How to Move to the Netherlands as an American | DAFT Visa

[@meghanabowen7535]

Thank you so much for all the information Jonah. I took extensive notes and really appreciate the timeline you put together. This is incredibly helpful. Thank you again!!

[@JordanQuinlisk]

Hey! How does the tax situation work if I am an independent contractor for an American company? Am I paying dutch or American taxes...or both?

[@jonahpisces]

Both. You would be paying both countries taxes. However, when filing for US taxes, they will give some back since you live overseas and are paying "double" in taxes.

[@noell92]

When you say you can’t touch the €4500 do you mean during the application process or ever?

[@jonahpisces]

You should not use any of the €4500 during the application process. But afterwards, you can definitely use it towards your business. However, your business bank account should always be above 4500 euros.

[@wimschoenmakers5463]

There must be always enough money in your bank account, if we Dutchies need to kick you out for some reason and have to hire a plane seat for you !

[@KoriePrince]

Hey Jonah, moving to Amsterdam in June and have a few questions: So you weren't able to start any of the process prior to arriving the in the Netherlands right? You had to mail in the app along with a copy of your passport once you were there?

[@jonahpisces]

Hey there - That is so exciting! So I personally didn't submit anything to the IND (Immigration office) until I arrived and I would hold off submitting anything until you arrive. The postal service here is amazing. However, I did technically start by getting my documents together such as a copy of my passport, an apostilled birth certificate (which you will need to get your BSN).

[@KoriePrince]

@@jonahpisces awesome, thanks a lot and great informational video. First one I’ve found that actually discussed the DAFT process instead of glossing over it then talking about Amsterdam lol!

[@jonahpisces]

I really appreciate this kind comment! I am so happy to hear this video help you and of course, best of luck :)

[@plugmeinplease1193]

Hello! Thank you for this info! At 6:44 you mention needing an address. Does it need to be a place you on the lease or can I use a Dutch citizens (friends) address then update this info with my personal address once I secure my own housing?

[@jonahpisces]

This is tricky because when you register, the landlord would pay taxes associated to how many people are register to that place. I would check it with your friend and their landlord. Don't want you to get them in trouble. You can update your address throughout the visa process. Because every time you change your address, you have to tell the Gemeente (the city government).

[@plugmeinplease1193]

@@jonahpisces very helpful - thanks so much will do. I also have another friend who’s owns so I wonder if that could be an alternative.

[@williamgeardener2509]

@@plugmeinplease1193 Houseowners in the Netherlands have to get permission from the bank that loaned them their mortgage. Without said permission your friend could be evicted for breaking the terms and conditions of his mortgage which specifically says that he's not allowed to sublet part of his house. It's a general clause in all mortgage agreements. I love your optimism when you write "once I secure my own housing..." Unless you're willing to pay €500 for a 32 square feet chamber with communal kitchen, bathroom and toilet, you won't find any housing.

[@codeintherough]

What kind of business can you do. I asked in a form about an appliance repair business but they said it wouldn't be allowed, they said that basically your business has to sell to the US

[@jonahpisces]

I am a consultant with my focus on finance, HR and operational management. And in your situation, it would create a lot of confusion to the IND. Are you starting a business that will be hiring folks? Do you speak Dutch well to sell to the US/NL folks? etc.

[@codeintherough]

​@@jonahpiscesIf I go I definitely plan to learn the language. How hard is it compared to Spanish for an English speaker? I don't know what demand is like for appliance repair there but if theres enough demand I would plan to hire employees. Also someone later commented in that forum that appliance repair would be an acceptable business so that's no longer a concern.

[@MichellePomlade]

Super helpful!! Did you find a house before you moved? How did you navigate the must have a residence to get a visa, but cannot get a residence without your visa?

[@jonahpisces]

Yes, I found my residence before flying/moving to the NL (which I highly recommend doing that). Once I found out I could register at that residence, I was able to move forward with the visa process.

[@MichellePomlade]

@@jonahpisces Did you use a company to help you find a place, if yes who did you use?

[@jonahpisces]

@@MichellePomlade I used funda(dot)nl and pararius (dot)com . I didn't used a specific company and just message the brokerage with houses I was interested in.

[@HomeWorkouts_LS]

@@jonahpisces How did you find a long term home to rent? Landlords all seem to require a NL work contract and/or recent pay slips for proof of income and residence info.

[@lindahang5217]

Hi Jonah, I am planning on doing this same thing. I'm an American citizen, and applying for DAFT Visa (Self-employed, based upon the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) in July 2024. I have a question about Step 2 of the application. I just downloaded the 2024 APPLICATION RESIDENCY FORM 7524, and will fill it out with my Netherlands address once I find a place I can register at. It looks like I don't need to go thru a TB Test since I am an American citizen. It also looks like I'll need to leave the Chamber of Commerce registration empty, because I won't be getting it yet until my registration is complete with KVK. Form 7524 requires a signature as well, and it asks for "Place en Date'. Do I put down The Netherlands for that, date, then sign? The Appendix Antecedents Certificate FORM 7601 are all checked with NO. It requires a signature, place and date. Like the same question above: do I put down The Netherlands as place, or the address I will be living at? Am I supposed to leave the 'Appendix Declaration on Income of Self-employed Person' FORM 7612 empty, and not send it in, as I will still be in the registering process, and haven't gotten to step 5 yet, with the KVK? There is also an 'Appendix Statement due to European sanctions against Russia and Belarus' FORM 7675 that I can only fill out once I get the KVK confirmation. Please let me know if it is just FORM 7524, and copies of passport photos with stamp that I need to send in first. Thank you so much for this informative video.

[@jonahpisces]

Yes for the place/date, it is The Netherlands. And the address would be where you are living in The Netherlands. (That is where they will send you a lot of mail updates about your application) Yes, you can leave anything about KvK empty at first. Anything related to the KvK, you can do them once you are register at the KvK. And your application is open/pending. So when you first begin, you would only need the first few pages of the FORM 7524 (I believe the first 8 pages) and then passport photos. The rest of the application can be done online once you get the BSN :) Glad to help out and good luck!

[@lindahang5217]

Thanks so much Jonah. I have one more question: as far as the accountant that you used, I read that you did it online? Where did you go on the internet for that? Thanks again for your info, and I owe you a big one!!

[@jonahpisces]

​@@lindahang5217 Yes, I did it online. I used Hanna Helps. They are the lowest i've seen for DAFT bookkeeping(another word for accountants here).

[@misskaedy]

Is the visa hard or easy to maintain in your opinion. Meaning, is it easy to keep €4500 in your business account and with all the taxes? Is having a good lifestyle hard or easy?

[@jonahpisces]

Yes - it is very easy to maintain in my opinion. I never had to compromise my lifestyle while keeping the 4500 euros in my account.

[@jordanquinlisk1179]

Hey Jonah! I am moving to Eindhoven in August and was wondering; when you say you're not supposed to be working, how serious is that? Can I report my income after the visa is approved?

[@jonahpisces]

Technically, when you first arrive to the Netherlands, you are under the impression that you are just visiting (up to 90 days). I don't know how serious it is. I would ask the IND for confirmation. However, I do know you could start working during the application process once you open your KvK and the IND acknowledge your VISA application.

[@jordanquinlisk1179]

@@jonahpisces Thank you!

[@camdenforrest]

How did you send mail without an address? Don’t you need a registered place to stay?

[@jonahpisces]

Yes you would need to have to place to stay before sending in the mail/address. I feel like finding a place would be the hardest part of this application.

[@TheHouseofContemplation]

What is your business? Thanks for the video

[@jonahpisces]

I work as an HR consultant in the finance and tech industries :) (not very exciting)

[@gjgosdevi4005]

You are better of in the US why not going back?

[@jonahpisces]

A loaded and good question. I can't deny I thought about going back.

[@EtikBenjamin]

I have watched this video five times. I’m so intrigued and interested in also moving! My question for you is regarding housing how did you secure housing and what was that process? I’ll reach out to you directly on IG. 🎉

[@jonahpisces]

Hi Etik, finding an apartment was not easy. The process took about 1.5 months. I used websites such as funda(dot) nl and pararius(dot)com to message brokerages about apartments I were interested in. Steps: 1. Contact the brokerage(s) directly from those sites. 2. Get invited to the showing (virtually or physically) 3. Submit your documents and proof of income to the brokerage. 4. Plan a move in date! I know we contacted already but for other people who stumble onto this video and wanted an answer :)