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Moving from the US to the Netherlands: the complete 2026 checklist

Facts last verified on against 12 sources (10 official). By the Relocate+ team.

Short answer

Americans don't need a provisional entry visa (MVV) for the Netherlands, so you can arrive and apply for your residence permit with the IND. The two main routes are a job with a recognised sponsor as a highly skilled migrant (from €5,942 gross a month if you're 30 or older in 2026) or self-employment under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT).[1][2][3]

DAFT usually means investing around €4,500 in your own Dutch business; the first permit runs for two years and can be extended by five. Every route costs €423 in IND fees in 2026, and you must register with your municipality within five days of arriving.[8][3][6]

Key facts at a glance

Entry visa (MVV)
Not needed for US citizens[1]
Highly skilled migrant salary (2026)
€5,942/month (30+) · €4,357 (under 30) · €3,122 (recent Dutch graduates)[2]
DAFT investment
Usually €4,500 in your own business[8]
IND fee (self-employed or highly skilled)
€423[3]
Register with municipality
Within 5 days of arrival (if staying 4+ months)[6]
Dutch health insurance
Within 4 months of arrival[7]

Visa options

Self-employed under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT)

Best for: Freelancers and founders who will run their own business in the Netherlands.

Requirement: Investing a substantial amount of capital in your own company — usually €4,500. Under the current process the IND issues the first permit for two years, and you must meet the treaty conditions within six months of receiving it; extensions run for five years and require proof of genuine business activity.[8][3]

  • IND fee in 2026: €423 for a first application or an extension.
  • Grant Thornton notes a statutory decision period of up to 90 days.

Highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant)

Best for: Professionals with a job offer from a Dutch employer that is an IND-recognised sponsor.

Requirement: Only a recognised sponsor can apply, and your gross monthly salary must meet the 2026 threshold: €5,942 if you're 30 or older, €4,357 if you're under 30, or €3,122 under the reduced criterion for recent graduates. Holiday allowance doesn't count toward it.[2][4]

  • The IND aims to decide within two weeks of receiving the employer's application.

EU Blue Card

Best for: Graduates with a higher-paid Dutch job offer who want EU mobility.

Requirement: A 2026 gross monthly salary of at least €5,942, or €4,754 under the reduced criterion for recent graduates.[2]

What changed recently

The 30% ruling for incoming employees drops to a maximum tax-free share of 27% from 1 January 2027, and the income standard rises to €50,436. Rulings that started before 2024 keep 30% for up to five years.[5]

A draft bill to extend naturalisation from five to ten years went to consultation in September 2025, but as of October 2026 it had not become law; five years of lawful residence still applies.[9]

Step-by-step timeline

  1. 1

    3–6 months before

    Choose DAFT or a sponsored job

    With a Dutch employer that's a recognised sponsor, they apply for you as a highly skilled migrant. If you'll work for yourself, DAFT is the treaty route open to Americans. Check the 2026 salary or investment figures first.[4][2][8]

  2. 2

    1–3 months before

    Prepare your business plan and capital (DAFT)

    Plan to put around €4,500 into your Dutch business. Under the current rules you have six months after the permit is issued to meet the treaty conditions.[8]

  3. 3

    Arrival

    Enter without an MVV

    US citizens are on the IND's list of nationalities that don't need a provisional residence permit (MVV) to come to the Netherlands for a longer stay.[1]

  4. 4

    Within 5 days

    Register with your municipality

    If you'll stay longer than four months you must register in the Personal Records Database within five days of arriving. You'll get a citizen service number (BSN), which you need for taxes and most official matters.[6]

  5. 5

    Within 4 months

    Take out Dutch health insurance

    Basic Dutch health insurance is required no later than four months after arrival, and it isn't backdated, so take it out as early as you can.[7]

  6. 6

    First months

    Apply for (or complete) your residence permit

    Pay the €423 IND fee for a self-employed or highly skilled migrant permit. For DAFT, set up the business, deposit the capital and file proof within six months.[3][8]

  7. 7

    First year

    Sort out US and Dutch taxes

    Employees may qualify for the 30% (from 2027: 27%) ruling. As an American you also keep filing US returns, and file an FBAR if your foreign accounts exceed $10,000.[5][10][12]

Document checklist

  • Valid US passport[1]
  • Signed employment contract meeting the 2026 salary threshold (highly skilled migrant)[2]
  • Business plan and proof of capital invested, usually €4,500 (DAFT)[8]
  • Proof of a genuine business for DAFT extensions[8]
  • Proof of address for municipal registration[6]
  • Dutch basic health insurance policy[7]
  • IND fee payment (€423)[3]

Official fees

ItemAmount
IND fee — self-employed (incl. DAFT), first application or extension€423[3]
IND fee — highly skilled migrantUsually paid by the sponsoring employer.€423[3][4]
IND fee — partner or family member€254[3]
IND fee — child under 18 with an adoptive or foster parent (incl. born in NL)€85[3]

IND fees change every 1 January. The DAFT investment is capital in your own business, not a fee.

Tax basics

Incoming employees can qualify for a tax-free allowance known as the 30% ruling. From 1 January 2027 the maximum falls to 27%, and the income standard rises to €50,436 (€38,388 for under-30s with a master's degree).[5]

US citizens are taxed on worldwide income wherever they live. The 2026 Foreign Earned Income Exclusion is up to $132,900, and an FBAR is due when foreign accounts exceed $10,000 combined.[10][11][12]

This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules depend on your situation — speak to a qualified adviser.

Moving with family

Partners and family members apply for their own residence permits (IND fee €254; €85 for a child under 18 with an adoptive or foster parent). Each person staying longer than four months registers with the municipality.[3][6]

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Missing the five-day registration. You need your BSN for almost everything, including taxes.[6]
  • Waiting on health insurance. It's required within four months and isn't backdated, so you pay for any care before the start date yourself.[7]
  • Counting holiday allowance toward the salary threshold. The IND doesn't include it.[2]
  • Treating DAFT as a passive visa. Extensions require proof of a genuine business.[8]

Frequently asked questions

Do Americans need a visa to move to the Netherlands?

Not a provisional entry visa (MVV): US nationals are exempt. You still need a residence permit from the IND for a long stay, for example under DAFT or as a highly skilled migrant.[1]

How much do I need to invest for the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty?

Usually €4,500 of capital in your own Dutch business. The first permit lasts two years and can be extended by five if you still meet the conditions.[8]

What salary do I need as a highly skilled migrant in 2026?

€5,942 gross per month if you're 30 or older, €4,357 if you're under 30, and €3,122 under the reduced criterion for recent graduates.[2]

How soon must I register in the Netherlands?

Within five days of arrival if you'll stay longer than four months. You'll receive your citizen service number (BSN).[6]

Is the 30% ruling still available?

Yes for eligible employees, but the maximum drops to 27% from 1 January 2027 for rulings that started from 2024.[5]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to one of these. Official = government, consulate or official gazette.

  1. [1] MVV exemptions — IND (Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service)Official · checked 19 October 2026
  2. [2] Required amounts income requirements — INDOfficial · checked 19 October 2026
  3. [3] Fees: costs of an application — INDOfficial · checked 19 October 2026
  4. [4] Residence permit for highly skilled migrant — Business.gov.nl (Netherlands Enterprise Agency)Official · checked 19 October 2026
  5. [5] 30 percent ruling compensation down to 27 percent — Business.gov.nl (Netherlands Enterprise Agency)Official · checked 19 October 2026
  6. [6] Registering with the municipality in the Netherlands — Government of the NetherlandsOfficial · checked 19 October 2026
  7. [7] When do I need to take out health insurance if I come to live in the Netherlands? — Government of the NetherlandsOfficial · checked 19 October 2026
  8. [8] Focus on the DAFT and DJFT: requirements and recent changes (30 Jun 2026) — Grant Thornton Netherlands · checked 19 October 2026
  9. [9] Naturalisation in the Netherlands: the five-year rule and the ten-year proposal — Law & More · checked 19 October 2026
  10. [10] U.S. citizens and resident aliens abroad — IRSOfficial · checked 19 October 2026
  11. [11] Notice 2026-25 (2026 foreign earned income exclusion: $132,900) — IRSOfficial · checked 19 October 2026
  12. [12] Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) — FinCENOfficial · checked 19 October 2026

Immigration rules change often. Always confirm requirements with the consulate or authority that handles your application before you book or pay for anything. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

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