⚠️ Important Disclaimer: Immigration rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements, fees, and procedures directly with the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) before taking action. This wiki provides general guidance but should not replace official sources or professional legal advice. Last comprehensive review: January 2026.
Complete Guide to Living and Working in the Netherlands
Follow these phases in order. Each phase builds on the previous one.
Before committing, understand what you're getting into
Critical preparation that must happen before you fly
Getting your essentials set up immediately after arrival
Building your Dutch infrastructure
Day-to-day life and maintaining your status
Year 2 and beyond
Just learning about the Dutch American Friendship Treaty? Start here:
Have you decided to pursue DAFT? Follow the application process:
Ready to establish your Dutch business? Essential setup guides:
🏠 Living in the Netherlands
Essential services for daily life in the Netherlands:
Already have DAFT status? Maintain and renew your permit:
- Minimum Deposit: €4,500 in Dutch business bank account
- Application Fee: €423 (initial), €423 (renewal)
- Municipality Registration: 5 days after IND approval
- Business Setup: 6 months after IND approval
- Health Insurance: 4 months after BSN registration
- Renewal Application: 3 months before permit expiry
- ZZP (Sole Proprietorship): Best for profits under €66,000/year
- BV (Private Limited Company): Best for profits over €66,000/year + 30% ruling eligibility
- IND Processing: 1-3 months
- Initial Permit: 2 years
- Renewal Permit: 5 years
- Permanent Residency: After 5 years total
As of April 2024 (extended through 2026), the IND introduced a streamlined application process:
- No need to provide KvK registration or bank statements upfront
- 6 months to complete business setup after approval
- Simplified initial application requirements
- Minimum monthly income: €1,657 (updated annually)
- Corporate tax rate: 25.8%
- Standard health insurance deductible: €385
🔄 Maintaining Status
🌍 Living in the Netherlands
📦 Moving and Importing
👥 Family and Social
🏥 Health and Wellness
🏛️ Regional and Specialized
Immigration Lawyers (DAFT Specialists)
- Kroes Advocaten - Amsterdam-based, extensive DAFT experience. English-speaking. krfradvocaten.nl
- Mynta Law - Immigration specialists with expat focus. Rotterdam/Amsterdam. myntalaw.com
- Everaert Advocaten - Established firm with immigration practice. everaert.nl
- IND-recognized legal aid - For complex cases, check rechtsbijstand.nl for subsidized legal help
Certified Accountants (DAFT-Experienced)
- Blue Umbrella - Specializes in US expats, FBAR/FATCA expertise. blueumbrella.nl
- Vistra - International tax compliance, Dutch-US dual filing. vistra.com
- Tax Samaritan - US-NL cross-border tax specialists. taxsamaritan.com
- Look for BECON certified accountants for Belastingdienst submissions
Insurance Comparison
- Independer.nl - Compare health insurance (zorgverzekering)
- Zorgwijzer.nl - Health insurance comparison and advice
- Poliswijzer.nl - General insurance comparison
Legal Aid Resources
- Juridisch Loket - Free initial legal advice. juridischloket.nl
- INLIA - Expat legal support network
- ACCESS - Expat support organization. access-nl.org
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Last updated: January 2025 | This wiki reflects current Dutch immigration law and procedures