Moving to The Netherlands from The United States - MoverDB.com (2024)

Choosing to up sticks and move locally can be a stressful ordeal – but moving to a completely different country introduces new levels of unease.

If you are considering making the move from The United States to the Netherlands, this guide will tell you everything you need to know – from visa requirements to cost of living differences; healthcare top tips to rules about moving country with your pets – helping you to feel empowered when the time comes to make the big move.

Quick Netherlands Facts:

1. Population: 17.53 million (2021 estimate)
2. Official Language: Dutch (de facto) is the official language, but English is widely spoken, too
3. GDP Per Capita: $57,767 USD (2021 estimate)
4. Random Fact: Dutch men are amongst the world’s tallest people!
5. Currency: Euro (€). As of late 2023, £1 = €1.15, $1 = €0.92, $1 CAD = €0.67, $1 AUD = €0.60
   

1. Moving Costs to The Netherlands from The United States

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from various locations in the States and shipping it to some of the largest cities in the Netherlands:

• All figures are in USD;
• The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (June 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, iContainers, or SeaRates;
• To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
• Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. How Long Does It Take To Move to The Netherlands from The United States?

There can be big discrepancies in move time duration when it comes to moving from America due to the vastness of the country.

Let’s take a look at some states from a range of locations in the north, east, south and west of the country to give you an idea of move time when travelling to The Netherlands.

• New York to Amsterdam – 7 hours, 37 minutes – €500
• Los Angeles to Amsterdam – 14 hours, 12 minutes – €512
• Minneapolis to Amsterdam – 14 hours, 15 minutes – €846
• Dallas to Amsterdam – 11 hours, 50 minutes – €840
  

This duration covers the flight time only, so additional time will need to be added to get you from the terminal to your final location.

3. Moving Restrictions to The Netherlands from The United States

For those wishing to live and work in The Netherlands, a residence permit for work will be required. This will usually be arranged by your Dutch employer and can be arranged while you are already in the country as you won’t need a visa to enter The Netherlands.

You will need a clean criminal record, and proof of this will typically be needed at the point of visa application, or residence permit. For those wishing to bring pets from The United States to The Netherlands, you will need to ensure they have a microchip fitted, are recently vaccinated and have a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian – more on which we will cover in a later section.

If you need to move to The Netherlands with certain medications, it’s important to check if these are lawful to be transported between countries before bringing them to the airport – this could result in them being confiscated, or your boarding could be negatively impacted, leading to delays.

At the time of writing, there are no COVID-19 restrictions between The United States and The Netherlands, but this can change so it’s best to check the latest information available at the time of your travel.

4. Visa Requirements to The Netherlands from The United States

Alongside a valid passport, for those wishing to live and work in The Netherlands coming from The United States, you will need a residence permit for work to do so legally.

You are permitted to enter The Netherlands without a visa if you are planning on staying for 90 days or less. As The Netherlands is part of the Schengen area, you will be covered for short trips to various countries included in the list, as long as the duration doesn’t exceed 90 days in one area.

It’s common practice that, if you have a job lined up in The Netherlands before travelling to the country, your Dutch employer will arrange for your residence permit to work on your behalf. To do this, they need to submit a residence permit application to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

However, if this hasn’t been arranged before you travel over, you are still permitted to stay in The Netherlands for 90 days. If the decision process takes longer than 90 days, you will be able to stay in the country to await the outcome.

Once you have worked in The Netherlands for five consecutive years, you will no longer need a work permit. For full information on living and working in The Netherlands, take a look at the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) website.

In all cases, you need to speak to a visa specialist to advise you on your circ*mstances and always keep up to date with the latest changes in the rules.

5. Cost of Living Differences in The Netherlands

While this article is covering The Netherlands as a whole, house prices will vary from area to area but the figures below will give you an indication of what’s available at what price.

As a general note, it is estimated that the cost of living in New York is 32.1% higher than that of Amsterdam, with rent being around 52.8% higher.

Monthly Rental Prices in The Netherlands:

• 1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: €1,360+
• 1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: €1,080+
• 3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: €2,145+
• 3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: €1,645+

The Netherlands Home Purchase Prices:

• Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: €5,600+
• Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the City: €3,800+

Source: Numbeo

6. Tax Treaties in The Netherlands

There is a tax agreement in place between The Netherlands and The United States which helps to prevent the double taxation of income. This sets out clear guidelines as to how income is taxed by the two countries.

Depending on your residency status, the income will be taxed by the primary country you earned it in, and not in the other country. You will likely be able to benefit from tax credits or exemptions in the other country, which can help with tax relief.

The current rate of income tax in The Netherlands ranges from 37.10% to 49.50%, depending on your exact income. This is of course subject to change, and should always be checked to ensure the most up-to-date figure for you.

It is a complex process, though, and it is always best to enlist the help of a tax professional to ensure you are processing your taxes lawfully and in the best way possible to unlock tax credits and benefits, and most importantly to not be overcharged on your income tax.

7. Working Rules in The Netherlands

If you are planning on living and working in The Netherlands, you will either be engaged in a:

• Fixed term contract
• Temporary contract
• Permanent contract

Employment law in The Netherlands states that the average working week is between 36 to 40 hours, typically Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. There is a 30-minute lunch break and then two further 15-minute breaks required by law, and it’s stated that an employee may not work over 12 hours in one single ‘shift’.

The Dutch labour law says that employees must receive at least four weeks of paid annual leave per working year. Maternity and paternity leave can be provided, which is at least 10 weeks after giving birth, and foster parents are entitled to 6 weeks of paid leave after adopting.

As we have mentioned in our previous section, to work lawfully in The Netherlands it is important to have your working residence permit in place, which can be applied for by your employer. To fully understand your tax obligations, it’s best to enlist the guidance of a financial professional to ensure you are following the right protocols at all times.

Whatever your employment circ*mstances, it’s important to have your working permit ironed out before entering the country to ensure a smooth transition. It’s also important to get up to speed with taxes and any beneficial programs, such as healthcare schemes so that you are completely clued up on your rights.

8. Healthcare in The Netherlands

It’s important to know that when you live and work in The Netherlands, you are legally bound to take out health insurance. This can come in different forms depending on the type of cover you need but can be split into two categories: standard and additional.

Standard health insurance will cover the cost of the most basic health needs, such as GP visits, prescription medicine and emergency hospital treatment. This is the type of cover you need to take out by law.

Additional insurance can cover other medical treatments such as dentist visits or physiotherapy. This isn’t required by law but can be useful to help offset some additional health-related payments.

If you are found to be earning an income in The Netherlands without health insurance taken out, the Dutch Central Administration Office will be alerted and the cost of the basic health insurance premium will be deducted from your net salary.

9. Rules Around Moving With Pets in The Netherlands

Moving house includes lots of boxes of belongings – but it can also include some particularly important furry friends, too! If you need to move to The Netherlands with a pet in tow, here’s what you need to know.

As you will be travelling from a non-EU country to The Netherlands, you will need to ensure that:

• Your pet has a valid EU pet passport, or valid veterinary certificate to affirm their health status
• Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies
• Your pet must have a microchip fitted, and this must have been implanted before the rabies vaccination
• A blood test may also be necessary

This is the case for cats and dogs – but if you need to transport another animal, such as a rabbit, rodent or reptile, a different set of rules will apply. You can take a look at these regulations at the Government of The Netherlands website.

It’s important to ensure you follow the rules exactly to avoid any delays at the airport, and to reduce any potential stress for both you and your pet.

10. Similar Cities

According to Objective Lists, Belgium is most similar to The Netherlands. Before 1830, Belgium and the Northern Netherlands were once part of the same territory.

As the countries share the same border, their climates are similar, being influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. The climates are both temperate, with seasonal variations, including higher rainfall in autumn and winter seasons, and a generally mild temperature.

Both countries have a rich heritage, with UNESCO World Heritage Sites in both locations. Cycling is a big part of Belgian and Dutch culture, and cycling is made easier thanks to both countries’ low-lying terrain.

The Netherlands and Belgium are members of the European Union and are founding members, being closely aligned with common interests and policies.

11. Pros and Cons of Moving to The Netherlands from The United States

Perhaps you’re moving for a new job opportunity, or just want to try out a completely different country and climate – whatever your reason for wanting to move from The United States to The Netherlands, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.

Whatever you decide, you must understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to speak to The U.S. Embassy and Consulates for all the information you need.

Other Useful Guides to the Netherlands

• 29 Best International Moving Companies in the Netherlands
• 10 Best Money Transfer Companies in the Netherlands
• 21 Secrets About Living In The Netherlands To Know Before Moving
• Moving to the Netherlands from Bahrain
• 13 Best Places To Live in the Netherlands
• Moving to the Netherlands from Dubai and the UAE
• Moving to the Netherlands from Kuwait
• Moving to the Netherlands from Qatar
• Moving to the Netherlands from South Africa