You’ve worked your whole life, you’re tired of the noise back home, and suddenly the idea of retiring in a calm, bike-friendly European country where people actually take lunch breaks sounds… kind of amazing.
But is it possible? Can an American retire in the Netherlands — legally, financially, and emotionally — and actually enjoy it?
As someone who moved here midlife and started asking the same questions for my future (and for my retired mom), I’ve done the digging. Here’s what I’ve learned.
The Legal Question
The first thing most people want to know is whether there’s a retirement visa. The short answer is no. The Netherlands doesn’t have a specific visa for retirees like some countries do. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.
The most common workaround for Americans is something called the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, or DAFT. It allows U.S. citizens to move to the Netherlands by starting a small business — which can be something as simple as freelancing or consulting. You’re not required to work full-time, and many people use it as a soft landing into semi-retirement. As long as you can show modest income and maintain the business, it’s a viable path. Better still, after five years on a DAFT visa, you can apply for permanent residency.
There are a few other possibilities, although unlikely. If you have a Dutch partner or child who already lives here, you may qualify through a family reunification visa under certain circumstances. And while there isn’t an official wealth-based visa, a few financially independent people have managed to secure long-term residence by showing they won’t be a burden on the system — though this is a harder and less predictable route. The only true path that is likely to succeed currently is the DAFT visa.
Can You Afford It?
This is the next big question, and it really depends on your lifestyle. The Netherlands isn’t a bargain destination, but it’s not wildly expensive either — especially outside of Amsterdam.
If you’re living in a city like The Hague, Utrecht, or Groningen, and you’re not trying to recreate a luxury American retirement, it’s entirely possible to get by on a modest income. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment might range from €1000 to €1,400, with utilities, health insurance, and everyday living expenses adding another few hundred euros a month. For most retirees, a monthly budget of €1,800 to €2,500 is workable (albeit tight), with some flexibility based on personal choices.
The good news is that you can receive Social Security payments while living in the Netherlands. The U.S. government allows payments to continue as long as you’re in an approved country — and the Netherlands makes the cut. If you’re also drawing from retirement accounts like a 401(k) or IRA, you’ll want to work with a tax advisor who understands both U.S. and Dutch systems. The Dutch government taxes worldwide income, so coordinating that properly is important.
Medicare, however, doesn’t apply here. You’ll be required to enroll in the Dutch health insurance system, which is mandatory for all residents, including retirees.
How Healthcare Works for Expats
Dutch healthcare is high-quality, relatively affordable, and less bureaucratic than many Americans are used to. It’s based on private insurance companies offering basic coverage that’s standardized and regulated by the government.
Everyone has a general practitioner who serves as the gateway to the rest of the system. You won’t be able to go straight to a specialist without a referral. But once you’re in the system, it works smoothly. Prescriptions are inexpensive, hospital care is excellent, and there’s very little in the way of surprise billing.
Dental and vision aren’t covered under the basic plan, so if those are important to you, you’ll want to add a supplemental policy.
What About Long-Term Residency?
If you stay in the Netherlands legally for five years — whether through DAFT or another visa — you can apply for permanent residency. That means no more yearly renewals, and a lot more stability.
Citizenship is also a possibility, but that involves additional requirements: passing a Dutch language exam, completing an integration process, and often renouncing your original citizenship unless you qualify for an exception. Most retirees don’t go that far, but it’s worth knowing the option exists.
Quality of Life and Belonging
This is harder to quantify, but maybe the most important part.
Life in the Netherlands moves at a different rhythm. There’s less noise, more structure, more bikes, and fewer strip malls. Healthcare is handled. Public transport works. People aren’t constantly burned out. If you’re someone who longs for a sense of order and calm after a stressful American career, this place might feel like a relief.
That said, there are trade-offs. Dutch culture can be reserved, and friendships take time. You might miss American convenience or certain foods. And while many Dutch people speak English fluently, you’ll still feel the subtle walls of not knowing the language — especially at the doctor’s office or city hall.
But many retirees find the trade worth it. They build new routines. They meet people through community groups, volunteering, or even just the local bakery. And over time, they create a version of retirement that’s quieter, simpler, and more grounded than what they left behind.
So, Can You Actually Do It?
Yes — but it takes planning. There’s no golden ticket, but there is a path. And if you’re willing to navigate a bit of red tape and embrace a different pace of life, it’s absolutely possible to retire in the Netherlands as an American.
Not as a tourist. Not as a dreamer. But as someone who’s ready to live a life that’s a little smaller, a little slower, and maybe a whole lot better.
