Moving to the Netherlands as a United States citizen

Everything you wanted to know about immigration to the Netherlands the benefits of moving to Holland for Americans

Are you thinking about emigrating to discover new flavors and new places, but do not know where to go? Do you have United States citizenship but feel that the United States is not the place for you? Do you want a change of scenery? To have a European experience? Do you want to investigate your actual emigration options or have already made up your mind to emigrate? Obtaining Dutch citizenship or residency for United States citizens is a specialty of our law firm.

There are many good reasons to move to the Netherlands. Life in the Netherlands is relaxed and quiet. The cost of living is relatively reasonable for Western Europe. The Netherlands is located in the center of popular tourist destinations, many cheap flights depart from Schiphol (if you reserve them in time), and there is a good (but expensive) train network. Legally residing in the Netherlands allows you to vacation and travel throughout Europe.

Legally residing in the Netherlands based on the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty

Unlike Israeli citizens who do not hold a European passport, United States citizens can live (but not work) in the Netherlands without a visa and without a time limit. That is, United States citizens can unconditionally enter the Netherlands for the purpose of living there: there is no need for visas or sponsorship or financial guarantees. While Israeli citizens are limited to staying no more than 90 days in a six-month period without a visa, there is no time limit on the stay of United States citizens in the Netherlands.

In addition, United States citizens who establish a company or an independent business in the Netherlands are allowed to live and work there. If you are self-employed, a freelancer, an entrepreneur or a key employee (manager) in an independent business, or work in a profession that does not require licensing, and you hold a United States passport — the gates of the Netherlands are open to you.

The primary conditions

For a United States citizen who wishes to move to the Netherlands and is the owner of a business (or at least holds a senior position in it):

• The business must promote trade relations between the United States and the Netherlands, and the business itself must conduct trade (at least in part) between the United States and the Netherlands.
• Someone who is self-employed/an entrepreneur must invest at least 4,500 euros in their business.
• This investment must remain deposited in the business’s bank account.
• The required investment amount is decided according to the number of employees in the business and the business plan that must be submitted by the entrepreneur.
• When establishing an incorporated company — the required investment amount is higher.

Relocation stages

Immediate relocation

As a United States citizen, you can immediately relocate to the Netherlands. United States citizens do not need to obtain a temporary visa, an MVV, in order to move to the Netherlands.

You can move to the Netherlands and start the procedure to obtain a residence permit from within the country itself, and your family can relocate with you.

Applying for a residence permit

After arriving in the Netherlands, you will need to apply for a residence permit from the Immigration and Naturalization Authority (IND).

In the application you must state that the purpose of your stay in the Netherlands is to work as an entrepreneur or a self-employed professional, as we explained above.

• Initial residence permits are valid for a period of two years.
• At the end of two years, the residence permit can be extended.
• In addition, fees in the amount of 1296 euros must be paid.

The next stages:

• Registering in the municipality where you live
• Applying for a citizen service number (BSN)
• Registering your company with the Registrar of Companies

The additional advantage – from temporary to permanent residence

At the end of two years, you can extend your residence permit. The application for extension is reviewed based on the same conditions as your initial application.

Based on the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, United States citizens who have resided legally in the Netherlands for five years are entitled to permanent Dutch residence and can apply for naturalization.

Once you hold a permanent residence permit, your rights are equal to those of Dutch citizens. You will be able to work without a work permit, and you will be entitled to all social rights and health insurance, like any Dutch citizen. The only difference is that you will not have the right to vote or be elected to public institutions.

Residence is not everything

So, suppose you have decided to move to the Netherlands. You land at the airport, unload your luggage and open your umbrella against the drizzling rain (on average it rains in the Netherlands for 75 minutes per day). Where will you go now? What will you do?

We will be happy to help you clarify your rights, whether to obtain Dutch citizenship or another European citizenship. In addition, we can help you figure out the practical aspects of moving to the Netherlands as a United States citizen, such as registering at the municipality, opening a bank account, education, insurance, and the like.

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03-3724722

055-9781688

office@lawoffice.org.il