Trusted by Americans Nationwide

Dutch Bar Association

Registered & Licensed

IND Recognized

Immigration Services

4.9/5.0 Stars

150+ Client Reviews

GDPR Compliant

Your Data Protected

Supporting American expats since 2018

200+
Americans Relocated
300+
Businesses Launched
100%
Approval Rate
8.5 weeks
Avg. Processing

About YourLegals

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.

20+
Years Experience
200+
Americans Relocated
100%
DAFT Approval Rate
Amsterdam business district with canals - YourLegals office location for DAFT visa services

💎 Why Clients Choose YourLegals

Local Dutch presence with proven results for U.S. citizens relocating to the Netherlands

🇳🇱

Based in the Netherlands

Our team operates from an office in Amsterdam, working directly with local authorities and service providers.

🗣

Dutch-Speaking Network

Our lawyers, accountants, and housing agents handle all calls and documents with Dutch authorities in their native language.

⚖️

Registered Immigration Lawyers

Every DAFT visa application is managed by licensed Dutch immigration lawyers registered with the Dutch Bar Association.

🧾

200+ Successful U.S. Approvals

We've successfully guided over 200 Americans through the DAFT process with a 100% visa approval rate.

🕒

60-90 Day Average Timeline

Most clients move from initial consultation to residence card approval within 60-90 days.

🏠

Full Relocation Support

Beyond visa filing: housing search, bank accounts, health insurance, business registration (KvK), and ongoing support.

Meet Our Team

Expert legal and relocation specialists dedicated to your successful move to the Netherlands

Veli Arslan - Founder and Dutch Immigration Lawyer specializing in DAFT visa applications

Veli Arslan

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.

DAFT Expert Business Law
Takeshi Amano - U.S. Desk Director specializing in American client relations for Netherlands immigration

Takeshi Amano

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.

U.S. Relations Tech Visas
Mariko Ometani - Life and Education Advisor for American families moving to Netherlands

Mariko Ometani

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.

Family Support Education

Licensed & International Experience

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.

🎓 Family & Education Support

Expert Education Guidance for American Families

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.

Dutch School System Navigation

Understanding primary, secondary, and international school options in your preferred Dutch city

Multilingual Development

Strategies for maintaining English while learning Dutch, based on real experience raising multilingual children

Community Integration

Connecting with expat communities, local activities, and family-friendly neighborhoods

Emotional Support

Helping children and parents adjust to Dutch culture while maintaining American identity

Mariko Ometani - Life and Education Advisor

Mariko Ometani

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."
20+
Years in Netherlands
3
Languages Spoken
🏠 Housing & Relocation

Housing Search in the Netherlands—We Coordinate, You Decide

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.

City & Neighborhood Recommendations

Based on your budget, commute needs, and family situation, we recommend specific Dutch cities and neighborhoods (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and more)

Landlord Network Access

10+ years of relationships with Dutch landlords and agencies who accept Americans—many properties never hit public listings

Pre-Screening & Viewing Coordination

We filter listings, check legitimacy (scams are common), and coordinate viewings (video or in-person when you visit the Netherlands)

Contract Review & Negotiation Support

We review rental agreements in Dutch, explain terms, spot red flags, and help you negotiate deposit/rent amounts

You Make the Final Decision

We coordinate everything remotely and present you with pre-vetted options—you choose the apartment that's right for you

Housing Search Fee

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 houses houses in the Netherlands Dutch apartment interior modern Dutch apartment building

What to Expect in the Dutch Housing Market

Rental Prices

Amsterdam: €1,500-3,000/month
Utrecht: €1,200-2,500/month
Other cities: €800-2,000/month

Timeline

Start searching 2-3 months before arrival
Viewings can be scheduled remotely
Move-in within 1-2 weeks of approval

Requirements

Proof of income (3x rent)
Deposit (1-3 months rent)
Valid ID and references

Why Americans Choose Us Over Other DAFT Services

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

🇳🇱 Move to NL Starter Pack (for U.S. Citizens)

Start your new life in the Netherlands — legally, quickly, and with full local support

Fees to YourLegals

Main Person (DAFT Visa Applicant)

All services included

€1,750
Additional Spouse €750
Per Child €750

IND Government Fees (Paid Separately to Dutch Immigration)

Main Person €405
Spouse €243
Per Child €81

Other Fees

Balance Sheet by Official Accountant

Required annual financial statement

€125

Example: Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children)

Our fees: €1,750 + €750 + €750 + €750 €4,000
IND fees: €405 + €243 + €81 + €81 €810
Balance sheet: €125 €125
Total Cost: €4,935

🛡 Zero-Risk Guarantees

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.

About the €4,500 DAFT Investment Requirement

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.

How It Works

Your complete Netherlands relocation journey in 5 clear phases

1

Free Consultation

30 Minutes

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:

  • • Assess your DAFT eligibility
  • • Explain complete process and timeline
  • • Recommend package based on your needs

What you need:

  • • General timeline for your move
  • • Budget expectations
  • • Any specific questions or concerns
2

DAFT Visa Application

60-90 Days

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:

  • • Develop your business plan
  • • Guide Dutch bank account opening
  • • Prepare and submit IND application
  • • Handle all IND communication

Your part:

  • • Provide required documents
  • • Setup personal and business bank accounts
  • • Fund business account (€4,500)
  • • Attend IND appointment (in Netherlands)
3

Housing Search Coordination

Before arrival to the Netherlands

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:

  • • Recommend neighborhoods for your needs
  • • Connect you with landlord network
  • • Pre-screen apartment listings
  • • Review rental contracts
  • • Help negotiate terms

Your part:

  • • Share budget and preferences
  • • View apartments (video/in-person)
  • • Make final decision on apartment
  • • Sign rental contract
4

Registration & Setup Guidance

After Visa Approval

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:

  • • Guide city hall registration process
  • • Explain KVK business registration
  • • BSN application support
  • • Dutch bank account guidance
  • • DigiD setup instructions

Your part:

  • • Attend city hall appointment
  • • Register business at KVK
  • • Open Dutch bank account
  • • Follow our step-by-step guides
5

Ongoing Life Support

3-6 Months

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:

  • • School selection and enrollment
  • • Healthcare and insurance setup
  • • Dutch tax obligations
  • • Transportation (OV-chipkaart, bikes)
  • • Any daily life questions

Support channels:

  • • WhatsApp messaging
  • • Email support
  • • Response within 24 hours
  • • No "dumb questions" policy

Average Timeline: 60-90 Days to Approval

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.

Latest Insights

Expert advice and practical tips for Americans moving to the Netherlands

DAFT visa application documents and Dutch-American Friendship Treaty guide for US citizens
DAFT Guide Dec 15, 2024

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 More
Amsterdam canal houses and neighborhoods guide for American expats moving to Netherlands
Living Guide Dec 8, 2024

Best Amsterdam Neighborhoods for American Expats

Discover the most popular areas for U.S. families, from family-friendly Amstelveen to trendy Jordaan, with insights on schools, commuting, and local culture.

Read More
Tax documents and calculator for US citizens living in Netherlands tax obligations
Tax & Finance Nov 28, 2024

Tax Obligations for US Citizens Living in the Netherlands

Navigate the complexities of Dutch taxes, US tax obligations abroad, and the Dutch-US tax treaty to avoid double taxation and stay compliant.

Read More
💰 Tax Benefits

Maximize Your Income with the 30% Ruling

The 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.

Key Benefits

30% Tax-Free Allowance

Receive up to 30% of your gross salary completely tax-free for up to 5 years

Significant Tax Savings

Can result in thousands of euros in annual tax savings depending on your income level

Retroactive Application

Can be applied retroactively up to 4 months before your application

Example Calculation

See how much you could save

Annual Gross Salary €60,000
30% Ruling Allowance €18,000
Taxable Income €42,000
Estimated Annual Tax Savings ~€6,500+

Partner Accounting Support

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.

Success Stories

Real experiences from Americans who made the Netherlands their new home

4.9/5.0 from 150+ verified clients
5.0 Family Relocation

"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!"

A
Anna Martinez
Tech Consultant • San Francisco, CA
Visa approved in 7 weeks • Now living in Amsterdam
5.0 Business Setup

"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."

M
Mark Thompson
E-commerce Entrepreneur • Austin, TX
Visa approved in 8 weeks • Running business in Utrecht
5.0 Remote Worker

"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!"

J
Jessica Chen
Software Engineer • Seattle, WA
Visa approved in 10 weeks • Living in Haarlem with family
5.0 Creative Professional

"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."

D
David Rodriguez
Graphic Designer • Brooklyn, NY
Visa approved in 9 weeks • Freelancing from Amsterdam
5.0 Retired Couple

"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."

R
Robert & Linda Walsh
Retired Educators • Portland, OR
Visa approved in 11 weeks • Enjoying retirement in Leiden
5.0 Startup Founder

"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."

S
Sarah Kim
SaaS Founder • San Diego, CA
Visa approved in 6 weeks • Building startup in Amsterdam
100%
Visa Approval Rate
8.5
Weeks Average Processing
200+
Americans Relocated
24hr
Response Time

🧭 Next Step: Book Your Free Consultation

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

€4,500
Government Investment (Your Business Capital)
60-90 days
Average Timeline
100%
Success rate

Check My Eligibility

Tell us about your situation and we'll respond within 24 hours to confirm your eligibility and next steps.

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