using our network of estate agents and housing partners
- Liaising with landlords and accommodation providers
- Assessing practical commuting distance to the workplace
- Planning housing for larger cohorts
- Exploring accommodation at or near the employer's premises
- Supporting arrival, key handover and practical start-up where agreed
- Aligning housing with the wider relocation schedule
The exact scope is agreed for each project. SkillShift can support only the search and advisory phase, or coordinate accommodation as part of the wider international recruitment and relocation process.
Housing in the Netherlands and Belgium
Housing markets and regulations differ between countries, regions and municipalities. Location is therefore always an important part of the housing plan.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, municipalities may apply their own requirements to the use and occupancy of residential properties and other accommodation. In certain situations, specific rental permits or other local requirements may also apply.
Where accommodation is organised through or in cooperation with an employer, applicable rental rules, housing quality requirements and protections for employees as tenants must also be taken into account.
- The Dutch Good Landlordship Act includes specific protections relevant to migrant workers.
- Depending on the situation, employment arrangements and rental arrangements need to be appropriately separated.
- Municipalities may impose additional requirements concerning housing for migrant workers and maximum occupancy.
- Rules concerning residential use and occupancy can differ locally.
- Accommodation at an employer's premises or through temporary residential units may be possible but must fit local planning rules and any applicable permits.
For larger housing projects, we therefore consider not only what accommodation is available, but also whether the proposed solution appears practically and legally feasible at the specific location.
Belgium
Housing requirements in Belgium differ between regions and municipalities. The applicable housing quality, rental and planning requirements must therefore be assessed for each location.
- In Flanders, rented or otherwise provided accommodation must meet Flemish housing quality requirements.
- A conformity certificate can demonstrate that a property met the minimum housing quality standards at the time of inspection and also indicates permitted occupancy.
- Municipalities can make conformity certificates mandatory for certain rental properties.
- Flanders has a framework under which municipalities can regulate temporary room-based accommodation for workers.
- Temporary residential structures, modular housing or changes in the permitted use of a building may require an environmental/planning permit.
For projects in Flanders, we include this local housing and planning context in the housing plan. Requirements in Brussels and Wallonia are assessed separately.
Our process
From workforce planning to key handover
- Step 01Determine housing requirements — number of employees, work location, schedule, budget and preferred type of accommodation.
- Step 02Develop the housing plan — together we determine which combination of housing solutions best fits the project.
- Step 03Explore the options — employer premises, modular units, houses, apartments, housing providers and estate agents.
- Step 04Select and coordinate — assess availability, conditions, commuting distance and practical suitability.
- Step 05ResultPrepare for arrival — align accommodation with travel arrangements, arrival and the employee's first working day.
Housing runs parallel to recruitment, DMW and immigration procedures — not only after an employee is ready to travel.
Frequently asked questions
Does an employer have to arrange accommodation for international employees?
This depends on the employment relationship, sector, contractual arrangements and specific circumstances. In practice, suitable accommodation is often an important part of a successful international recruitment project. SkillShift can help employers plan and organise this in advance.
Can employees share rooms?
Shared accommodation can be possible depending on the type of property, occupancy and applicable local requirements. The preferred housing arrangement is included in the housing plan.
Can employees live at the company's premises?
In some situations this can be an attractive option, for example through existing accommodation or temporary residential units. Whether it is possible depends on the site, planning rules, permitted use and any required permits.
Does SkillShift also arrange expat housing?
Yes. Housing requirements can range from shared accommodation for larger cohorts to private apartments or high-quality furnished housing for expats and specialists.
Is housing included as standard?
No. Housing and relocation services are agreed separately for each project. Where SkillShift supports accommodation, we first develop a housing plan together with the employer.
Develop a housing plan together?
Tell us how many international employees you expect, where they will work and when they are scheduled to arrive. Together we can identify which housing options best fit your organisation and workforce planning.