Expatriatesai
🇳🇱Europe · 1 route

Moving to Netherlands: every visa & residency route in 2026

There is 1 way to move to Netherlands legally as of 2026 — spanning investment routes. Here's every one, what it actually requires, and where it leads.

This route checked against official government sources · July 2026 · how we verify

1
Routes to move here
Lowest income route
$4,900
Lowest investment / deposit
Possible
Second passport?
Cost of living in NetherlandsA comfortable single-person budget runs about $2,900–3,800/mo around Amsterdam.See the breakdown →Healthcare in NetherlandsMostly private · private cover from about $140–170/mo.See how it works →After you land: your first 90 days in NetherlandsRegistration, the BSN, bank account, healthcare, driver's license — with the real deadlines.The checklist →

Every route, side by side

RouteTypeRequirementLeads to
DAFT — Dutch-American Friendship Treaty permitInvestment$4,900 investmentCitizenship in ~5 yrs

Investment route to Netherlands

Compare golden visas & residency-by-investment programs across every country →

🇳🇱DAFT — Dutch-American Friendship Treaty permit

$4,900 investment

Investment
Citizenship in ~5 yrs2-yr permitFamily included
Entry barLow bar1 out of 5Government fee≈$490Processingup to 13 weeks

Modest by comparison: $4,900 of committed capital.

€423 IND application fee for the self-employed permit DAFT is filed under. Fee source (checked 2026-08)

A US-citizens-only self-employment route under the 1956 treaty: register a Dutch business and keep about €4,500 in its account, and you skip the points test other nationalities face. Family can join and work; five continuous years lead to permanent residency (Dutch citizenship also needs an A2 exam and, for now, renouncing your US passport).

Official source →

Next steps: the money side

Set up your finances before and after you move.

Planning a move to Netherlands?

Add your email for new Netherlands guides and a heads-up when the rules or figures change — and when we open specialist matching for Netherlands, you'll be first to know. We never file anything ourselves.

New country guides + rule-change alerts. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy.

Information only, not legal advice — we never file anything with any government. Requirements change; verify with the official source or a licensed immigration advisor before you apply.

Moving to Netherlands: FAQ

How many ways are there to move to Netherlands?

This dataset tracks 1 residency or visa route into Netherlands as of 2026, across investment pathways. Each has its own income, investment, or heritage requirement.

Does moving to Netherlands lead to a second passport?

Yes — at least one route to Netherlands has a defined path to citizenship. The exact timeline and physical-presence rules vary by program; check each route's official source below.

Netherlands, compared

Visas, cost, and healthcare side by side with the alternatives people weigh.

Guides featuring Netherlands

More places to move in Europe