Question 1

Is DAFT right for everyone?

Accepted Answer

No. The Dutch American Friendship Treaty residence permit works well for some people and poorly for others. It depends on factors like income expectations, business model, family situation, and tolerance for uncertainty.

Part of my work is helping people assess whether DAFT actually fits their goals before they commit time, money, or identity to the move.

Question 2

Can you help me find a rental property in the Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Housing support is a separate service from DAFT coaching.

I work as an independent agent with Dutch Home Hunters, assisting clients with rental searches in the Dutch housing market. This work focuses on realistic expectations, location strategy, and navigating a highly competitive system.

Housing searches and DAFT planning can inform one another, but they are distinct types of support.

Question 3

Do you help people decide not to move?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sometimes. Or maybe the Netherlands is not the best fit for them, but they move somewhere else abroad.

Clarity is my goal, not persuasion. For some people, the most responsible decision is to pause, adjust expectations, or choose a different path.

I consider that a successful outcome.

Question 4

I already have a business in the U.S. Can I just bring it with me?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, but often not without changes.

Many business models that work well in the U.S. rely on consumer habits, pricing tolerance, or time expectations that do not translate cleanly to the Netherlands. DAFT allows self‑employment, but it does not guarantee market fit.

Additionally, there are serious tax implications involved with cross-border business ownership. I can refer you to accountants who can discuss these issues in depth.

This is one of the most common areas where assumptions can cause trouble.

Question 5

Do you help with the DAFT application itself?

Accepted Answer

I do not act as an immigration attorney or file applications on your behalf.

If you have a simple set-up,  you should be able to apply for DAFT on your own. I'm happy to help you work through questions or concerns, but the Dutch immigration office (IND) is also extremely helpful, so I recommend you start there.

What I do help with is understanding how DAFT works in practice, what tends to cause delays or stress, and how different choices early in the process affect downstream outcomes.

I can also recommend trusted professionals when formal legal or tax help is needed.

Question 6

What if I’m already in the Netherlands and feeling overwhelmed?

Accepted Answer

That is also common.

Moving abroad often looks manageable on paper and feels far more complex once you are living it. It is not unusual to pivot once you're here - I did! Many people need help reframing priorities, adjusting plans, or deciding what to tackle next.

Question 7

How is your coaching different from relocation packages or online guides?

Accepted Answer

A lot of folks offering move abroad support sell a picture that is all sunshine and roses.

And sure, living abroad IS often lovely! But you can be sipping wine on a terrace at sunset and really missing your family at the same time. So I'll tell you the nitty gritty reality about moving abroad.

Additinally, I'll target my advice to your unique situation. Everyone's move abroad is just a little different.

My approach is grounded in lived experience, pattern recognition from working with many relocations, and a willingness to talk honestly about downsides, friction, and uncertainty.

Question 8

How many sessions do people usually book?

Accepted Answer

Most people book between one and five sessions, depending on complexity and timing. If you like, we can do once a month check-ins leading up to your move. It's completely up to you.

Question 9

I’m still very early and don’t know what questions to ask. Is it too soon to reach out?

Accepted Answer

No. Early is often better.

Many of the hardest problems show up because decisions were made before people understood the tradeoffs. You do not need to be ready to move to benefit from a clarity or strategy session.

Question 10

Can you help me think through my international move?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I specialize in helping Americans—especially mid-career professionals and families—navigate the thinking about it phase. Together, we’ll identify potential barriers, uncover key considerations you might not have thought of, and create a step-by-step plan to move you closer to making your dream a reality.

Question 11

Can you just do all the legwork for me?

Accepted Answer

If you’re looking for housing in the Netherlands, YES! I’m a Relocation Specialist with Dutch Home Hunters, and I’d be happy to assist. Please contact me at Darien@DutchHomeHunters.com. However, I don’t currently offer full-service relocation planning. What I do offer is guidance, connections to resources that worked for me, and real-world insight from someone who’s done it. I’ll help you strategize and point you to tools and services that can support you on your journey.

Question 12

Can I pay you in U.S. Dollars?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can pay for consulting services in either Euros or U.S. Dollars. My rates are set in Euros, so if you choose to pay in dollars, the amount will be calculated based on the exchange rate at the time of payment.

Question 13

Did we just become best friends?

Accepted Answer

Maybe! One of the best parts of this work is the real connections I’ve made. If you’re looking for clarity, encouragement, and someone who gets it—I’m here. I’ve been where you are, and I’d love to help.

Question 14

What if I don’t know where I want to move yet?

Accepted Answer

That’s totally fine. Many people I work with are still in the exploration phase. We can talk through your values, lifestyle goals, budget, and priorities to help narrow down where might be a good fit—and what steps you can take no matter your final destination. It can take a while to plan a big move, and you need time to digest information and scoot your plan along to the next phase before you're ready to take the leap.

Question 15

How do I know which consultation to book?

Accepted Answer

If you are unsure, start with a short introductory or clarity session. You do not need to have everything figured out beforehand.

The right session is the one that helps you see your situation more clearly than before.

Frequently asked questions