Best Coworking Spaces in the Netherlands 2026: Expat Guide

After years of working from my tiny Amsterdam apartment – hunched over a kitchen table, fighting for WiFi with my housemates – I finally tried a coworking space. It changed everything. Not just for productivity, but for my social life as an expat. Some of my closest friends in the Netherlands are people I met at a shared desk. Here is my guide to the best coworking spaces for expats across the country.

Working as a freelancer? Read our complete ZZP guide for registration and taxes.

Best Coworking Chains in the Netherlands

Best Coworking Spaces by City

Amsterdam

Tip: Amsterdam Noord (A Lab, NDSM area) and Oud-West (B.Amsterdam) offer the best value. Centrum locations charge a 30-50% premium.

One thing most expats overlook: coworking networks are shared environments. Always use a VPN when connecting to coworking WiFi — especially for banking, tax portals, and client work. NordVPN runs quietly in the background and costs less per month than a single day pass.

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Rotterdam

Tip: Rotterdam is 20-30% cheaper than Amsterdam with a growing international startup scene.

The Hague

Tip: The Hague is ideal for expats working in international organizations, NGOs, or government. The Hague Tech has the strongest international community.

Utrecht

Eindhoven

Tip: Eindhoven’s High Tech Campus is the hub if you work in tech/R&D, with many ASML, Philips, and NXP connections.

City-by-City Practical Guide for Expats

Amsterdam: Finding the Right Neighbourhood

Amsterdam is not one coworking market — it is five distinct ones. Centrum commands premium prices and has the best transport links. Noord (NDSM, A Lab) has the most interesting creative environments and significantly lower prices. West (B.Amsterdam, Westergas) offers the best startup campus feel at mid-range prices. Zuidas has the most corporate-focused spaces.

For expats arriving in Amsterdam, my general advice: start with a day pass at two or three spaces before committing. The commute from your home to your coworking space will matter more than any other factor after the first month. A beautiful space that requires a 40-minute commute will get abandoned — I have seen this happen many times.

Cycling to cowork: Amsterdam is fundamentally a cycling city. Most coworking spaces in Amsterdam have secure bike parking, often covered. If you are cycling to your space (which I recommend — it is faster than public transport for most cross-city journeys and free), confirm that bike parking is accessible at your arrival time, not just during normal business hours.

Rotterdam: The Underrated Option

Rotterdam is systematically underpriced relative to Amsterdam and has a genuinely interesting coworking scene. The city attracts a different professional profile — more logistics, maritime, architecture, and design than Amsterdam’s tech-finance focus — and the coworking spaces reflect this.

42workspace has become Rotterdam’s flagship startup coworking community. The events programme is strong and the community is intentionally diverse. If you work in anything adjacent to Rotterdam’s port economy, logistics, or design, this is worth serious consideration.

The price differential from Amsterdam is real: a hot desk in Rotterdam at €150–300/month versus €200–400/month in Amsterdam, for spaces of comparable quality. Over a year, this represents a saving of €600–1,200. For freelancers and early-stage entrepreneurs, that matters.

Rotterdam’s coworking scene is also less crowded, which means you are more likely to actually get to know the people around you — rather than being one of 500 members in a large Amsterdam campus.

The Hague: International Organisation Cluster

The Hague coworking is shaped by the city’s unique character: it is the seat of Dutch government, the home of multiple international organisations and NGOs, and has a large diplomatic community. The result is a coworking scene that skews toward impact work, international organisations, legal and policy work, and NGO operations.

The Hague Tech has actively positioned itself as the hub for this community and deserves its reputation. Monthly memberships start around €195, which is very competitive. The community includes professionals working in peace and justice organisations, international law, human rights NGOs, and government-adjacent consulting — which makes it genuinely useful for networking if you work in any of these areas.

For expats relocating to The Hague specifically — often in international organisation, embassy, or diplomatic contexts — The Hague Tech is the natural first coworking option. It functions as an introduction to the city’s professional community more effectively than any other space.

Utrecht: Central Station Convenience vs Character

Utrecht coworking has two distinct types: the highly convenient Spaces at Hoog Catharijne (directly connected to Utrecht Centraal station, one of the busiest in the Netherlands), and the more characterful independent spaces like De Stadstuin.

For expats commuting between cities — Utrecht Centraal connects to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Eindhoven, and most of the country within 30–90 minutes — the Spaces at Hoog Catharijne option makes particular sense. If your work involves regular train travel around the country, having your coworking base at a major hub is practically useful.

For expats based in Utrecht primarily, De Stadstuin offers a genuine neighbourhood community feel that the chain spaces cannot replicate.

Eindhoven: Tech Corridor

Eindhoven’s coworking market is structured around the High Tech Campus — informally known as the “smartest square kilometre in the world” — and the creative tech cluster at Strijp-S. These serve very different communities.

If you work in deep tech, semiconductors, embedded systems, or anything adjacent to the ASML/Philips/NXP supply chain, High Tech Campus is where you need to be. The density of tech expertise, equipment, and specialist networking is unlike anything elsewhere in the Netherlands.

For creative and digital professionals in Eindhoven, Microlab at Strijp-S or Kazerne offer a more design-focused environment with a strong local tech-creative community.

Eindhoven is noticeably cheaper than Amsterdam for coworking — hot desks from €150–250/month — and the quality of infrastructure is high. Expats who choose Eindhoven over Amsterdam often cite both the lower cost of living and the quality of the professional community in specific sectors.

How to Set Up Your Coworking Situation in the Netherlands

Here is the practical sequence I recommend for expats who are new to the country and need to establish a working base:

Week 1–2: Try day passes Use the WeWork or Spaces app to access a day pass without commitment. These apps work immediately with a credit card and give you access to any location in their network globally. This buys you time to assess commute routes and neighbourhoods before making any commitment.

Week 3–4: Narrow to 2–3 candidates Based on your home location (once you have found accommodation) and your typical work week, identify two or three spaces that could work. Most operators offer a free trial week or a discounted first month — request these. This is standard practice in the Dutch coworking market and no legitimate operator will refuse. During this trial period, pay attention to the internet speed at different times of the day, the noise level during busy hours, and whether the coffee is actually drinkable — these small details matter enormously when you are there every day.

Month 2: Commit on a monthly cancellable basis Once you have found the right space, sign up for a monthly membership with monthly cancellation. Avoid annual contracts until you are genuinely certain the location, community, and amenities work for your situation. Dutch coworking contracts are generally monthly cancellable, but some operators offer discounts for longer commitments — only take these after you have verified the space works for you.

Tax and admin from day one Register your coworking costs as kantoorkosten in your bookkeeping from the first invoice. If you are a ZZP’er, your accounting software (Moneybird, Jortt, etc.) should capture these automatically. Keep all invoices — the Belastingdienst requires 7-year record retention for business expenses.

What Expats Get Wrong About Dutch Coworking

A few things I see come up repeatedly when expats approach coworking in the Netherlands:

Picking by aesthetics rather than community. Every WeWork and Spaces location looks approximately the same — the photography is professional and the spaces are clean. But the community of members is radically different between a Centrum WeWork (diverse, transient, international, corporate) and a Strijp-S creative space (local, specialised, tight-knit). Visit during normal working hours and talk to actual members before deciding.

Not asking about noise. Dutch coworking culture tends toward open, social environments. If you need deep focus for long stretches — coding, writing, detailed analysis — ask specifically about quiet zones or silent hours. The best spaces have them; not all do.

Ignoring the virtual office option. For ZZP’ers who work primarily from home but want a professional business address for their KvK registration, a virtual office membership (€50–100/month at most coworking spaces) is significantly cheaper than a full hot desk membership. It gives you a professional address, mail handling, and typically some meeting room access for client visits. This is what I use personally for days when I need a meeting room but do not need a desk.

Not leveraging the community platform. Every major coworking operator now has a member community platform or Slack workspace. These are where job leads, client introductions, and collaborations actually happen. If you sign up with a space and then never participate in the community, you are paying for a desk but missing the primary value.

Types of Coworking Memberships

Tips for Choosing a Coworking Space

1. Try Before You Commit

Most spaces offer a free trial day or week. Use it. The vibe, noise level, and community matter more than the photos suggest.

2. Check the Contract Terms

• Monthly cancellable is standard — avoid long lock-in periods
• Watch for hidden costs: printing, meeting rooms, parking, coffee
• Some spaces charge extra for after-hours access

3. Consider Your Commute

A coworking space near your home saves you commute time and money. Check OV (public transport) connections — most premium spaces are near train stations.

4. Think About Community

The best coworking spaces aren’t just desks — they’re communities. Look for:

• Regular networking events and workshops
• A community manager who introduces members
• A mix of industries (not just one type of business)
• English-speaking environment if your Dutch is limited

5. Internet Speed Matters

For remote workers on video calls, internet speed matters a lot. Ask about:

• Download/upload speed (minimum 100/50 Mbps)
• Dedicated business line vs shared residential
• Backup connection

Coworking Prices by City: What You Will Actually Pay in 2026

The per-space tables earlier give you individual prices. Here is a city-level summary so you can budget before you even start researching specific spaces.

Amsterdam

The most expensive coworking market in the Netherlands, reflecting both real estate costs and the density of international companies and freelancers.

Budget tip: Amsterdam Noord (NDSM wharf area) and West (Oud-West, De Baarsjes) are 20–30% cheaper than Centrum or Zuidas. You trade a canal view for better value.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam has grown significantly as a coworking destination, driven by its startup scene and growing international community. Prices are meaningfully lower than Amsterdam.

Other Cities

The pattern: Amsterdam runs 40–60% above the national average. Rotterdam sits about 20–30% below Amsterdam. The Hague, Utrecht, and Eindhoven are broadly similar to Rotterdam. Smaller cities like Groningen or Breda offer the lowest prices.

Tax Deductions for Coworking: The ZZP’er’s Guide

One of the genuine advantages of coworking over a home office is the deductibility. If you are registered as a ZZP’er (eenmanszaak), your coworking membership is a legitimate business expense — and the Dutch tax rules on this are quite generous.

What You Can Deduct

How It Works in Practice

You deduct these costs from your business profit before the MKB-winstvrijstelling (14% profit exemption) is applied. This means every €100 of coworking costs reduces your taxable income by €100, saving you roughly €30–€40 in income tax depending on your bracket. Not sure which bracket you fall into? Use our Salary Checker to estimate your net income.

Example: Annual coworking membership at €3,000 (€250/month hot desk in Rotterdam).

At a 36.97% marginal rate, the Belastingdienst is covering roughly 37 cents of every euro you spend on coworking.

The Home Office Comparison

Many ZZP’ers work from home and assume they can deduct a portion of their rent or mortgage. Dutch tax rules on home office deduction are actually quite restrictive: you can only deduct home office costs if the space is a separate room used exclusively for business, with its own entrance. Most home offices do not qualify. A coworking membership is therefore often more tax-efficient than a home office for many freelancers.

Record-Keeping

Keep all invoices for 7 years (Dutch tax records requirement). Your accounting software (Moneybird, e-Boekhouden, etc.) should store these automatically when you connect your bank account. The category for membership fees is “kantoorkosten.”

For the full picture of ZZP taxes and deductions, read our freelancer ZZP guide and the Dutch tax system guide.

Remote Work Tips for Expats in the Netherlands

Working remotely in the Netherlands has some practical dimensions worth knowing before you sign a membership.

Internet is excellent everywhere. The Netherlands consistently ranks in the top 5 globally for broadband speed. Even budget coworking spaces typically deliver 200+ Mbps. That said, always test on your free trial day — shared residential lines do occasionally get congested during peak hours.

Noise levels vary enormously. Dutch coworking culture tends toward open-plan, social environments. If you need deep focus for long stretches, ask specifically about quiet zones before signing. B.Amsterdam and The Hague Tech both have designated silent areas; busier WeWork Amsterdam centrum locations can be noisy during the day.

Your employer may cover the cost. Many international companies in the Netherlands — especially in tech and finance — include a remote work or home office allowance of €50-€200/month. Check your employment contract. If you are a highly skilled migrant, your 30% ruling may also give you extra net income to cover it.

Consider a virtual office if you are a ZZP’er. For €50-€100/month, most coworking spaces offer a professional business address for your KvK registration. This avoids using your home address publicly — something most freelancers prefer. Read our ZZP guide for the full registration process.

Coworking as networking. For expats building a professional network, the right space is one of the fastest ways to meet people. See the cost of living guide to understand how a coworking membership fits into your overall monthly budget.

Conclusion

For international expats, WeWork and Spaces offer the easiest start with English-speaking communities and flexible contracts. For better value and a stronger local connection, explore independent spaces like B.Amsterdam, 42workspace, or The Hague Tech. Always try a free day before committing.

Wherever you work in the Netherlands, protect your data on shared networks with a reliable VPN. NordVPN is what I use personally and recommend to clients working remotely.

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When Coworking Is Not the Right Answer

Coworking is often presented as the obvious solution for remote workers and freelancers, but it is worth being honest about when it does not make sense.

If your work requires absolute silence or strict confidentiality: Many coworking spaces — particularly the open-plan, social environments that dominate the Dutch market — are not appropriate for work involving highly confidential client discussions, legal or medical consultations, or any context where overhearing matters. A private office within a coworking space solves this, but at a price point that approaches a standalone office lease. If confidentiality is a primary requirement, explore serviced offices or a private office subscription.

If you rarely actually work away from home: For ZZP’ers with a dedicated home office and limited need for external meetings, the numbers often do not add up. A virtual office for your KvK registration (€50–100/month) plus occasional day passes for client meetings is significantly cheaper than a hot desk membership (€150–400/month) if you would only use the coworking space two or three days a month.

If you are on a very tight freelance budget: In the first year of ZZP life, income is often variable and every cost matters. The free work environments available in the Netherlands — public libraries with WiFi and work tables, Albert Heijn and café environments with stable connectivity, university libraries in cities with student populations — are genuinely functional as occasional work environments. Dutch public libraries (openbare bibliotheken) in particular are underused by expats: they are free, have fast WiFi, reliable desk space, and quiet areas. The OBA (Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam) at Oosterdok is one of the most pleasant free work environments in the city.

Coworking for Teams: Moving from Hotdesks to Team Spaces

For expats managing or building teams in the Netherlands, the transition from individual hotdesk to team workspace involves different considerations.

Dedicated team rooms: Most coworking operators offer lockable private offices for 2–8 people within their shared facilities. These give a small team its own space while accessing all shared amenities — meeting rooms, communal areas, reception services. Pricing: typically €600–2,500/month for a 2–6 person team space, depending on city and operator.

Team day passes: If your team meets periodically rather than continuously — for example, a remote team that gathers in Amsterdam once a month for a full-day meeting — booking a meeting room or team day at a coworking space is more economical than maintaining permanent dedicated space. WeWork, Spaces, and Mindspace all offer event and team day bookings through their apps.

Scaling considerations: The Dutch coworking market in Amsterdam and Rotterdam has sufficient supply that teams up to 15–20 people can generally find private office space within coworking facilities on reasonably short notice. For larger teams, a separate office lease becomes more economical than coworking pricing.

Coworking and Your Dutch Business Registration

For ZZP’ers and company founders registering with the KvK, the coworking space address question deserves specific attention.

Virtual office for KvK: Most coworking operators offer a virtual office service (€50–150/month) that provides a registered business address for your KvK. This is the standard solution for freelancers who work from home but want to keep their home address private in the public register. Your home address in the Netherlands is visible in the KvK (Chamber of Commerce) business register by default — using a coworking address prevents this.

Address stability: Your KvK address change requires a formal update each time you move. If you use your home address and move apartments (common for expats in the first year), each move requires an update. A stable coworking address avoids this administrative overhead.

Mail handling: Most virtual office memberships include mail reception. Physical letters from the Belastingdienst, CAK, and other government bodies will arrive at your registered address — make sure the coworking provider handles mail reliably and either scans it for you or holds it for collection.

Other Dutch Cities: Smaller Markets Worth Knowing

Beyond the five cities covered in depth, several smaller Dutch cities have coworking options that may be relevant depending on where you are based.

Groningen (north): Groningen has a young, university-driven coworking scene. Spaces like Coworking Groningen and Spaces Groningen serve the city’s startup and digital professional community. Prices are among the lowest in the Netherlands — hot desks from €100–150/month. For expats working for the University of Groningen or the growing energy and tech sector in the north, Groningen’s coworking quality is higher than outsiders expect.

Nijmegen: A smaller city but with a strong Radboud University presence and a growing life sciences and tech sector (proximity to the Arnhem-Nijmegen region). The Science Hub and Novio Tech Campus serve the research and tech community. Prices comparable to Eindhoven.

Tilburg: Tilburg has invested in its creative and digital economy and has coworking options reflecting this, particularly around Midden-Brabant creative industries. 013 (the music venue and creative campus) hosts some coworking operations.

Maastricht: Given Maastricht’s international university and proximity to Belgium and Germany, the coworking scene has a notably cross-border character. Several spaces serve the Maastricht Area Tech region and the academic community. Prices are moderate.

For expats in these secondary cities, the coworking quality is generally good and the price advantage over Amsterdam is significant. The main limitation is community scale — a space with 100 members in Groningen has a smaller network than one with 500 in Amsterdam, though that smaller community is often more tightly knit.

Explore More Expat Guides

• Freelancer (ZZP) Guide — Registration and taxes
• Dutch Tax System for Expats — Deductions and filing
• Moving to Amsterdam — City guide
• Moving to The Hague — International city
• Moving to Eindhoven — Tech hub guide

Tax Deductions for Coworking in the Netherlands

For freelancers and ZZP (self-employed) expats in the Netherlands, coworking membership costs are deductible as business expenses. This significantly affects the real cost.

If you pay €300/month for a coworking membership and your effective tax rate as a ZZP is 35%, the after-tax cost is approximately €195/month. The coworking space functions both as a productive environment and as a legitimate tax deduction.

How to handle this correctly:

• Pay the coworking membership from your business bank account (ING ZZP, bunq Business, or similar)
• Ensure the invoices from the coworking provider are addressed to your business name and KvK number, not your personal name
• Record the expense category as “kantoorkosten” (office costs) or “werkplekhuur” in your accounting software
• Retain all invoices — the Belastingdienst may request documentation during an audit

The BTW (VAT) charged by coworking spaces is typically 21%. If you are BTW-registered (which you should be if your revenue exceeds €20,000 annually), you can reclaim this BTW in your quarterly BTW return, further reducing the net cost.

For employees working from home: Employees who use a coworking space because their employer does not provide a workspace may be able to claim the home working allowance (thuiswerkvergoeding, currently €2.35/day in 2026) from their employer, or negotiate a coworking reimbursement as part of their employment terms. Dutch employers are generally open to workspace reimbursement as an employment benefit. Ask your HR department rather than assuming it is not available.

Last updated: March 2026.