Why More Americans Are Leaving the U.S. for Europe—and How the DAFT Visa Makes It Possible
- thecoopersgodutch
- Jan 19
- 5 min read
Over the past few years, I found myself asking questions I never expected to ask.
What would life look like outside the United States?
Is there a safer place to raise our kids?
Is it possible to slow down, work less, and still live well?
Like so many other American families, we weren’t necessarily trying to run away from the U.S.—we were searching for something better. A healthier lifestyle. Affordable healthcare. A slower pace of life. More balance. And honestly, more peace of mind when it came to our children’s safety.
That search eventually led us to the Netherlands—and to a visa option that many Americans still don’t know exists: the DAFT Visa, officially known as the Dutch American Friendship Treaty.
If you’ve been searching phrases like “leave America,” “move abroad from the U.S.,” or “how to move to Europe as an American,” this may be one of the most accessible and cost-effective legal pathways available.
What Is the DAFT Visa? (Dutch American Friendship Treaty Explained)
The DAFT visa is a unique agreement between the United States and the Netherlands that allows American citizens to live and work in the Netherlands as self-employed
entrepreneurs.
Unlike other European visas, the DAFT visa is:
Specifically for Americans
Straightforward compared to work sponsorship routes
Flexible enough for small business owners and freelancers
very cost effective with no montly or yearly income minimum
It grants an initial 2-year residency permit, with the option to renew for an additional 3 years. After 5 years of legal residency, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency or Dutch citizenship (as long as laws remain the same).
For many families looking to move abroad from the U.S., this visa opens doors that feel otherwise closed.
Why the DAFT Visa Is One of the Most Affordable Ways for Americans to Move to Europe
When people think about moving to Europe, they often assume it requires:
A high-paying job offer
A company willing to sponsor a visa
A large investment or “golden visa” program
remote worker (usually requires a minimum monthly income)
The DAFT visa is different.
To qualify, you need to:
Be a U.S. citizen
Have lived at least 150 km outside the Netherlands for 24 months before moving
Start a small business in the Netherlands (or move an existing U.S. business)
Deposit €4,500 into a Dutch business bank account after arrival
That €4,500 remains your money—it’s not a fee, donation, or payment to the government. It simply needs to stay available in your business account. Compared to other legal pathways into Europe, the DAFT visa is often one of the lowest-cost options for American expats.
You Don’t Need a Big Startup to Qualify
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about entrepreneur visas.
The DAFT visa does NOT require:
Venture capital
A tech startup
Employees
A six-figure business
Brick and Mortar setup
Many DAFT visa holders are:
Freelancers
Consultants
Coaches
Designers and creatives
Online service providers
Small business owners
Remote entrepreneurs
Your business does not need to be immediately profitable. It simply needs to be legitimate, registered properly, and active. For parents and individuals alike, this flexibility makes moving overseas feel far more realistic.
You Can Apply After You Arrive in the Netherlands
Another major relief for Americans considering a move abroad:You do not need to secure DAFT approval before entering the Netherlands.
As a U.S. citizen, you can:
Enter the Netherlands visa-free (for up to 90 days)
Set up housing and registration
Apply for the DAFT visa from within the country (very high approval rate)
Legally remain while your application is processed
This removes much of the pressure and “what if” fear that keeps families stuck in place.
No Dutch Language Requirement (At First)
If the idea of learning a new language feels overwhelming, especially with kids, here’s some good news:
Dutch is not required to apply for or renew the DAFT visa
English is widely spoken throughout the Netherlands (90-93% speak English as one of their many languages)
Language requirements typically only apply if you pursue permanent residency or citizenship later
This gives families time to settle in, adjust, and learn at a comfortable pace.
Healthcare, Safety, and Family Life in the Netherlands
For many Americans searching “life in Europe vs America,” healthcare and safety are major deciding factors.
With the DAFT visa:
Dutch health insurance is mandatory and affordable (we pay about €160 each month per adult, plus we have to meet only a €385 deductible per year)
Children are insured at no additional cost
Access to doctors and care is straightforward and predictable
Beyond healthcare, daily life feels noticeably different:
Safer communities, no school shootings
Walkable cities and bike-friendly infrastructure
Less car dependency
More time outdoors
Strong work-life balance
healthier food with less additives
For families who want a slower, more intentional way of life, these changes are hard to overstate.
What About Your Spouse and Children?
One of the most powerful benefits of the DAFT visa is how it supports families.
Spouse or Partner Benefits
The spouse or registered partner of a DAFT visa holder can:
Apply for jobs without needing a work sponsorship visa (This is a huge advantage, as many companies prefer not to sponsor international employees)
Possibly qualify for the 30% ruling (meaning 30% of your income is not taxed for up to 5 years) for highly skilled workers recruited from abroad
Children
Children under 18 years old can be included on the visa
They can attend Dutch schools
They grow up bilingual or multilingual, surrounded by diverse cultures
For families like us dreaming of raising globally-minded kids, this is life-changing.
DAFT Visa Renewals and Long-Term Residency
Renewing the DAFT visa is generally straightforward if you:
Maintain your business registration
Keep the €4,500 business balance
Continue operating your business
Remain compliant with Dutch laws
After five years, many Americans begin exploring permanent residency or citizenship options, depending on personal goals.
Taxes, Paperwork, and Reality (The Honest Part)
Moving abroad does come with responsibilities:
You must register for Dutch taxes
Americans still file U.S. taxes (often without double taxation)
Proper setup matters
This is where guidance can save months of stress and costly mistakes.
Is the DAFT Visa Right for You?
If you’re an American thinking:
“I want to leave the U.S., but I don’t know how”
“I want to move abroad with my family legally”
“I want a safer, healthier life in Europe”
The DAFT visa may be one of the most realistic and cost-effective paths available. It’s not instant. It requires planning. But it is highly achievable.
Why I Created a DAFT Visa Guide
When we started researching how to move to the Netherlands, everything felt scattered, confusing, and overwhelming. I spent countless hours piecing together information from forums, government websites, and other expats.
I created my DAFT Visa Guide to put everything in one place:
Clear steps
Realistic expectations
Practical checklists
The things no one tells you upfront
If you’re serious about moving abroad and want a roadmap instead of endless Googling, my guide is there to help.
Final Thought
Leaving the United States isn’t about giving up, it’s about choosing a different way forward.
For our family, the Netherlands offered safety, balance, a calmer childhood for my children, and space to breathe. The DAFT visa made it possible. And if you’re standing where I once stood, wondering if a better life abroad is really within reach, I want you to know - it is.
Link to my DAFT Visa Guide here.
Comments