Heather, you have written an excellent account of the process. We hope you might consider future articles addressing related experiences in your move to NL. In particular, how did you crack the code on housing and what was your experience registering for, and receiving (if applicable yet), medical care. These are big issues for Americans contemplating a move. Congratulations on the move and we look forward to following your journey as it unfolds on your stack. GD!🇳🇱
I'm working on those. We just got our permits so we are working on healthcare which seems to be fairly straightforward. As for housing - not a lot of fun but we got it done!
Hi Paddy, Thanks for reading and great question. I run a marketing company I founded in 2016. The same company took my family on a year long RV trip around the US in 2019-2020 and kept us in Tucson for 5 years and now to the Netherlands.
Thank you for sharing this process! We are considering going Dutch and I would be the one applying for a BV but I am not currently self-employed. From what I recall, I would need to maintain a certain min
level in the bank, correct? Wondering how passive income factors in? Thank you!
Yes, €4500 for the entire time of your visa for the DAFT. Passive income is a great question. The BV has an income requirement for salary and I’m not sure how that would play into the business income. I’d definitely ask an expert on that topic.
I’ve traveled on Dutch trains and buses using my US credit card with a chip. Just scanned at the entrance and exit, and when checked on the train I simply gave the conductor my card and he checked it. Use the OV chip card if you prefer but for me my card is easier.
Wilfred, for us an OV is easier simply because we’re 4 people and need 4 cards to make it work. Thank you for sharing so others can see that is an option. That would be useful.
Can you say more about the biometrics?
They take your photo and fingerprints and they are tied to your permit.
Heather, you have written an excellent account of the process. We hope you might consider future articles addressing related experiences in your move to NL. In particular, how did you crack the code on housing and what was your experience registering for, and receiving (if applicable yet), medical care. These are big issues for Americans contemplating a move. Congratulations on the move and we look forward to following your journey as it unfolds on your stack. GD!🇳🇱
Going Dutch,
I'm working on those. We just got our permits so we are working on healthcare which seems to be fairly straightforward. As for housing - not a lot of fun but we got it done!
Is there an age requirement for DAFT? I ask as some programs are aimed at attracting young professionals.
I don't believe so. Read this: https://expatlaw.nl/dutch-american-friendship-treaty
Hi, Heather. Thanks for the great step-by-step. I’m curious. What sort of business do you run that’s so portable?
Hi Paddy, Thanks for reading and great question. I run a marketing company I founded in 2016. The same company took my family on a year long RV trip around the US in 2019-2020 and kept us in Tucson for 5 years and now to the Netherlands.
Thanks, Heather. Makes good sense! Are you marketing for Danish companies or did you retain your U.S. clients?
I have my US clients. The dollar is really painful against the Euro right now though so I’m having to really work to find my groove with the business.
Thank you for sharing this process! We are considering going Dutch and I would be the one applying for a BV but I am not currently self-employed. From what I recall, I would need to maintain a certain min
level in the bank, correct? Wondering how passive income factors in? Thank you!
Yes, €4500 for the entire time of your visa for the DAFT. Passive income is a great question. The BV has an income requirement for salary and I’m not sure how that would play into the business income. I’d definitely ask an expert on that topic.
What is the 30% ruling?
It’s a tax cut essentially for people recruited here. 30% of your pay won’t be taxed for 5 years. I found an article by the government here to explain better: https://business.gov.nl/staff/employing-staff/the-expat-scheme-30-percent-ruling-in-the-netherlands/
I’ve traveled on Dutch trains and buses using my US credit card with a chip. Just scanned at the entrance and exit, and when checked on the train I simply gave the conductor my card and he checked it. Use the OV chip card if you prefer but for me my card is easier.
Wilfred, for us an OV is easier simply because we’re 4 people and need 4 cards to make it work. Thank you for sharing so others can see that is an option. That would be useful.
Loved your article too. Will be in NL in two days to see my daughter and family. Such a nice place to be.
Where does she live? We're still exploring the country.
Delft
OHHH we just visited Delft and adored it. What a beautiful place.
Thank you for reading!