How to move to the Netherlands from America - Easy with DAFT

Are you wondering how to move to the Netherlands from America? Or to Europe in general? Well you should know about DAFT - the Dutch American Friendship Treaty. With an investment of only 4,500 Euro, you can do this too!
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[@metalbabee]

Great video, found out about DAFT a few days ago and I've been diving in!! I have my own business and want to move to Europe, but wasn't sure which country to consider. Extremely helpful, thank you SO much!! 💗

[@RichGilbert]

Great to hear it was helpful! Having gone through the process, I can honestly say it was really not that difficult. Like all great bureaucracies, you have to go through the steps in the right order, but that's it! Easy peasy!

[@bibikarim1506]

Hi Richy, greetings from United States. I really enjoyed your video,thanks for all the details , as an American Citizen, it’s wonderful to know that we can learn new cultures and languages to bridge better understanding of the human race. My family lives in The Netherlands for over 40 years, looking to bring my business over. Congratulations to you !!! 😊

[@RichGilbert]

Hey Bibi - thanks for the comment. Yep! For me, that's a huge part of enjoying life - learning and understanding other's cultures. NL culture _seems_ similar to the US, but it's very different just under the surface as I'm sure your family knows.

[@gRaNdMaStASexXxii94]

This was a very helpful video! I've been recently looking for another country to relocate to and I stumbled across the Netherlands. I have pretty much all that's required in this video, my only question is does it really not matter what kind of business you start? I'm aspiring to be a writer so It would probably be along the lines of that but I'm just curious and honestly maybe a tad bit weary because it all seems to good to be true haha

[@RichGilbert]

The type of business doesn't matter at all - it could be a dog walking business or a shoe-tying business. They don't care and the DAFT treaty doesn't seem to care either...

[@husamaltekreeti1209]

good video thanks

[@RichGilbert]

Thanks Husam! Really appreciate it!

[@gabbyalexhart]

Awesome! I’m going through the process now, super exciting. Do you have any tips for the most efficient way to transport your stuff? Is there a cost effective moving company? Otherwise, I’m thinking about selling 90% of my stuff and just getting extra large moving trunks for the flight. Thanks!

[@RichGilbert]

Hi Gabrielle! Glad you're going through the steps. I usually use the no-name brand movers as they're cheaper. To the other point, at least 3 times in my life I have sold everything and moved around the world. I never regret it. In fact, I have a container that I sent to Amsterdam and then back here, and I still haven't opened it in >18 months! I don't miss a thing. lol

[@dr.danzigm.d.6845]

Awesome video. I’m sorry if I missed this but - after 7 years, do they send you packing? I’ve been living in Tokyo for 6 years and am interested in other places.

[@RichGilbert]

Thanks for the comment! I didn’t do it for 7 years, but it seems the general progression is that you build the business to a point where you can sponsor foreign workers and then sponsor yourself. There are a bunch of requirements to meet for that. But that’s typically at least after you do it for 2 years and get a 2 year extension and maybe more. Like Japan, there are some tax implications they kick in after 5 or 7 years but that’s something to check on.

[@sfosav]

Hey Rich- very informative & helpful- thanks for the video. I started a LLC in the US in March 2020 (laid off during the pandemic), based in NYC and after 16 years in NYC- I'm ready to GTFO. I'm in the consulting business & provide digital transformation & advertising consulting for Fortune 100 companies in the US and considering a move to EU, especially AMS now after your video on DAFT. What's the name of the legal company you used- Broad Street? Hope your life in AMS is going well!

[@RichGilbert]

Hi Sav - thanks for the comment. There are a ton of companies that can help you with the setup of a DAFT company, Broadstreet is one. I've used them for a few things. Sounds like you could easily move it to NL. Amsterdam weather has become amazing as things have warmed up!

[@jvukovic4]

Wow, I genuinely great video worth a like and sub. I've always wanted to make an indie game development studio and live in the Netherlands. Who knew the problem was also the solution XD

[@RichGilbert]

Awesome! Glad it helped! Thanks for joining the community!

[@jvukovic4]

@@RichGilbert An extra question by the way, does the DAFT program let me sponsor a work visa for my business partner (not related by blood)?

[@yiha03]

do the 5 years have to be completely uninterrupted? Or would I be able to travel back to the states every so often (like for a week every year or so?)

[@RichGilbert]

Nope. You can come and go as you please. You basically have a residency permit - similar to the US green card. You get 2 years initially, then they review the business. Just make sure you don't drop below 4500 Euro in the account during those 2 years. Then can renew.

[@ggaines8256]

What companies would you suggest to help with the setup?

[@RichGilbert]

There are a bunch - do a quick Google search on DAFT in the Netherlands and related. The ones I dealt with were not great. There are ones to set up the company, do the accounting and reporting, and other services. Haven't found anything I'd recommend at this point. If you find one, please put it here to help others!

[@zacharynolan9553]

Would we need to actually run a business/hire employees/rent space?? Could we just pay the 4500 euro and not start a businessv

[@RichGilbert]

Hi Zachary - I hear what you're asking. You do actually have to start a business, and that's all included. You don't have to have employees. You can get a service that gives you a legal address for about €70/month, but you don't need to hire a proper office. The trick is in 2 years they renew and at that point they will check if you're actually doing something (or trying to) with the business, but I'm sure by then you'll figure it out! :)

[@worldlight5714]

Hey Rich, thanks for this great content. But do have an email of attorney that can help me go through the process? Thanks

[@RichGilbert]

I wish I did. No one great to give you. I hate to be "that guy", but just Google "daft attorney Netherlands" and you'll find lots of options. I don't have anyone I was thrilled with that I'd recommend, so give it a shot and see what you get. :)

[@robertleger4986]

How about working for someone else while you're in the Netherlands at the same time that you are setting up a business? Is that allowed?

[@RichGilbert]

Hi Robert! Yes that's allowed, however there might be some complications when it comes to immigration if you want to stay on the DAFT visa. Even if you don't use that, you still start a business in NL much easier using DAFT than without.

[@robertleger4986]

@@RichGilbertThank you!

[@Hotjamey]

Can the visa holder have an additional job on top of their business?

[@RichGilbert]

Check with a lawyer, but as far as I know, yes you can!

[@TellurdogIsayhi]

This would be incredible, I just wish i had an entrepreneurial spirit..I dunno what kind of business I’d want to open. i have the capital, just dunno what I’d put that towards.

[@RichGilbert]

You could literally set up a button selling business, put in your €4,500 and you're good for 2 years to live there. Entrepreneurial spirit is just moving forward. Even failing forward is how many people do it! Just give it a try, who knows!

[@eh503]

@@RichGilbert even if I don't invest more into that Business and keep 4500 in there..could I like work somewhere else in the meantime for income

[@SoundCastle00]

Isnt there an age restriction? The cut off is age 47?

[@RichGilbert]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@Healthy_Stuff279]

If a person is already wealthy, like say $5 million net worth, would they still have get a work permit, or get married to a Dutch citizen, to relocate to Holland as a permanent resident?

[@RichGilbert]

A person doesn't have to do anything in life. We choose exactly what we want to do, and we do it. If you have $5 million, that's awesome! There are some other avenues you can explore for European residency or citizenship with some investment plans. I think Portugal and Spain have some generous ones. Glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@Healthy_Stuff279]

@@RichGilbert Cool.

[@mohamedtaher70]

is it still easy in 2022 ? Thank you in advance

[@RichGilbert]

Super duper easy peasy! I've gone through the entire process and it just takes a few months and you have the coveted NL residency permit!

[@williamgeardener2509]

Be aware that at this moment it is very hard to find housing at an affordable rent. A growing number of fugitives and expats are finding their way to the Netherlands and there already was a huge shortage on housing. In some cities the councils have decided to give fugitives priority in housing, which makes finding affordable housing even more difficult. Some universities advice foreign student to first find a place to live before coming to the Netherlands. Doesn't seem like a bad idea for anyone thinking about moving to the Netherlands.

[@buddy1155]

Nothing changed, but it only works if you are from the US.

[@safarsafari3109]

American who are not American by birth . How they can fulfill the requirement for birth certificate apostille?

[@RichGilbert]

Good question. I don't know. Might want to check with one of the lawyers doing this. I'd love to hear back when you find out how they handle it.

[@kattt1331]

What if your usa citizen but not born in the usa

[@RichGilbert]

Check with a lawyer, but my understanding is that's no problem. Just need a US passport.

[@vu4y3fo846y]

This is great, but wouldn't the Dutch government be mad if you just went through these steps without the real intention to start a company?

[@RichGilbert]

The will likely NOT send attack helicopters after you. haha. To be clear, you do start a company, and you need to file your yearly and monthly taxes, etc. If it "fails", well.... lot's of businesses fail... But really, it's empowering once you have that business registered and you start to think "What else can I do here?" There's lot's of opportunity!

[@eh503]

Could I get a job and let the business just be there with nothing happening

[@RichGilbert]

I'm not sure about that, but I tend to remember it would be fine. However, I'd suggest you check with a lawyer. I do seem to recall that if you have a spouse, then the spouse I believe is eligible to work in NL if you're doing DAFT (or vice versa). You both get the work permit. I don't mean to be hedging, but I'm not sure on these details anymore.

[@Undefeated__]

Do you have Instagram or Facebook ?

[@RichGilbert]

I have both but hardly use them.