Complete Guide to the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty in 2025
Everything U.S. citizens need to know about DAFT requirements, investment amounts, and the application process for starting a business in the Netherlands.
Read MoreNo confusing paperwork. No rejected applications. No expensive mistakes. Our Dutch immigration lawyers handle everything in Dutch so you just show up and start your new life in the Netherlands.
Special fast-track visa program for U.S. citizens
Trusted by Americans Nationwide
Registered & Licensed
Immigration Services
150+ Client Reviews
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Supporting American expats since 2018
Our Dutch-based team and Dutch-speaking partners handle every detail of your relocation under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT). From visa paperwork to housing and insurance, you'll be settled in 60-90 days.
We are a legal office with immigration lawyers and trusted partners including accountants and real estate agents who handle all communications with Dutch authorities in their native language. We've successfully guided over 200 Americans through the DAFT process with a 100% approval rate.
Local Dutch presence with proven results for U.S. citizens relocating to the Netherlands
Our team operates from an office in Amsterdam, working directly with local authorities and service providers.
Our lawyers, accountants, and housing agents handle all calls and documents with Dutch authorities in their native language.
Every DAFT visa application is managed by licensed Dutch immigration lawyers registered with the Dutch Bar Association.
We've successfully guided over 200 Americans through the DAFT process with a 100% visa approval rate.
Most clients move from initial consultation to residence card approval within 60-90 days.
Beyond visa filing: housing search, bank accounts, health insurance, business registration (KvK), and ongoing support.
Expert legal and relocation specialists dedicated to your successful move to the Netherlands
Founder & Representative Lawyer
Founded YourLegals in 2018 after 15 years in law. Graduated from Amsterdam Free University specializing in business law and immigration. Expert in Dutch-American Friendship Treaty applications.
U.S. Desk Director
Computer science and economics graduate from Concordia University, Montreal. Former consultant for PayPal and Dentsu. Relocated to Netherlands in 2019 and specializes in helping North American clients.
Life & Education Advisor
Doshisha University graduate who moved to Netherlands in 2002. Extensive experience helping international families with school systems, housing, and integration. Raised multilingual children in the Netherlands.
Our team combines Dutch legal expertise with deep understanding of international relocation challenges, having successfully helped families from around the world make the Netherlands their home.
Moving to the Netherlands with children? Our Education & Life Advisor, Mariko Ometani, provides specialized support to help your family seamlessly integrate into the Dutch education system and lifestyle.
Understanding primary, secondary, and international school options in your preferred Dutch city
Strategies for maintaining English while learning Dutch, based on real experience raising multilingual children
Connecting with expat communities, local activities, and family-friendly neighborhoods
Helping children and parents adjust to Dutch culture while maintaining American identity
Education & Life Advisor
"Having raised my own children in the Netherlands as an international family, I understand the unique challenges American parents face. From choosing the right school to helping kids make friends, I'm here to guide you through every step."
Finding an apartment in the Netherlands from overseas is nearly impossible. Landlords get 50+ applications per listing, many don't respond to Americans, and you're competing against locals with Dutch employers. Our Netherlands-based team knows the rental market inside out and coordinates everything remotely so you can secure housing before you arrive.
Based on your budget, commute needs, and family situation, we recommend specific Dutch cities and neighborhoods (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and more)
10+ years of relationships with Dutch landlords and agencies who accept Americans—many properties never hit public listings
We filter listings, check legitimacy (scams are common), and coordinate viewings (video or in-person when you visit the Netherlands)
We review rental agreements in Dutch, explain terms, spot red flags, and help you negotiate deposit/rent amounts
We coordinate everything remotely and present you with pre-vetted options—you choose the apartment that's right for you
One month's rent — Only paid AFTER you move into an apartment you love. If we don't find you housing, you pay nothing. Zero upfront costs, zero risk.
Amsterdam: €1,500-3,000/month
Utrecht:
€1,200-2,500/month
Other cities: €800-2,000/month
Start searching 2-3 months before arrival
Viewings can be
scheduled remotely
Move-in within 1-2 weeks of approval
Proof of income (3x rent)
Deposit (1-3 months rent)
Valid
ID and references
We provide complete DAFT relocation support—not just visa paperwork
| Service | US-Based DAFT Consultants | YourLegals Netherlands | DIY (Do It Yourself) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAFT Visa Application | Complex, easy to mess up | ||
| Netherlands Housing Search Coordination | "Good luck finding housing" | Landlord connections & contract review | 50+ applicants per viewing |
| Registration Support (City Hall, KVK, BSN) | No local knowledge | Step-by-step guidance | Confusing Dutch bureaucracy |
| Dutch Bank Account Guidance | Send you a bank website link | ING, ABN AMRO, Bunq guidance | Many banks reject Americans |
| Ongoing Life Support (Schools, Healthcare, Daily Questions) | Stop after visa approval | 3-6 months WhatsApp/email support | Alone in foreign system |
| Netherlands Local Expertise | Remote from USA | Netherlands-based team | Learning everything the hard way |
Start your new life in the Netherlands — legally, quickly, and with full local support
All services included
Required annual financial statement
100% Visa Approval Guarantee
If the IND rejects your application due to our error in preparation or filing, we refund 100% of your service fee—no questions asked. You risk nothing.
Transparent Pricing Guarantee
All costs shown upfront—no hidden fees, no surprise charges, no last-minute add-ons. What you see is what you pay.
Communication Guarantee
We respond to all messages within 24 hours (business days). If we go silent, your next month of support is free.
The €4,500 is the Dutch government's minimum investment requirement—you must deposit this in YOUR Dutch business bank account as startup capital. This is separate from our service fees and IND fees and belongs to you (use it for legitimate business expenses like equipment, marketing, office rent, etc.). We guide you through opening the account and making this deposit correctly.
Your complete Netherlands relocation journey in 5 clear phases
Zoom call to understand your situation: timeline, budget, family size, work setup. We explain the DAFT process, housing market realities, and answer all your questions. No pressure, just information.
What we do:
What you need:
Our Dutch immigration lawyers prepare your business plan and submit your IND application. We handle all communication with Dutch Immigration in Dutch.
What we do:
Your part:
We recommend neighborhoods, connect you with landlords/agencies in our network, pre-screen listings, and coordinate viewings (video or in-person when you visit). When you find the right place, we review the contract and help with negotiation.
What we do:
Your part:
Step-by-step support for city hall registration, KVK business registration, BSN application, bank account opening, and DigiD setup. We tell you exactly what to do, what documents to bring, how each system works.
What we do:
Your part:
WhatsApp and email support for everything: schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, daily life questions. You're not alone figuring out a new country—we're here to help.
What we help with:
Support channels:
Most clients receive DAFT visa approval within 60-90 days after submission to Dutch Immigration Services (IND). With our local Dutch lawyers handling your case and communications in Dutch, the process moves quickly and smoothly.
Expert advice and practical tips for Americans moving to the Netherlands
Everything U.S. citizens need to know about DAFT requirements, investment amounts, and the application process for starting a business in the Netherlands.
Read MoreDiscover the most popular areas for U.S. families, from family-friendly Amstelveen to trendy Jordaan, with insights on schools, commuting, and local culture.
Read MoreNavigate the complexities of Dutch taxes, US tax obligations abroad, and the Dutch-US tax treaty to avoid double taxation and stay compliant.
Read MoreThe 30% ruling is a Dutch tax benefit that allows eligible expats to receive 30% of their gross salary tax-free. This significant tax advantage can greatly increase your take-home pay during your time in the Netherlands.
Receive up to 30% of your gross salary completely tax-free for up to 5 years
Can result in thousands of euros in annual tax savings depending on your income level
Can be applied retroactively up to 4 months before your application
See how much you could save
We work with specialized accounting firms for expats to help you apply for the 30% ruling and maximize your tax benefits. Our partners have extensive experience helping Americans navigate Dutch tax regulations.
Real experiences from Americans who made the Netherlands their new home
"YourLegals made our move from San Francisco incredibly smooth. What seemed like an overwhelming maze of Dutch bureaucracy became manageable with their clear guidance and constant communication. They responded to every question within hours and handled everything from our DAFT visa application to finding our perfect apartment in Amsterdam's Jordaan district. We couldn't have done it without them!"
"After months of trying to navigate Dutch immigration requirements on my own, finding YourLegals was a game-changer. Their team cut through all the red tape and had my DAFT visa approved in just 8 weeks. The transparency about costs and realistic timelines was refreshing - absolutely no surprises, just professional results. I recommend them to any American seriously considering making the Netherlands home."
"As a remote worker for a US company, I wasn't sure if DAFT was right for me. Takeshi explained everything clearly and helped structure my freelance business properly. The whole process took 10 weeks from consultation to receiving my residence permit. Mariko also helped us find schools for our two kids. Worth every penny!"
"I'm a freelance graphic designer and was worried about proving stable income for the DAFT visa. Veli's team walked me through exactly what documentation I needed and even helped me set up my Dutch business properly. They found me a great studio apartment near Vondelpark. The entire experience felt like having a local friend guide you through everything."
"My wife and I wanted to retire in Europe, and the DAFT visa made it possible. YourLegals handled all the paperwork, helped us understand Dutch healthcare, and even connected us with a great real estate agent. We're now living our dream in a canal-side apartment in Leiden. Their attention to detail for older clients was exceptional."
"I wanted to launch my SaaS startup from Amsterdam and YourLegals made it happen. They didn't just handle the visa - they advised on business structure, connected me with an accountant, and helped me join the Amsterdam startup community. My business is now thriving and I have my 2-year residence permit. Best investment I made in my business."
Join over 200 Americans who've successfully made the Netherlands their new home with our local Dutch lawyers and bilingual support team.
Our team will review your case and guide you step by step until you're approved and settled in the Netherlands.
Join 200+ Americans who've successfully relocated — Limited consultation slots available this week
Tell us about your situation and we'll respond within 24 hours to confirm your eligibility and next steps.