Moving to the Netherlands from the US might sound like fun, but is it actually possible for most Americans? Spoiler ALERT: It’s easier than most people think. Whether you’ve dreamed about moving to Amsterdam from the US or spending your summers on the beach of Zandvoort, we will tell you the possible ways of starting your journey as an American moving to the Netherlands. Unlike some countries that have difficult paperwork and long waiting times, you can move to the Netherlands from the US without jumping through too many hoops. However, it does take a little bit of time and planning ahead. Here are some of the easiest ways of moving to the Netherlands from the US.
1. Dutch Orientation Year Visa for Highly Educated Persons (zoekjaar)
The Netherlands considers it VERY important that highly skilled migrants have the time they need to find a job or start their own company in the Netherlands after completing their studies. Therefore, highly educated persons can apply for a Netherlands visa valid for one year, the so-called ‘Orientation year highly educated persons’ residence permit. They can apply for this residence permit within 3 years after completing their study, or obtaining their PhD in the Netherlands or abroad. As a holder of a residence permit ‘Orientation year for highly educated persons’, you are allowed to work in the Netherlands without any restrictions. This is also referred to as a “Residence permit for orientation year”.
Requirements for Dutch Orientation Year Visa:
- Completed a master’s or post-master’s programme or obtained a PhD at a designated international educational institution abroad; from top 200 of one of the general ranking or by subject of the:
- Have completed a master’s, post-master’s or doctoral programme in the English or Dutch language or meet minimum score of English Language Tests
- The application has to be received – by post, online, or at a Dutch representation abroad – within 3 years after your graduation date
There are certain conditions that apply to everyone. Check for updates and the official conditions on the IND website.
Dutch Orientation Year Visa Coaching
If you are eligible to move to the Netherlands using the Dutch Orientation Year Visa, you might still have questions about how to actually do it. Check out this Dutch Orientation Year Visa Coaching service from Overseasy. Overseasy offers one-on-one support from start to finish. They will hold your hand and help you prepare for the application process, and remain there to answer all of your questions from finding housing, scheduling appointments, and booking your flight.
2. Dutch American Friendship Treaty Visa (DAFT)
The Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is an agreement between the United States and the Netherlands that allows US Entrepreneurs and Freelancers to live and work in the Netherlands. Many people using the DAFT visa have started their own business in the Netherlands, or work remotely as a freelancer. Under the Dutch American Friendship Treaty Visa, you can work remotely for clients all over the world (including the US). Some examples of freelancers that have moved from the United States to the Netherlands on this visa include photographers, journalists, social media marketers, business consultants, IT experts, artists, musicians, and many more. This Visa offers a lot of flexibility and is relatively easy to obtain. Check out this guide on getting a DAFT Visa.
Requirements for DAFT Visa:
- You will operate your business between the US and the Netherlands.
- Invest and maintain €4500 in a business bank account.
- You have a valid travel document (for example a passport).
- You have sufficient and long-term means of support
- You must be able to make enough money after obtaining the Visa to stay off of Dutch welfare programs
3. Highly Skilled Migrant Visa
Highly skilled migrants come to the Netherlands to make a contribution to the knowledge economy with the help of a recognised sponsor. When using this visa, it means that you have specific, in-demand skills for your job. Recognised sponsors are listed in a public register and can submit permit applications for highly skilled migrants. This means that your employer is responsible for your application. Highly skilled migrants must be paid an income which is above a set threshold. Only an employer that is recognised by the IND can apply for a residence permit for you.
Requirements for Highly Skilled Migrant Visa
- You have an employment contract with an employer or research institution in the Netherlands. This employer is a sponsor recognized by the IND. A recognized employer is listed in the public register of recognized sponsors.
- You meet the income requirements.
- The agreed salary is in line with the market rate. This means that you earn the same as what people in the same job earn on average.
- If working as a healthcare professional, you must be listed in the register of individual healthcare professionals (in Dutch: BIG-register).
There are certain conditions that apply to everyone. There are many exceptions and details regarding income requirements. Check for updates and the official conditions on the IND website.
Conclusion
Moving to the Netherlands from the US is easier than most people think. There are many options out there if you’re considering moving to Europe as an American, but the Netherlands is definitely one of the best. Here are 10 reasons you should move to the Netherlands. There are many resources created by people who have moved to the Netherlands from America using the Dutch American Friendship Treaty, the Orientation Year Visa, and the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa. The government in the Netherlands is extremely helpful and responsive compared to other countries. They even respond to DM’s on Twitter! We wish you the best of luck on your journey moving to the Netherlands from the US.