Four Reasons DAFTers Leave the Netherlands

If you’re an American thinking about moving to the Netherlands under the Dutch American Friendship Treaty residence permit (often called DAFT visa), you’ve probably heard that securing housing can be one of the most challenging aspects of the move, and that is true. But have you thought about what it takes to stay and thrive long-term in the Netherlands?

Over the years, I’ve been sad to see some DAFTers who came to the Netherlands full of hope, leaving because a critical component just wasn’t working out. My goal isn’t to be discouraging; it’s to help you prepare so you can optimize for success.

Here are four common reasons I’ve seen DAFTers leave the Netherlands. This is not an exhaustive list – many people have more than one reason for leaving, and each situation is very personal.

1. An Underdeveloped Business Plan

DAFT requires you to run a viable business, and many people struggle to do this in a new country – in some cases, even if they’ve been successful as entrepreneurs in the U.S.

Some businesses that flourish in the U.S. simply don’t translate well to the Dutch market.

One thing to consider is that the Dutch have less disposable income than Americans due to lower salaries. So service‑based businesses that thrive in the U.S. sometimes struggle to find enough clients in the Netherlands.

On the other hand, most Dutch people have a lot more free time than Americans do, so they are more likely to do things themselves.

For example, while it is common in the U.S. to pay someone to mow your lawn, most Dutch people mow their own lawns, if they have a garden at all. Not to get into the weeds (ha ha), but there is a demand in some parts of the Netherlands for more extensive landscaping like trimming large hedges. Bottom line: get to know your market.

As you’re building your business plan, consider:

• Who your customers will be and how you’ll attract them

• Whether your pricing structure will be viable in the Netherlands

• When you’re creating a budget, factor in Dutch taxes and the cost of accountants both in the Netherlands and the U.S.

Network with successful DAFTers to see what’s working for them.

As you’re building your budget with long-term viability in mind, check out my simple Digital Download spreadsheet as a jumping-off point to help you think through all your monthly expenses and one-time moving expenses. Reach out if you'd like help tailoring it to you.

2. Challenges in the Education System — Especially for Kids With Learning Challenges

Unfortunately, I’ve seen some DAFT families with children, particularly teens with special needs, leave the Netherlands because the school system did not work for their families.

The Dutch education system is structured very differently from the U.S., and while many children adapt beautifully (thankfully, mine did), others struggle — especially while learning Dutch.

While the Dutch school system does address learning disabilities, special education classes will be in Dutch. If your child does not yet speak Dutch, they will likely not receive accommodations while learning Dutch. This catch-22 leads some families to leave the Netherlands.

If you have children with learning challenges, especially if they are teens, deep research ahead of your move is essential. I recommend perusing the Facebook group Special Needs Families in the Netherlands as a starting point.

3. Taxes on Assets (Box 3)

This one most often impacts older Americans who want to come to the Netherlands under DAFT, especially those with significant assets, people who are in early retirement, and those with Roth IRAs (most other retirement investments should be exempted from double taxation - but consult a tax professional for advice about this).

The Netherlands taxes wealth under Box 3, and the impact can be significant. I’ve seen people with substantial U.S. investments and assets discover that their tax burden here is far higher than they anticipated, making long‑term residency financially unsustainable or less desirable.

Another issue is that tax and savings schemes in both the U.S. and the Netherlands change from time to time, and those changes may impact the long-term viability of your stay in the Netherlands. So for that reason, it's a good idea to stay abreast of Dutch news.

If you have significant assets and investments, I strongly recommend meeting with a Dutch accountant very early on in your move planning. Understanding your future tax situation well ahead of time can save you time and money.

I am not a tax professional and this is not tax advice - but I recommend talking to someone who can advise you on this.

4. Needing to Return to the U.S. for Family Care

I once followed a DAFT creator who was less than a year away from permanent residency when she had to return to the U.S. to care for a sick family member. Sadly, I've seen more than one DAFTer return to the U.S. for this reason, and I've seen other Americans abroad deal with emergency health situations for young adult children in the U.S. The fact of the matter is, it is emotionally and logistically difficult to be far from loved ones, especially when emergencies arise.

Before your move, consider:

• What would I do if a family member became seriously ill while I'm overseas?

• Could I maintain my residency if I had to leave for an extended period?

• Can my Dutch business stay afloat if I have to spend a long time in the U.S.?

• How could I maintain my Dutch housing while I'm gone, and care for any pets in the Netherlands?

Thinking through these possibilities before your move will put you in the best position ahead of your move.

Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference

While none of us can predict the future, we can take steps to set ourselves up for the maximum chance of success. If you would like help reviewing your personal situation, talking through your business idea, or exploring whether DAFT and the Netherlands will be a good fit for you, please reach out. I’m happy to help you troubleshoot and set yourself up for the smoothest landing possible.

© 2026 ​Darien Wilson All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal, immigration, financial, tax, or medical advice. Laws, regulations, and personal circumstances vary, and the content here may not apply to your specific situation. Before making any decisions, you should consult with qualified professionals such as an attorney, immigration advisor, financial planner, tax consultant, or healthcare provider. The author makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided and accepts no liability for any actions taken or outcomes resulting from its use.