Relokato / Destinations / Netherlands
🇳🇱 Netherlands
DAFT self-employment residence, BSN registration, mandatory health insurance and the 30% ruling — with deadlines and the official source for each step.
17
Tasks in your Netherlands playbook
2 yr
Initial DAFT permit, then 5-year renewals
€4,500
Minimum business capital (DAFT)
€0
To start your plan
Pick your route
Residence routes for
moving to the Netherlands.
DAFT visa
DAFT (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty)
US citizens only. Register a self-employed business, deposit €4,500, no language test, no job offer, no points system. 2-year permit, renewable for 5 years. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
EU freedom of movement
EU/EEA Registration
EU/EEA citizens register at the gemeente — no visa, no business registration required. Bring passport, proof of address and proof of income.
Your roadmap
Four phases, in the
right order.
Phase 1
Immigration
- Confirm DAFT eligibility
- Submit IND application
- KVK registration + €4,500
- Business liability insurance (AVB)
- IND appointment + endorsement sticker
Phase 2
Housing
- Research neighborhoods
- What to ship vs leave
- Temporary accommodation
- Long-term rental (confirm BRP registration allowed)
Phase 3
Financial
- BSN at gemeente (within 5 days)
- Dutch health insurance (within 4 months)
- Dutch business bank account
- 30% ruling eligibility check
- Home country tax notification
Phase 4
Post-arrival
- Activate DigiD
- Register with a huisarts (GP)
- Driving licence exchange (RDW)
- First Dutch tax return
Special regime · 30%-regeling
The 30% ruling could cut your
effective tax rate substantially.
If you structure as a BV and pay yourself a qualifying salary (€48,013 minimum in 2026), you may be eligible for the 30% ruling — up to 30% of your salary received tax-free. The ruling now tapers: 30% in the first 20 months, 20% in the next 20, 10% in the final 20. It requires an employer-employee relationship, so ZZP sole proprietors don't qualify directly. Confirm with a Dutch tax advisor before assuming eligibility.
30% tax-free (year 1)Tapered over 5 yearsBV structure required€48,013 salary threshold
Where you'll land
The four cities
most movers choose.
Amsterdam
Culture & career
Largest international job market, densest expat community, highest rents. Tightest rental market in the country — most listings gone within days.
Rotterdam
Value & modernity
30–40% cheaper than Amsterdam for comparable space. Modern architecture, strong creative and tech scene. Europe's largest port city.
Utrecht
Balance & connectivity
Busiest train station in the country. Compact medieval centre, strong cycling culture. Second-most expensive after Amsterdam, but calmer.
The Hague
Families & international
Largest international-school infrastructure. Beach access at Scheveningen. Calmer and more residential — roughly a quarter of residents are international.
Common questions
Things people ask
before they commit.
What is DAFT and who qualifies?
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty gives US citizens the right to live and work self-employed in the Netherlands. You register a business, deposit €4,500, and receive a 2-year residence permit — no language test, no job offer, no points system. It's exclusively for US passport holders.
How long does the process take?
Under the current IND streamlined pilot, processing runs approximately 6–8 weeks. You can apply after arriving in the Netherlands on the 90-day visa waiver. Total timeline from preparation to BSN registration is typically 3–4 months.
Do I need Dutch health insurance?
Yes — mandatory by law within 4 months of your BSN registration date. This applies regardless of any existing international policy. Basic coverage (basisverzekering) runs €120–150/month.
Can I work as an employee on DAFT?
No. DAFT is strictly for self-employment. You cannot work as an employee for a Dutch company. If you want regular employment, you need the Highly Skilled Migrant visa instead (requires employer sponsorship).
What happens at renewal?
After 2 years, the IND checks your annual accounts, tax returns, and that the €4,500 remains in your business. Low revenue isn't automatically a problem — they want to see genuine business activity. First renewal extends to 5 years. After 5 continuous years you can apply for permanent residency.
Ready for
Nederland?
Nederland?
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