Stadspas Amsterdam — how do I apply?
Amsterdam Stadspas is a free discount card for low-income residents with many rights: (1) Who: income up to ~110% social minimum (~€1,500/mo single, ~€2,100 family of 4). Specific amounts yearly — check amsterdam.nl/stadspas. (2) Apply: online with DigiD at amsterdam.nl/stadspas. 5-10 working days delivery. Cost: free. (3) What you get: free child swim lessons, free museums (Rijksmuseum, etc.), transit discount, sports allowance via Jeugdfonds, basic health insurance discount. For children: free school supplies, Sinterklaas. (4) Valid 1 year, auto-renewed if income unchanged. On change: notify yourself. (5) Not automatic: despite Tax Office knowing income, you must separately apply for Stadspas. (6) Rejected: appeal within 6 weeks at city. ~30% appeals upheld.
Step by step
- 1Check income limitAt amsterdam.nl/stadspas view exact limit for your family situation (~€1,500/mo single, higher with partner/children). Calculate from gross + benefits.
- 2Gather evidenceLast 3 mo payslips, or welfare decision, or pension proof. For expat with 30% ruling: usually no Stadspas right. For freelancer: last income tax return.
- 3Apply onlineamsterdam.nl/stadspas > Apply. DigiD login. Upload documents. Submit, receive confirmation email.
- 4Wait for card5-10 working days delivery to BRP address. No card after 2 weeks: call 14 020 with BSN. Often card in old mail box or address investigation pending.
- 5Activate + use discountsDownload Stadspas app (only under Stadspas name, linked to BSN). View all discounts + provisions at amsterdam.nl/stadspas/aanbod. Average €800-1,500/yr savings.
All contacts
Frequently asked questions
What if my income is slightly above limit?
For <10% over limit: discretionary assessment sometimes possible (special circumstances, high care costs, family burdens). Ask Social Counsellors for support with discretionary application. On high rejection risk: PGB or special welfare route.
How much do I save on average with Stadspas?
€800-1,500/yr for single, €1,500-3,000 for family. Biggest items: health insurance basic discount, transit discount, free child swim lessons + culture, school supplies. For parents: with active use >€2,000 possible.
Does Stadspas work automatically with Tax Office income?
NO, despite Tax Office knowing income you must separately apply at city. Tax Office does NOT automatically share data with city (privacy law). City keeps own administration.
Difference between Stadspas, U-pas, OV-Pas, Rotterdampas?
Stadspas = Amsterdam-specific. U-pas = Utrecht. Rotterdampas = Rotterdam. The Hague = Ooievaarspas. Each city has own discount card for low-income. Works only within own city.
Does Stadspas work for low-income expats?
Yes, nothing in rules excludes expats. Decisive: NL tax resident + income below limit + registered Amsterdam BRP. With 30% ruling: gross income below limit often above 110% social minimum, so rarely eligible. Appeal possible in specific circumstances.
What other provisions similar to Stadspas?
Special welfare (one-time amounts for necessary expenses), Child-Bound Budget (Tax Office), Leergeld Foundation (children-specific), Food Bank (extra-low income). Social Counsellors give complete overview.
Sources
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