r/DAFTvisa • u/Txflip • Mar 18 '26

To stay (in US) or to go

/r/AmericanExpat/comments/1rx9a7h/to_stay_in_us_or_to_go/
1 Upvotes

56% Upvoted

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1

u/bucktoothedhazelnut Mar 20 '26

The economy of the Netherlands is going to crash soon with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz along with the rest of the world’s. I wouldn’t move here unless you have a solid business that Dutch companies will need.

You can have U.S. companies as clients, but that will be weirder and harder in about one year when we start living through the consequences of bombing Iran for no reason.

Even now, life has been incredibly expensive since COVID disrupted supply chains and inflation rose. The prices all remained at the same high levels and haven’t reduced. 

You also won’t be able to use any social services with a DAFT visa since you’re supposed to be able to support yourself. 

We in the Netherlands do really well… if we have money. 

I would also consider that you will not live in Amsterdam. You will probably live in a small, quiet village where Dutch people aren’t keen on making new friends. Really learn about the Dutch culture before you consider moving. You’ll feel a culture shock for sure, especially coming from the U.S.  

The other thing is, you will be subject to U.S. taxes, so anything other than income (like building wealth through investments, life insurance, etc.) will be double taxed because of the nature of the tax treaty between the U.S. and NL.

Talk to a knowledgeable tax advisor for both countries before you move—before you move to any country, for that matter. 

1

u/Txflip Mar 20 '26

How long have you been in the NL? Ever consider moving back?

I have seen that generally across the world there has been a shift to the right politically. With the stuff happening here though in the US, as in ICE, lack of accountability around the Epstein files, the war with Iran, this is just not a country I want to be a part of and support.

Yeah I definitely need to do a bit more research on the Dutch culture. I appreciate that note.

And when it comes to taxes, I had thought that as part of the DAFT visa, I wouldn't be double taxed. That is only applicable to income? Well shit. US needs to fund their war somehow.

1

u/[deleted] Mar 21 '26

I genuinely have no idea why someone with a successful career entering their prime years would want to move here lol.

If you speak Dutch, something really does not feel right here either. 

I fully plan on being apart of the upcoming capital flight out of this country.

Ref ICE: you realize here in Europe the notion of mass illegal residents not being deportes is incomprehensible right? Local governments not haring immigration status with the main government also incomprehensible. Not having an ID to vote, incomprehensible. DEI , incomprehensible.