Planning
Plan your move to the Netherlands — budgeting, housing, US taxes, shipping, and everything you need to sort out before and after arriving.
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The Real Cost of Moving to Amsterdam from the US (2026)
An honest breakdown of what it actually costs to move from the US to Amsterdam via DAFT. We spent $18,400 on our move and here is where every dollar went.
Read Article →FeaturedFinding an Apartment in Amsterdam: A Practical Guide
How to find an apartment in Amsterdam when the housing market is brutal. Where to search, what to expect on pricing, and how we finally found our place.
Read Article →FeaturedUS Taxes While Living in Netherlands: Complete Guide
Everything Americans need to know about US tax obligations while living in the Netherlands. The basics, key deadlines, and how to avoid double taxation.
Read Article →FeaturedHow Much Money Do You Really Need to Start Your DAFT?
How much money you really need for the DAFT visa, from the required deposit to real first-year living costs. We break down every dollar you should plan for.
Read Article →FeaturedHow to Move to Amsterdam from the US: Full DAFT Guide
A step-by-step guide to moving from the US to Amsterdam via the DAFT visa. The real process, actual costs, and everything we learned from doing it ourselves.
Read Article →Browse by Topic
Costs & Budgeting
How much it really costs to move and live in the Netherlands.
- Amsterdam vs. NYC: A Real Cost of Living Comparison
- Hidden Costs of Moving to the Netherlands Nobody Warns
- How Much Money Do You Really Need to Start Your DAFT?
- Monthly Living Costs in Amsterdam for American Expats
- Monthly Living Costs in NL: Real Numbers from Movers
- Rotterdam vs. Amsterdam: Cost of Living for DAFT Movers
- The Real Cost of Moving to Amsterdam from the US (2026)
Housing
Finding a place to live in the Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Neighborhoods Ranked for American Expats
- Best Rotterdam Neighborhoods for DAFT Entrepreneurs
- Buying vs. Renting in the Netherlands as a DAFT Holder
- Finding an Apartment in Amsterdam: A Practical Guide
- How to Avoid Rental Scams in Amsterdam as an Expat
- How to Avoid Rental Scams in the Netherlands (2026)
- How to Register Your Address at the Gemeente in NL
- Renting in NL: What DAFT Entrepreneurs Need to Know
- Setting Up Utilities in NL: Gas, Electric, Internet
- Understanding Dutch Rental Contracts Before Signing
US Taxes & Finances
Managing your US financial obligations from abroad.
- Best US Banks for American Expats Living in Netherlands
- Building Credit While Living in Netherlands (US & Dutch)
- Can You Contribute to an IRA from the Netherlands?
- Do You Still Pay US Taxes After Moving to Amsterdam?
- Dutch Taxes for Americans: What to Expect as an Expat
- FBAR Requirements for Americans Living in Netherlands
- FEIE: Foreign Earned Income Exclusion for US Expats
- Filing US Taxes from Amsterdam: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Find an Expat Tax Accountant in Netherlands
- How to Transfer Money Between the US and Netherlands
- Keeping Your US Bank Accounts After Moving to the NL
- Managing Student Loans While Living in Netherlands
- Retirement Planning as American Expat in Netherlands
- Social Security: What Happens When You Move to the NL
- Tax Season Guide for Americans Living in Netherlands
- The 30% Ruling: Does It Apply to DAFT Visa Holders?
- The US-Netherlands Tax Treaty Explained for Expats
- Understanding Dutch Taxes as a DAFT Business Owner
- US Credit Cards That Work in Amsterdam (No Foreign Fees)
- US Taxes While Living in Netherlands: Complete Guide
- US-NL Tax Treaty: What DAFT Entrepreneurs Must Know
- What Happens to Your 401(k) When You Move to the NL?
- When You Actually Need to Hire an Expat Tax Accountant
- Wise vs Other Money Transfer Options for DAFT Movers
Logistics
Practical details of the physical move.
- Getting Around the Netherlands: Transport for Newcomers
- How to Move to Amsterdam from the US: Full DAFT Guide
- Moving to Netherlands Guide: Complete Planning Resource
- Selling Everything vs. Shipping to the Netherlands
- Shipping Your Belongings to the Netherlands from the US
- What to Pack and What to Leave When Moving to the NL
- Your Pre-Departure Checklist: 30 Days Before the Move
More Articles
- Avoid Double Social Security Tax: US-NL Totalization
- Crypto Taxes for Americans Living in the Netherlands
- DAFT as a Couple: Should Both Partners Apply for It?
- DAFT at 50+: Is There an Age Limit for Applicants?
- DAFT Denied? What to Do Next (and How to Prevent It)
- DAFT on a Budget: What the True Minimum Cost Looks Like
- DAFT Success Rate: What Are Your Real Chances in 2026?
- DAFT Timeline: How Long Does the Full Process Take?
- DAFT Visa Pros and Cons: An Honest Look at the Deal
- Dutch Investment Accounts for American Expats on DAFT
- Emergency Fund Strategy for US-Netherlands Expat Life
- Getting a Dutch Mortgage as a DAFT Visa Holder in NL
- How to Maintain Your US Credit Score Living Abroad
- Is the DAFT Visa Right for Me? A Honest Assessment
- Moving to the Netherlands with Kids on a DAFT Visa
- Self-Employment Tax for DAFT Entrepreneurs in the NL
- State Taxes After Moving Abroad: What You Still Owe
- US Tax Deadlines and Extensions for Americans Abroad
- Who Should NOT Apply for the DAFT Visa (Honest Take)
- Wise vs Revolut vs Mercury: Best Pick for DAFT Visa
Not ready to buy yet? Start with the free checklist
Get the same DAFT requirements checklist we used when we moved to the Netherlands — free, no commitment.
- Every document you need before applying
- Step-by-step timeline from start to approval
- Common mistakes that delay applications
- Cost breakdown so there are no surprises
Ready to Stop Researching and Start Planning?
Go at Your Own Pace
Our complete guide gives you everything we learned—step-by-step instructions, templates, timelines, and answers to the questions that kept us up at night.
- 50+ page PDF guide
- Document templates
- Apostille checklist
- Lifetime updates
Talk Through Your Situation
Have specific questions? Unusual circumstances? Or just want to hear from someone who did this? Let's get on a call.
- 1-hour video call
- Your questions answered
- Recording included
- Guide included free