Nelom, 27, left Feyenoord as a free agent at the end of last season - a lack of minutes in the first-team saw the defender join Sparta Rotterdam on loan last season.
He had originally been a regular with Feyenoord and even featured for the Netherlands on two occasions in 2013, though in recent years has seen his career move in another direction.
Speaking to Hibernian's official website, Nelom said: "It feels great. I am happy to be here and to have the opportunity to start at Hibernian.
"My first impression of the manager is that he is very enthusiastic. I also saw him as a player at Celtic and I know a bit about him as a manager. I'm sure he will be a good manager for me.
"I have been here a couple of days now and it's been great. I have heard a few stories about Edinburgh, now that I am here I can see the city centre and the countryside. It looks good.
"The club is even bigger than I thought. The facilities and the stadium are all nice. I can't wait to play on the pitch and show what I've got."