Moving to The Netherlands from the USA
We have created this page for expats moving from the United States to The Netherlands. We will give you detailed information about obtaining a visa, opening bank account, tax issues you need to face when moving from the United States to the Netherlands.
We explore in this section
Apply for a long-term visa
You don’t need a long-term visa if you are from the USA. However, you’ll still need a residence permit from the IND. To make an appointment with IND, call +31 88 0430 430. They are open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm or visit the website of the IND. Read more in Immigration section.
Find an address to register at
Find an address to register at. You’ll need a rental contract or agreement to get your BSN or social security number, which means you need to find a place to live prior to registering with the Gemeente. Check rental websites here.
Register with the Town Hall (Gemeente)
You will need official documents to register with the town hall. Bring extra copies of important documents, such as your birth certificate and marriage certificate. Take the following documents to the Gemeente.
Valid passport (or personal identification).
Residence permit, such as a sticker in your passport, ID card or letter from IND.
Rental contract.
Certified copy of your birth certificate.
If applicable, you need your foreign marriage certificate, divorce certificate or registered partnership.
Opening a bank account
To open a bank account, go to the bank branch in your area, or visit one of their websites. There are many banks to choose from.The four major ones are ABN AMRO, ING, Rabobank and the SNS-bank. Read more in our Banking section.
To open a bank account in person, take the following documents with you:
proof of identity (passport or identity card)
official proof of address, such as a tenancy agreement
personal public service number(burgerservicenummer)
your residence permit or registration with the Foreign Police (IND).
Dutch Taxes for American citizens.
As an American citizens and U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders) you are required to file a U.S. tax return every year, regardless if you live and work abroad.
In addition to the standard federal income tax return, you must also report foreign financial assets, including non-U.S. bank accounts, by filing FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) when the reporting thresholds are met.
Worldwide income taxation
The United States taxes its citizens and permanent residents on their worldwide income, regardless of where they live. Fortunately, there are several provisions that can help prevent double taxation, including:
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Foreign Tax Credit (FTC)
Allows U.S. taxpayers to reduce their U.S. tax liability by claiming a credit for income taxes paid to a foreign government. -
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)
Enables qualifying expats to exclude a portion of their foreign earned income from U.S. taxation.
The exclusion amount is indexed annually for inflation and adjusted each tax year. -
Foreign Housing Exclusion or Deduction
Allows additional relief for certain housing expenses incurred while living abroad, such as rent and utilities, subject to IRS limits.
U.S. expat tax rules are complex and mistakes can be costly. There are several specialized agencies that focus on advising American citizens living overseas on tax compliance and optimization.
Read more in our Taxes section.