Planning a move to the Netherlands. Where to begin.

Where the visa stands

The highly skilled migrant visa option requires an employer recognized by the IND to submit the application. Other work categories are listed separately.

U.S. dollar conversions are estimates using rates dated Sep 15, 2026. The amount and currency required by the visa office still apply. Rates by Exchange Rate API.

Start with your work plans

The Netherlands has no dedicated digital-nomad visa. For Americans, the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) offers a two-year renewable self-employment residence permit with a 4,500 euros (EUR), about US$5,198 business investment and registration with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK); it is an active self-employment visa option, not permission to keep a US job from the Netherlands, and salaried Dutch employment is excluded. Other visa options include the employer-sponsored highly skilled migrant permit. Check the IND's current conditions for your visa option rather than relying on generic remote-worker advice.

Describe who pays you, where your employer or clients are based and what you would do while living abroad. Use those details when checking the official route. Employer approval and immigration permission are separate questions.

Employer approval and immigration permission are separate questions.

Take the first application step

Find an eligible job and verify the employer is a recognized sponsor. The employer submits the highly skilled migrant application.

Salary thresholds and employer obligations apply. Verify the exact permit and conditions attached to the offer.

Keep two money questions separate

The visa income test concerns the evidence required for an application. A living budget concerns your housing, healthcare, transport and daily spending. Compare both before committing to a move.

This briefing reorganizes the existing visa summary. It does not represent a new source review. The visa section of the guide keeps the original review dates and qualifications.

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