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Europe · 1 city on Nomada

Digital nomad guide to Netherlands

Updated May 2026

Mid-tier monthly

$3,400–$3,400

median $3,400

Friction-heavySchengen 90/180 · 1

Best for: American freelancers running an EU-registered business.

The Netherlands' DAFT visa is one of the best-kept secrets for Americans — €4,500 invested in a Dutch BV, two-year residence renewable indefinitely, no income test. Outside that, there's no general nomad route; non-Americans use Schengen 90/180 or the highly-skilled migrant visa with a sponsoring employer. Amsterdam's housing market is brutal; Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague are the realistic landing spots.

Visa story

DAFT (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) for Americans; no general DNV.

Open the per-city visa cards on each city page for the specific income tests, durations, and program names. None of this is legal advice — confirm with the consulate before booking.

How to apply for a Netherlands self-employment residence permit

The standard pathway for nomads moving to Netherlands. Specific income tests, processing times, and document requirements live in the visa story above and per-city cards — these are the steps you take in order.

  1. Confirm US citizenship — DAFT is bilateral

    The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is exclusively for US citizens. Other nationalities looking at the Netherlands need to consider the Dutch self-employment visa (much harder, requires a 100-point evaluation) or the Highly Skilled Migrant route through a sponsoring employer.

  2. Form a Dutch sole proprietorship or BV

    DAFT requires Dutch business registration. A sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) is simpler and cheaper (~€50 KvK fee); a BV (private limited company) is overkill for most freelancers. Register at the Kamer van Koophandel (KvK) — can be done online or in-person at any KvK office.

  3. Deposit €4,500 in the Dutch business account

    DAFT requires €4,500+ on deposit in a Dutch business account, maintained throughout the visa duration. This is the lowest investment threshold of any EU residence-by-investment route. Open a Dutch business account at ABN AMRO, Rabobank, or Bunq — the latter accepts new businesses fastest.

  4. Apply at the IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service)

    DAFT applications go through the IND. You can apply from inside the Netherlands on a tourist visa (90-day window) or before traveling at a Dutch embassy. The in-country route is more common for nomads.

  5. Wait 2–12 weeks

    DAFT processing is among the fastest of any EU residence-by-investment route — IND can decide in 2 weeks for clean cases. The visa is issued for 2 years initially.

  6. Renew at 2 years and again at 7

    DAFT renews for another 5 years after the initial 2-year period (7 years total continuous residence). After 5 years, you can apply for Dutch permanent residency or citizenship — Dutch language test (A2 or higher) required.

Process subject to change — confirm current rules with the Netherlands consulate before booking flights.

City on Nomada

Best months across Netherlands

Months where the country’s averages cluster within nomad-comfortable temp, humidity, and rainfall ranges.

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Other Europe bases

Other Freelance / Self-Employment countries

The 7 countries below share Netherlands’s visa structure — useful when Netherlandsdoesn’t fit and you want a similar pathway elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Netherlands have a digital nomad visa?

    DAFT (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) for Americans; no general DNV. Confirm the current pathway with the consulate before booking flights.

  • How long can digital nomads stay in Netherlands?

    Stays of up to 3 months at a stretch on the most nomad-relevant pathway. The most common track is "Schengen 90/180". DAFT (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) for Americans; no general DNV.

  • What's the cost of living for digital nomads in Netherlands?

    Mid-tier monthly costs across 1 Netherlands city on Nomada range $3,400–$3,400, with a median of $3,400. Numbers cover rent, groceries, dining, transport, utilities, and a coworking pass.

  • What are the best cities in Netherlands for digital nomads?

    Nomada tracks 1 Netherlands city. The most cost-efficient bases right now: Amsterdam ($3,400/mo) for big-eu-city nomads with the budget for premium rents and a serious bike commute..

  • When is the best time to visit Netherlands as a digital nomad?

    Climate averages cluster within nomad-comfortable temp, humidity, and rainfall ranges around May–September. Mountain and coastal cities can flip that picture — check the per-city climate page for each base.

  • Is Netherlands nomad-friendly?

    Across the cities Nomada tracks, Netherlands reads as friction-heavy — visas exist but durations are short or income tests are steep. Best for: american freelancers running an eu-registered business.

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