The Netherlands is a highly developed Schengen country known for excellent infrastructure, fast internet, widespread English proficiency, and a thriving startup ecosystem. While there is no dedicated digital nomad visa, the Self-Employed Residence Permit and DAFT Treaty (for US citizens) provide pathways for remote workers. As part of the Schengen Area, visitors from 60+ countries can stay visa-free for 90 days within any 180-day period.
7
Visa Types
62
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Schengen Visa-Free Entry
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.
90 days
Duration
€0
<$1 fee
+€50 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓Free entry for eligible nationalities
✓Access to all 29 Schengen countries with single entry
✓No advance visa application required
✓Entry via any Schengen border crossing
📋 Requirements (5)
•Valid passport (at least 3 months validity beyond planned departure, issued within last 10 years)
•Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, Airbnb confirmation, or invitation letter)
•Proof of sufficient funds (approximately EUR 55 per day)
•Return or onward travel ticket
•Travel insurance covering EUR 30,000 recommended but not mandatory for visa-free travelers
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Immediate upon arrival
1Arrive at any Schengen Area border crossing point
2Present valid passport at immigration
3Be prepared to show proof of accommodation and return ticket if requested
4Receive entry stamp in passport (or EES registration from October 2025)
5Stay limit: 90 days within any 180-day period across entire Schengen Area
•Track your days carefully using the Schengen calculator - the 90/180 rule applies to all Schengen countries combined
•Keep proof of entry/exit dates as the Entry/Exit System (EES) started October 2025
•Consider travel insurance even though not mandatory
•From 2026, ETIAS authorization (EUR 7) will be required before travel
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Work
Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant)
Fast-track residence permit for highly qualified professionals with a job offer from an IND-recognized Dutch employer. Includes 30% tax ruling eligibility.
60 months
Duration
€354
$384 fee
+€207 additional
💰 Income Requirement
Minimum $5,688/per_month
Alternative: Reduced salary EUR 4,171/month for under 30 years old. EUR 2,989/month for recent graduates within 3 years of graduation.
✅ Key Benefits
✓Fast-track processing (2 weeks for recognized sponsors)
✓Eligible for 30% tax ruling (significant tax benefits)
✓Spouse can work freely without work permit
✓Path to permanent residence after 5 years
✓Can start side business alongside employment
📋 Requirements (5)
•Valid passport
•Employment contract from IND-recognized sponsor
•Salary meeting minimum threshold (EUR 5,688 for 30+, EUR 4,171 for under 30)
•TB test certificate (depending on nationality)
•No criminal record threatening public order
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ 2 weeks for recognized sponsors, up to 90 days otherwise
1Secure job offer from IND-recognized sponsor employer
2Employer submits combined MVV and residence permit application via IND Business Portal
3Pay application fee (EUR 354)
4Wait for IND decision (2 weeks for recognized sponsors)
5If MVV required: collect MVV sticker at Dutch embassy
Process: Extension possible before permit expires. Employer must continue to meet salary requirements.
Renewal: Can change employers within highly skilled migrant category. New employer must be recognized sponsor.
💡 Pro Tips
•Verify employer is IND-recognized sponsor before accepting job offer
•Apply for 30% ruling within 4 months of arrival for tax benefits
•Salary must be paid monthly via Dutch bank account
•Consider orientation year permit if job search needed after studies
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program
Self-Employed Residence Permit
Residence permit for entrepreneurs and freelancers who can demonstrate their business serves Dutch economic interests. Evaluated using a points-based system.
24 months
Duration
€380
$412 fee
+€791 additional
💰 Income Requirement
Minimum $1,698/per_month
Alternative: Must demonstrate sufficient income through business plan projections and existing contracts
✅ Key Benefits
✓Freedom to run your own business
✓Work with Dutch and international clients
✓Path to permanent residence after 5 years
✓Can include spouse and children
✓Access to Dutch healthcare and social security
📋 Requirements (8)
•Valid passport
•Comprehensive business plan
•Proof of relevant education and experience
•Evidence of innovation or added value to Dutch economy
•Proof of existing clients or contracts (preferably Dutch)
•Registration with Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
•Sufficient financial means
•Clean criminal record
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ 90 days (can extend to 6 months if RVO assessment needed)
1Develop comprehensive business plan meeting RVO criteria
2Prepare evidence of experience, education, and innovation
3If outside Netherlands: apply for MVV at Dutch embassy
4If in Netherlands: submit application directly to IND
5RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency) assesses using points system
6Wait for IND decision (up to 90 days)
7If approved: register business with Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
•Consider working with immigration lawyer for application
•Points system: 30 minimum in each of 3 categories (personal experience, business plan, added value)
•Turkish nationals and long-term EU residents exempt from points system
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program
Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT)
Simplified self-employment permit exclusively for US citizens. No points-based assessment required, only EUR 4,500 investment needed.
24 months
Duration
€405
$439 fee
+€900 additional
💰 Income Requirement
Minimum $4,500/total
Alternative: EUR 4,500 is investment in business bank account, not income. No specific income requirement but must show business generates sufficient income.
✅ Key Benefits
✓No points-based system required (unlike regular self-employed permit)
✓Low investment threshold (EUR 4,500)
✓Simplified and faster processing
✓Spouse can work freely in any job
✓Children can work or study
✓Path to permanent residence after 5 years
✓Eligible for 30% tax ruling if setting up BV
📋 Requirements (7)
•Valid US passport
•EUR 4,500 minimum investment in Dutch business bank account
•Business registration with Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
•Business plan (recommended but not strictly required)
•Proof of Dutch address
•Health insurance
•Clean criminal record (antecedent declaration)
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ 4-6 weeks (expedited processing since April 2024)
1Register business with Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
2Open Dutch business bank account
3Deposit minimum EUR 4,500 investment
4Complete IND application form online
5Schedule appointment at IND desk
6Submit biometrics and documents at IND
7Pay application fee (EUR 405)
8Wait for decision (4-6 weeks under expedited processing)
Process: Apply for 5-year extension after initial 2 years if business investment maintained and business is active.
Renewal: After 5 years of continuous residence, eligible for permanent residence or Dutch citizenship through naturalization.
💡 Pro Tips
•Consider setting up a BV (private limited company) for 30% ruling eligibility
•Wise or Bunq recommended for business banking
•Keep detailed records of business activity
•Can work remotely for US clients while establishing Dutch business
•Spouse work rights are broader than permit holder (can take regular employment)
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
TouristPopular
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.
90d
Duration
€90
$98 fee
+€120 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱15-45 calendar days (apply at least 15 days before travel, up to 6 months in advance)
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Visa application feeStandard adult fee, non-refundable
€90$98
Additional (estimated)
Visa fee children 6-12Reduced fee for children aged 6-12
No, the Netherlands does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. However, remote workers have several options: (1) The Self-Employed Residence Permit for freelancers and entrepreneurs who can demonstrate their business benefits the Dutch economy (evaluated via a points system). (2) The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) for US citizens only, which requires only EUR 4,500 investment and has no points system. (3) Short-term visitors from visa-free countries can stay for 90 days within 180 days under Schengen rules, though working is technically not authorized during tourist stays.
How long can I stay in the Netherlands without a visa?
Citizens of 60+ visa-exempt countries can stay in the Netherlands and the entire Schengen Area for 90 days within any 180-day period. This is not 90 consecutive days per visit but 90 days total across all Schengen countries combined. The 180-day period is calculated on a rolling basis. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can stay indefinitely without a visa and have the right to live and work freely. For stays beyond 90 days, non-EU citizens must apply for a residence permit before their visa-free period expires.
What is the DAFT visa and who can apply?
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is a bilateral agreement from 1956 that allows US citizens to obtain a residence permit for self-employment in the Netherlands with simplified requirements. Unlike the regular Self-Employed Permit, DAFT applicants are exempt from the points-based assessment. Requirements include: US citizenship, EUR 4,500 minimum investment in a Dutch business account, registration with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK), and a legitimate business purpose. The permit is valid for 2 years initially, extendable for 5 years. Family members can join and work freely.
What is the Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) visa?
The Highly Skilled Migrant visa is a work permit for qualified professionals with a job offer from an IND-recognized Dutch employer. As of 2025, the minimum salary requirements are EUR 5,688/month for those 30 and older, EUR 4,171/month for under 30, and EUR 2,989 for recent graduates. Benefits include fast-track processing (2 weeks for recognized sponsors), 30% tax ruling eligibility (significant tax savings), free work rights for spouse, and a path to permanent residence after 5 years. The employer applies on your behalf and pays the EUR 354 fee.
What are the requirements for the Self-Employed Residence Permit?
The Self-Employed Residence Permit is evaluated using a points system with 300 total points across 3 categories: personal experience (education, work experience), business plan quality, and added value to the Dutch economy (innovation, job creation, investment). You need minimum 90 points total and at least 30 in each category. You must also register with the Chamber of Commerce, have sufficient income (approximately EUR 1,700/month), provide a comprehensive business plan, and have Dutch clients or contracts. Turkish nationals and long-term EU residents are exempt from the points system. Processing takes up to 90 days.
How much does it cost to live in the Netherlands as a digital nomad?
The Netherlands is one of Europe's more expensive countries. In Amsterdam, expect to spend EUR 2,500-4,000/month for a comfortable lifestyle. Major expenses include: Rent (one-bedroom city center: EUR 1,500-2,000/month), groceries (EUR 200-350/month), eating out (EUR 15-25 per meal), coworking (EUR 150-400/month), public transport (EUR 100/month), health insurance (EUR 90-130/month). Smaller cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, or Eindhoven are 20-30% cheaper than Amsterdam. Consider living outside city centers to save on rent significantly.
Can I open a bank account in the Netherlands as a foreigner?
Yes, but you typically need a BSN (Burgerservicenummer), which is issued when you register at the municipality. Major banks like ABN AMRO, ING, and Rabobank require BSN, valid passport, proof of Dutch address, and sometimes proof of income. Digital banks like Bunq and N26 have fewer requirements and may open accounts without BSN initially. Non-residents can open international accounts at some banks but with more documentation. Most bank websites and forms are in Dutch, though ABN AMRO and ING offer English services for expats.
What is the 30% tax ruling and who qualifies?
The 30% ruling is a Dutch tax benefit for highly skilled migrants recruited from abroad. It allows 30% of gross salary to be paid tax-free as a reimbursement for extraterritorial costs. To qualify, you must: be recruited from abroad (lived 150+ km from Dutch border for 16+ of 24 months before employment), have skills scarce in the Dutch labor market (demonstrated by salary threshold), and have an employer recognized by IND. From 2024, the ruling scales down: 30% for years 1-2, 20% for years 3-4, and 10% for years 5-7. Apply within 4 months of starting employment.
Do I need health insurance in the Netherlands?
For short tourist stays, health insurance is not legally required but strongly recommended (Schengen visa applicants need EUR 30,000 coverage). For residents with any type of residence permit, you are legally required to take out Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) within 4 months of registration at the municipality. Basic insurance costs around EUR 90-130/month and covers essential care. Additional coverage (aanvullende verzekering) is optional. Digital nomads on tourist visas should have international health insurance like SafetyWing or Cigna Global.
What are the best cities in the Netherlands for digital nomads?
Amsterdam is the main hub with excellent coworking spaces (B.Amsterdam, Spaces, WeWork), fast internet (80-100 Mbps average), and a large expat community, but it is expensive and crowded. Rotterdam offers a more affordable, modern city with strong tech scene. The Hague has international organizations and a quieter vibe. Utrecht is centrally located, cheaper than Amsterdam, with a youthful atmosphere due to its university. Eindhoven is a tech hub with Philips and many startups. All Dutch cities have excellent public transport, cycling infrastructure, and widespread English proficiency.
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Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025