You can move to the Netherlands from the US for any of the following reasons:
- For work (self-employment, freelance), as part of the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty
- If you have a job offer from a Dutch employer
- If you’ve been admitted to a Dutch university
- Though a cultural exchange program or as an au pair
As an American, one of your advantages is that the administrative procedures are more straightforward since you don’t need an entry visa. Read to learn about your immigration options more in-depth, and what you can expect after moving.
Dutch-American Friendship Treaty
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is aimed at American self-employed workers, freelancers, and business owners who want to move their work to the Netherlands. The requirements for the DAFT program are:
- You have to register your business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK).
- If you are a freelancer, you must have proof of one or more commissions in the Netherlands.
- You must make a minimum investment of €4,500 into a business bank account in the Netherlands.
Residence permits issued as part of the DAFT program are valid for two years. You can renew it continuously, and after five years, you can apply for permanent residency.
Moving for Work
If you find a job in the Netherlands, you can apply for a residence permit for work. The most common work permits are issued for “highly skilled migrants”. This means you need a job that pays a certain amount—at least €4,171/month (if you are younger than 30) and €5,688/month (if older than 30).
You can also apply for an EU Blue Card if you have a higher education diploma (at least a three-year program) and relevant work experience (at least five years).
Work residence permits are issued for up to five years (or for the duration of your work contract). You can renew it continuously for as long as you still have a job in the Netherlands, and after five years you can apply for permanent residency.
Moving to Study
You can also move to the Netherlands if you are admitted to a Dutch university. With a residence permit for studies, you can live there for the entire duration of your study course. During this time, you can work part-time during the school year, and full-time during the summer months (June to August). You can also do freelance work full-time, but only if you register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.
After you finish your studies, you can apply for a “residence permit for orientation year”, which lets you stay an extra year to look for work, if you want to settle in the Netherlands more permanently. While you’re job-hunting, you can still work in non-qualifying jobs, but you cannot extend your stay past one year.
Cultural Exchanges
If you are a young person and want to move to the Netherlands temporarily (up to one year), the following cultural exchange programs are available to Americans:
Residence permit for cultural exchange
To be eligible for this residence permit, you must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application. This permit gives you the opportunity to experience and learn about Dutch culture and society during your stay.
You will reside with a host family registered in the Personal Records Database and must apply through a recognized exchange organization.
With this permit, you can only do volunteer work.
Residence permit as an au pair
To work in the Netherlands as an au pair, you must be aged 18-25, unmarried, and have no children.
You will live with a host family of at least two members who are registered in the Personal Records Database—you cannot be related to them or have worked for them before, either in the Netherlands or abroad.
Your role in the household will involve light housekeeping tasks for no more than 8 hours a day and 30 hours a week, with at least two days off.
You must apply through a recognized au pair agency.
Getting a Residence Permit
As an American, you need a residence permit to live in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days. You or a sponsor can apply for a residence permit directly in the Netherlands, from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
Here’s a short overview of the application process, depending on the reason you are moving:
- For work: Your employer in the Netherlands applies for your residence permit at the IND, before or after you travel.
- For self-employment: You apply for your residence permit yourself at the IND after you travel to the Netherlands.
- For studying: Your university or school applies for your residence permit at the IND, either before or after you get there.
- For cultural exchange or au pair programs: Your host organization or family apply for your residence permit at the IND.
After the residence permit is approved, you will receive a notification. You have to make an appointment with the IND and collect it once you move to the Netherlands.
Unlike most other non-EU nationals, American citizens do not need an entry visa (MVV) to travel to the Netherlands.
After You Move
Once you arrive in the Netherlands, you’ll need to start settling in, which involves several administrative procedures, including:
Arranging accommodation
You should secure housing as soon as possible since you need proof of residence when you register with the municipality. Most expats rent, so it’s best to start searching for rental apartments before arrival.
Registering with the municipality
You must register with the municipality (Gemeenten) within five days of arrival to receive your citizen service number (BSN). This number is essential for most administrative tasks, including taxes. Schedule an appointment in advance.
Setting up public service accounts
As soon as you have your BSN, you can apply for a DigiD, which is an account that lets you access online government services. You should also register for MijnOverheid, which lets you manage official records and communications.
Taking out health insurance
Dutch law requires all residents to have basic health insurance covering doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions. You can choose any Dutch insurance provider, and they must accept all applicants for standard policies.
Opening a Dutch bank account
You’ll need to open a Dutch bank account to pay your rent and utilities, receive your salary, and make other payments. To open one, you need proof of address and your BSN.
Attending civic integration courses
New residents who plan to settle in the Netherlands long-term must complete a civic integration program within three years, covering the Dutch language (A2 level), society, and democratic values. The courses are followed by an exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my application is rejected?
If your application for a residence permit is rejected and you are already in the Netherlands, you have to leave. The IND will issue a “return decision”, which states the deadline before you have to return to the US (typically, it is 28 days.)
If you feel like your application was unfairly rejected, then you have two options:
- Object the decision. You have to write a letter, explaining why you are objecting the decision, and mail it along with a copy of the initial decision of the IND. On the first letter you received, it will state whether you are allowed to stay in the Netherlands while your objection is being processed.
- Re-apply. You can apply for the visa at another date, making sure that you’ve corrected whatever led to the rejection.
Is the Netherlands less expensive than the US?
Yes, the Netherlands is generally less expensive than the US, but it is still one of the more expensive countries in Europe. According to Numbeo, a single person living in a larger city in the Netherlands would need around $2,500 to live comfortably, which is similar to what one would need in a comparable city in the USA.
A family of four needs an average of $6,000 per month in the US, whereas in the Netherlands they need approximately $5,100.
Rent and groceries in major Dutch cities can be comparable to or even more expensive than in the US, but healthcare and education are generally more affordable.
Will I pay taxes in both countries?
As an American citizen, you do have to pay taxes in both countries since the US government requires all Americans to file a US tax return even if they live abroad. You are taxed even on the income you receive in the Netherlands.
Since the Dutch government also requires residents to pay taxes, you will pay income tax in the Netherlands as well. It is advisable to consult tax experts before you move.
Do I get free healthcare in the Netherlands as an American?
No, healthcare in the Netherlands is not free. You have to purchase a standard insurance policy within four months of arrival. Basic insurance covers doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions, but you may need additional coverage for extra services. However, even though it is not free, healthcare and health insurance are generally less expensive in the Netherlands than they are in the US.
You can register with any Dutch insurance company, and they are obligated to accept you for a standard policy, regardless of income or pre-existing conditions.
Can I drive in the Netherlands with a US license?
Yes, but only for a limited time. You can use your US driver’s license for up to six months after registering in the Netherlands. After that, you must exchange it for a Dutch license (if you qualify) or pass the Dutch driving exam.
Do I need to speak Dutch to live in the Netherlands?
You don’t need to speak Dutch to move to the Netherlands, but if you plan to settle long-term, learning Dutch will help you integrate better, especially for work and social life.
Additionally, long-term residents have to complete a civic integration program within the first three years of residency, which includes a Dutch language requirement.