Moving to the Netherlands from the USA

Step-by-step checklist for Americans relocating to the Netherlands — DAFT visa, Highly Skilled Migrant route, BSN, Dutch bank account, the IND, and your first month.

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Visa & legal right to stay

Pick a route: DAFT (self-employed Americans, €4,500 business capital), Highly Skilled Migrant (sponsored), or Orientation Year
Must
DAFT is the easiest entry path because of the US-Netherlands Friendship Treaty.
Find an IND-recognized sponsor if going the HSM route
Must
Book an IND appointment shortly after arrival
Must

Paperwork to gather before you fly

Apostilled birth certificate (and marriage cert if relevant)
Must
Required to register with the gemeente.
Apostilled criminal record check if asked
Business plan + opening balance sheet (DAFT)
Must
Proof of €4,500 in a Dutch business account (DAFT)
Health insurance from arrival (private until you're enrolled in basisverzekering)
Must

Money & banking

Open a Dutch business account (Bunq, ABN AMRO, or ING) for the DAFT deposit
Must
Get a BSN at the gemeente as soon as you have an address
Must
Register the business at the KvK (Chamber of Commerce) on the same day if possible
Apply for the 30% ruling if your employer sponsors you
Tax break on the first 30% of salary, narrowing in 2027.
Set up a Dutch accountant — VAT (BTW) filings are quarterly

Housing

Use Pararius and Funda for long-term rentals
Amsterdam and Utrecht are brutal — expect bidding wars and 2–3x annual income required as proof.
Budget 1–2 months deposit + first month + agency fee
A registered address is required for BSN — landlords must allow inschrijving
Must
Consider Haarlem, Rotterdam, or The Hague if Amsterdam is unaffordable

Healthcare

Buy basisverzekering within 4 months of registering — backdated to arrival
Must
Mandatory. Compare on Zorgwijzer or Independer. ~€140–160/mo.
Register with a huisarts (GP) — your gateway to the entire system
Must
Bridge with a short-term expat plan (e.g. AON) for the first weeks

First 30 days on the ground

Register with the gemeente to get your BSN
Must
Pick up your residence permit (verblijfsdocument) at IND
Must
Get a Dutch SIM (KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile, or Lebara)
Buy an OV-chipkaart for transit
Get a bike — and learn the bike-lane rules before you use it
Exchange your US driver's license only if you qualify for the 30% ruling — otherwise you'll need a Dutch test

FAQ

Why is DAFT so popular for Americans?

It's the only EU country with a treaty that lets Americans get a 2-year self-employed residence permit with just €4,500 in business capital and a working business plan.

Do I really need a registered address?

Yes. Without an address that allows inschrijving you cannot get a BSN, and without a BSN you cannot get insurance, a bank account at most banks, or a permanent contract.

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NextLatitude is for organization and guidance only. Visa rules, tax thresholds, and procedures change — always confirm with the relevant consulate or a licensed professional before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-01.