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Netherlands

Europe

Nomad Score

7/10

Avg Monthly Cost

$3,000

Internet Speed

95 Mbps

Safety

Very Safe

Tax Regime

Netherlands taxes residents on worldwide income. The 30% ruling allows qualifying expats to receive 30% of salary tax-free for 5 years. Box 3 wealth tax applies to savings and investments.

Income Tax

36.93-49.5%

Capital Gains

Box 3 (1.2-6.17% deemed return)

VAT / Sales Tax

21%

Tax Year

calendar

Special Tax Regimes

30% ruling for expatsInnovation Box (9% on qualifying IP income)

Visa Options

Full visa guide

Schengen Visa-Free Entry

tourist

Recommended

Citizens of 60+ countries can enter the Netherlands and the entire Schengen Area without a visa for short stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Up to 90 days

Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)

tourist

Recommended

Required for nationals of visa-required countries to visit the Netherlands and Schengen Area for tourism, business, or family visits for up to 90 days.

Up to 90 days

Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant)

work

Recommended

Fast-track residence permit for highly qualified professionals with a job offer from an IND-recognized Dutch employer. Includes 30% tax ruling eligibility.

Up to 60 monthsMin EUR 5,688/mo

Self-Employed Residence Permit

special

Recommended

Residence permit for entrepreneurs and freelancers who can demonstrate their business serves Dutch economic interests. Evaluated using a points-based system.

Up to 24 monthsMin EUR 1,698/mo

Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT)

special

Recommended

Simplified self-employment permit exclusively for US citizens. No points-based assessment required, only EUR 4,500 investment needed.

Up to 24 monthsMin EUR 4,500/mo

Orientation Year (Zoekjaar)

special

One-year permit for recent graduates of Dutch universities or top 200 global universities to seek employment or start a business in the Netherlands.

Up to 12 months

EU Blue Card

work

EU-wide work permit for highly qualified professionals with a university degree. Allows easier mobility across EU member states after 12 months.

Up to 48 monthsMin EUR 5,688/mo

Cost of Living

$3,000/month

Average for a comfortable nomad lifestyle

High

Healthcare

QualityExcellent
CostModerate

Excellent healthcare. Basic health insurance mandatory (~€130/month). GP (huisarts) is the gateway to all specialist care.

Digital Nomad Scene

Coworking DensityHigh
English ProficiencyHigh
Avg Internet Speed95 Mbps
Nomad Score7/10

Banking & Finance

Account AccessModerate

BSN (citizen service number) required. ING and ABN AMRO are popular. Bunq is digital-first and foreigner-friendly.

Safety

RatingVery Safe

Very safe. Bicycle theft is common. Watch for pickpockets in Amsterdam tourist areas. Some areas of Rotterdam and The Hague less safe at night.

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