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SNF-certified housing in the Netherlands

Countries & rulesWritten by the Workbeds team · Updated · 3 min read

Short answer

In the Netherlands, housing for labour migrants is usually checked against the SNF standard (Stichting Normering Flexwonen). Staffing agencies under the ABU and NBBU collective agreements that provide housing must use accommodation that is registered with SNF. Ask for the SNF registration before you book.

What is SNF?

SNF (Stichting Normering Flexwonen) sets a standard for the housing of flexible and migrant workers and keeps a public register of locations that have been inspected. The standard covers things like space per person, sanitary facilities, fire safety and privacy.

For many Dutch clients and staffing agencies it is the first thing they ask about a location.

Who needs SNF-registered housing?

Staffing agencies that fall under the Dutch collective agreements for temporary workers (ABU and NBBU) and that provide housing to their workers must use SNF-registered accommodation. Other employers are not always bound by it, but many clients ask for it as a baseline.

How to check a location

  • Ask the provider for the SNF registration of the exact address.
  • Check that address in the public SNF register.
  • Check the number of people the location is registered for against your headcount.
  • Ask when the last inspection was.

Rules change. This guide was checked on 23 Sep 2026; confirm the current rules with the local authority before you rely on them.

Questions people also ask

Is SNF a legal requirement?

Not by itself. It becomes a requirement through collective agreements and contracts, for example for agencies under the ABU and NBBU agreements.

Do Dutch municipalities have their own rules?

Yes. Many municipalities have rules on how many unrelated people may share a house. Ask the provider whether the location has the permits it needs.

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