Getting There — Visa

DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) — exclusively for US citizens starting a business. Only €4,500 minimum investment required. Register at Chamber of Commerce, get a 2-year permit, renewable for 5 years. Highly Skilled Migrant Visa is the salaried alternative — requires employer sponsorship and €5,008+/mo salary.

Cost of Living

Amsterdam rivals NYC prices; other cities are 10-20% less than comparable US cities. Expect €1,800-2,800/mo outside Amsterdam.

Key Fact

The DAFT visa is uniquely advantageous for Americans — no other nationality gets such easy access to Dutch residency. The €4,500 investment is one of the lowest barriers to entry in all of Europe. Nearly everyone speaks fluent English.