What to expect when moving to the Netherlands from the USA

Whether you're a digital nomad, retiree, or professional seeking better work–life balance, the Netherlands has become a top destination for many Americans. As of 2025, about 47,000 US citizens live there, attracted by its safety, culture, and efficient infrastructure. With updated immigration rules, improved tax coordination, and strong bilateral ties, moving to the Netherlands from the US is now more accessible than ever.

This guide breaks down visa options, residency steps, cost of living insights, tax rules, and what life is really like for an American expat in the Netherlands.

Dutch visa and immigration permits for US citizens

Relocating to the Netherlands from the US? Then you'll need to sort out the right visa – and luckily, there are options to fit just about every reason for moving, whether it’s work, study, or starting a business.

Below, we break down the main visa types with what they’re for, who they suit, where to apply, how much they cost, and how long they last – so you can find the best fit for your plans.

Dutch-American friendship treaty (DAFT) visa

The DAFT visa allows US entrepreneurs to start a business in the Netherlands under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty. It isn’t labeled as its own separate visa type on the official website, rather it is considered under the self-employed residence permit and it can be for any small business or freelance work.

Required documents:

• valid US passport
• proof of sufficient funds (minimum €4,500)
• business plan
• registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
• health insurance coverage
• completed application forms

The DAFT visa costs €1,500 and allows US citizens to include their spouse and minor children in the application. It’s valid for two years and can be renewed if the business stays active. While no Dutch is required initially, permanent residency later requires passing a civic integration exam with A2-level language skills.

Highly skilled migrant permit

The Highly skilled migrant visa is designed for professionals with advanced expertise who have secured a job offer from a recognized Dutch sponsor typically in fields like tech, engineering, finance, or academia.

Orientation year (Zoekjaar) visa

An Orientation year permit allows recent US graduates to stay in the Netherlands for a year to seek employment.

This is an ideal option for recent graduates seeking employment opportunities in the Netherlands. The visa is valid for one year; non-renewable.

To apply, you’ll need a valid passport, diploma, proof of funds, and health insurance. The application fee is €243 (about $273).

Student residence permit

The student visa is available to US citizens accepted into accredited Dutch universities or vocational schools. Typically, the institution sponsors the visa application, coordinating with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Applicants must provide proof of enrollment, a valid US passport, passport photos, health insurance, and evidence of financial means; at least €957.87 per month in 2025.

Family and partner residence permit

If you're a US citizen and your spouse, registered partner, or close family member already lives legally in the Netherlands, you may be eligible to join them through a family reunification permit. This visa enables reunification for spouses, partners, and children and supports long-term settlement.

This permit is ideal for spouses, partners, or dependent family of Dutch citizens or legal residents and is valid for up to 5 years, with a path to permanent residency. It costs €207 ($225) and requires a US passport, proof of relationship, sponsor income, and health insurance; apply through Dutch consulates in the US like Los Angeles.

Retirement residence permit

US citizens looking to retire in the Netherlands can apply as economically inactive individuals if they have sufficient passive income, such as pensions or savings. While there’s no retirement-specific visa, this permit allows long-term residence without the need to work. It's a practical path for financially independent retirees seeking to settle in a calm, well-connected European country.

You may qualify for permanent residency after just 3 years if you've lived in the Netherlands continuously and worked during your final 12 months before retiring rather than the 5-year permanent residency benchmark.

Visa and permits comparison table

 

NOTE! US citizens don’t need a startup visa when moving to the Netherlands from the US– this visa is intended for non-EU entrepreneurs from third countries who want to launch innovative, high-risk startups in the Netherlands. Instead, Americans can apply under the DAFT, which offers a simpler path for self-employed professionals and small business owners from the US to live and work in the Netherlands. No short-stay visa is required for US citizens visiting the Netherlands (or any other Schengen country) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, starting in mid-2025, you will need to apply for ETIAS – a quick, online travel authorization similar to the US ESTA. 

Guide to acquire Dutch visas & permits for US citizens

Step 1: Select the right visa for your situation

As an American, you have access to several visa and permit options – including the DAFT visa for entrepreneurs, highly skilled migrant permit, student visa, family reunification permit, and more. Visit the Netherlands Worldwide visa tool to confirm which route applies to your move.

Step 2: Gather your documents

Each permit type has specific requirements. In general, US applicants should prepare:

• valid US passport
• proof of income or financial support
• health insurance
• purpose-specific paperwork (e.g., business plan, work contract, school admission letter)

Accuracy matters – incomplete files are a common cause of delay.

Step 3: Submit your application

Depending on the visa type:

• work permit: Dutch employer applies through the IND
• DAFT/self-employed: apply directly to the IND or via a Dutch consulate
• students: the school sponsors your application
• family reunification: a sponsor in the Netherlands applies on your behalf

Applications can be submitted online, through US consulates (e.g., New York, San Francisco, Chicago), or once you arrive in the Netherlands.

Step 4: Schedule biometrics

After submission, you’ll need to provide biometric data (photo and fingerprints) at a Dutch consulate in the US or at an IND desk.

Step 5: Wait for a decision

Processing timelines for US citizens:

• DAFT: up to 90 days
• highly skilled migrant: around 2 weeks (fast track)
• student & orientation year: approx. 60 days
• family & retirement: 60–90 days

You’ll be notified by mail or email once a decision is made.

Step 6: Approval letter – no MVV needed

Unlike most non-EU citizens, Americans don’t need an MVV (entry visa). Once your residence permit is approved, you can enter the Netherlands and pick it up from the IND.

Step 7: Register locally within five days

After arriving in the Netherlands, you must register at the local gemeente (town hall). This gives you a BSN (citizen service number), which you'll need for health insurance, housing, and banking.

Step 8: Collect your residence permit

Pick up your official permit at an IND location or expat center. This card proves your legal residency.

Step 9: Finalize housing and healthcare

Secure permanent housing and enroll in Dutch health insurance – both are legally required. Expect smaller living spaces compared to US standards.

Step 10: Plan for renewal or permanent residency

Most residence permits for US citizens are valid for 15 years. After five years of continuous legal residence, you may be eligible for permanent residency.

Finding your ideal home in the Netherlands

Choosing the right city is crucial for a fulfilling expat experience when moving to the Netherlands from the US. Let's explore three popular Dutch cities that offer unique lifestyles and opportunities for Americans abroad.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands. PHOTO CREDIT: PEXELS

Amsterdam, the capital city, is renowned for its historic canals, vibrant culture, and international community. It's a hub for finance, tech, and creative industries, attracting professionals worldwide.

Utrecht

Amersfoort, UT, Netherlands. PHOTO CREDIT: PEXELS

Utrecht combines a rich history with a youthful energy, thanks to its large student population. It's centrally located, making travel across the Netherlands convenient.

Utrecht’s housing market is competitive, with most expats opting for long-term rentals due to limited availability and high property prices. To improve your chances, apply early and ensure all required documents are prepared in advance.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam, Netherlands. PHOTO CREDIT: PEXELS

Rotterdam is known for its modern architecture, bustling port, and dynamic cultural scene. It's a city that blends innovation with a laid-back lifestyle.

Trusted websites to find housing in the Netherlands

Looking for a rental or new home in the Netherlands? Start your search with these trusted platforms:

• HousingAnywhere - Great for international students and expats.
• Kamernet Popular - for finding rooms and shared apartments.
• Huurwoningen - Listings for apartments, houses, and studios.
• Direct Wonen - User-friendly and focused on rentals.
• Funda - The go-to platform for buying homes.
• Pararius - High-quality rentals with an expat-friendly interface.

Cost of living comparison

If you're considering relocating from the US, you'll find that the Netherlands offers a more affordable lifestyle in several key areas. The average monthly cost of living for a single person in the Netherlands is about $1,835, compared to $2,434 in the United States - a difference of roughly 25%. While salaries tend to be higher in the US, essentials like healthcare, groceries, and public transportation are significantly cheaper in the Netherlands. Public transit passes average €90–100 per month, and basic health insurance costs around €120, which is far less than typical US premiums.

Among Dutch cities, Amsterdam is the most expensive, with average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center at €2,069. In contrast, Utrecht averages around €1,590, and Rotterdam comes in at €1,510 – all notably more affordable than similar urban centers in the US. These numbers highlight why the Netherlands continues to attract Americans looking for quality living at a more manageable cost.

(Cost of living, healthcare, and property data sourced from Numbeo.)

Understanding the Dutch tax system in 2025

Paying taxes in both the US and the Netherlands may sound overwhelming – but it’s more manageable than you think. Thanks to the US–Netherlands tax treaty, you can avoid being taxed twice while staying compliant in both countries.

If you're relocating to the Netherlands under the Dutch–American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) and also qualify for the 30% ruling, you may benefit from favorable treatment in both immigration and taxation. The DAFT offers a streamlined path for US entrepreneurs to live and work in the Netherlands, while the 30% ruling provides a valuable tax break for up to five years.

Do I pay taxes in both the US and the Netherlands?

Yes - but you may be able to exclude or credit what you pay in one country. As a US citizen living in the Netherlands, you must file a US tax return annually and report all global income. However, you can often reduce your US tax bill by claiming the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) – up to $130,000 in 2025 - or using Form 1116 to claim a Foreign Tax Credit.

Now, let’s look at how taxation works on the Dutch side:

• Tax year: January 1 – December 31
• Filing deadline: May 1
• Form: P (resident), M (movers), C (non-resident)
• Tax structure:
  • Box 1: Work and home income – up to 49.5%
  • Box 2: Substantial interest – flat 26.9%
  • Box 3: Investments and savings – flat 32%
• Tax residency: Based on 183-day rule, permanent home, and economic ties.
• 30% ruling: Up to €73,800 tax-free for expats who fall under the highly skilled migrant visa.
• Other taxes: Property (WOZ-based), inheritance, and social security contributions.

NOTE! If your foreign accounts exceed $10,000, file an FBAR. Have assets over $200,000? File Form 8938 under FATCA.
US expats automatically get until June 16, 2025 to file. Need more time? You can extend to October 15 or December 15 with our free tax extension service. But any taxes owed are still due April 15, and interest starts accruing after that. 

Dutch healthcare & insurance: what US expats must know

The Dutch healthcare system offers top-tier, universal coverage. All residents – including expats – must purchase basic insurance, averaging €156/month in 2025. Register with a local GP and use a GP post for after-hours care.

Expats must secure health insurance within four months of arriving in the Netherlands or risk fines. Coverage is handled by private providers, but the state ensures a standardized baseline for all. You can customize your plan by purchasing supplemental insurance for services not covered by the basic package like adult dental care, physiotherapy, or alternative treatments. For a deeper look into how Dutch insurance works, visit SKGZ’s English portal.

If you live in Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC (a merger of AMC and VUmc) is the city's top medical hub. In Utrecht, University Medical Center provides leading care, particularly in cardiology and oncology. Rotterdam is home to Erasmus MC, one of the country’s largest and most advanced hospitals. These institutions are renowned for their innovative care, modern facilities, and international patient services, making them trusted names for both Dutch locals and American expats.

Schooling in the Netherlands for US expats

Moving to the Netherlands from the US with children? High-quality education is available, but choosing between public and international schools– and understanding how to enroll– can shape your family’s expat journey.

• Public schools are free and open to expats, with Dutch as the main language; some offer bilingual programs. Parental contributions are typically under €100/year.
• International schools offer IB, British, or American curricula, with full English instruction. Tuition ranges from €24K - €33K/year in Amsterdam, €4.6K - €6.6K in Utrecht, €17.5K - €24.4K in Rotterdam.
• Many international schools integrate Dutch language classes to help kids adjust culturally and socially.
• Enrollment in public schools involves registering with your local municipality and submitting a child’s passport, birth certificate, and proof of address.
• International school applications may require proof of expatriate status, interviews, and entrance assessments– start early due to long waitlists.
• Dutch education prioritizes independence, creative thinking, and early academic tracking by age 12.

Working in the Netherlands

To work in the Netherlands as a US citizen, you’ll need a valid residence permit tied to your employment - especially if you’re coming as a highly skilled migrant, which requires a sponsoring Dutch employer. The job market is strong in tech, healthcare, and engineering, and English is commonly used in international companies. Speaking Dutch is helpful but not essential for many roles. Networking plays a big role in landing jobs, often more so than submitting CVs through job boards.

Dutch work culture is collaborative non-hierarchical – meetings are direct, and feedback is honest. Work-life balance is a real priority, with shorter workweeks and generous time off being the norm. To find a job, use platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed NL, or work with expat-friendly recruiters. Check your visa eligibility and start the process on the official IND site.

Relocating to the Netherlands: cultural and integration tips

• Dutch directness can seem blunt to Americans but is rarely meant to offend.
• Casual friendliness isn’t the norm – keep greetings short and sincere.
• You don’t need to be fluent in Dutch, but basic phrases go a long way. Try learning essentials like "Thank you" - Dank je wel and "Do you speak English?" - Spreekt u Engels?.
• Some official documents arrive in Dutch only – Using Google Translate or Artificial intelligence helps.
• Evening Dutch classes or inburgeringscursus are popular with expats.
• Participating in local routines like biking or recycling earns respect from locals.
• Saying lekker weer, hè (nice weather, huh) at the park can start genuine conversations.

Checklist for a smooth move

Need help with taxes abroad?

From digital nomads to families relocating for work, more Americans are choosing the Netherlands for its quality of life, global opportunities, and strong social support system. In this guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know about relocating from the US to the Netherlands – from visas and housing to financial planning and tax compliance.

At Taxes for Expats, we specialize in helping US expats meet IRS requirements while they build a life overseas. Let us make your move smooth and easy.