I keep hearing about
the Dutch-American friendship treaty and decided to take a closer look at it. Basically, create a business plan for something you can do in the Netherlands, have at least €4,500 invested (roughly $6,250 US), and move!
OK, it's a bit more complicated than that, but not overly so. You have to have your business plan certified by an accountant, you have to have health insurance, oh ... and you have to be a US citizen because this treaty was designed to stimulate trade between the two countries. Also, you can't practice a "free profession" such as law or medicine; it must be an honest-to-goodness business.
Interestingly, this might actually be a good financial decision for any American with health issues. You can switch to Dutch health insurance once you're a resident. Dutch insurance companies are not allowed to deny anyone coverage and they must charge a flat rate. In the US this year,
the average employer health plan costs for family coverage is $819 a month¹. My wife and I pay only €220 a month and the only reason we pay that much is we opted for better coverage (our daughter is covered for free). However, the US number is misleading. My wife and I will pay the same amount regardless of whether or not we're part of an employer health plan. In the US, if you try to buy individual health insurance, your premiums will be far higher. On top of that, many US companies are no longer offering family plans to employees due to the cost (see previous link). Heck, the deductibles in the US are often more than we pay in premiums.
So if you have a solid business plan, particularly for any business which allows you to work from anywhere, pick up and move the Netherlands. Life is pretty good here!
Here's a more detailed explanation of the treaty requirements.
1. I'm rather suspicious of this number though. This article states that annual US family insurance premiums were over $13,000 back in 2009 and I know costs have risen since then.
Hey Curtis. Thanks for interesting blog.
ReplyDeleteCould you please do me a little favor. Could you write about prices and cost of living in A'dam (for a young family with thoughts about baby).
I have a job offer in my hands, but I'm in doubt about compensation level.
Thanks in advance.
Bit of translation rates as of time stamp on this post.
ReplyDeleteThe average employer health plan costs for family coverage is $819 (€1.139 err €1,139 ?) a month. My wife and I pay only €220 ($158) a month ...
You have your rates mixed up Michael. EUR 1 == $1.40. So, $819 is about EUR 585, and EUR 220 is about $308.
ReplyDeleteHello I am looking to move to the Netherlands to soon working as a movement educator and I was planning on moving over under DAFT. Did you go through a lawyer to complete the process? It is just so pricey with the few I talked too, I don't know if they are for real or not. From what I understand I need a business plan, certain amt invested as you mentioned above and my application. Could you please email me so I could ask you about your experience completing the whole process. It would be so greatly appreciated!!! I have my questions outlined and just need clarification on if they are accurate because I want to have everything lined up before I leave to meet with the immigration.
ReplyDeletecheers,
Matthew
matthewdealpilates@hotmail.com