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Americans in Amsterdam

Everything you need to move to, rent in and enjoy Amsterdam as an American, and how it fits with your US taxes, money and paperwork.

Official US

Consulate

U.S. Consulate General Amsterdam

Passports, citizenship, notarial and emergency services for U.S. citizens, by appointment

Museumplein 19, 1071 DJ Amsterdam

Website · Map · +31 70 310 2209

Your community group

ExpatStateside Netherlands: Americans in the Netherlands

Free group for Americans in the Netherlands: questions, tips, meetups, Thanksgiving and the Super Bowl.

Opening soon

Vote from AmsterdamRegister and request your ballot with one form, the FPCA. Send a new one every January.

How to vote

Amsterdam Partners

Global partner · online

The emotional move

A move abroad changes more than your address. Katharina Bergauer (innsicht) supports individuals, couples and families before the move and until everyone feels at home. Online, in English or German.

Book a first conversation

Katharina Bergauer

innsichtEintragungsnummer: 17784

Open

Your business here: partner in Amsterdam

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Guides for life in Amsterdam

Basics

Cost of living in Amsterdam vs Boston: rent bites, the bike saves you

Amsterdam rent rivals Boston's, but a bike and a transit pass replace the car. Here's how rent, transit, groceries and health insurance compare, in euros and dollars.

Basics

BSN and registering in Amsterdam: the 5-day rule, the apostille and DigiD

Registering with the city is the first real step of your Dutch life. It gets you a BSN, which opens the door to your paycheck, health insurance and DigiD. Here's what to bring and what to expect.

Money and work

Dutch taxes for Americans: three boxes, the 30% ruling and your US return

The Dutch sort your income into three boxes, and Box 3 taxes your savings and investments, US accounts included. Here's how it all fits with the return Uncle Sam still expects.

Money and work

Banking in the Netherlands as an American: the BSN, FATCA and the forms Uncle Sam still wants

Dutch banks will usually open an account for an American who lives here. Bring a BSN, your Social Security number and some patience, then keep your FBAR in order.

Money and work

The 30% ruling for Americans: who qualifies, the 2026 salary test and the drop to 27%

The Dutch expat scheme can make up to 30% of your salary tax-free in the Netherlands. Here's who qualifies in 2026, what changes in 2027 and what Uncle Sam thinks of it.

Money and work

Box 3 for Americans: how the Dutch tax your savings, the court fights and the 2028 overhaul

The Netherlands taxes your savings and investments on an assumed return, not what you actually earned. Here's how Box 3 works in 2026, what the courts changed and what it means for your US accounts.

Home

Renting in Amsterdam: neighborhoods, deposits and dodging scams

Amsterdam is the priciest rental market in the Netherlands, and it's tight. Here's what apartments cost, which rules protect you, how big a deposit can be and how to avoid scams.

Home

Amsterdam's housing shortage: the points system, rent caps and how not to get scammed

Amsterdam rent isn't a free-for-all. A points system caps rent on many homes, the Huurcommissie hears disputes for €25, and some homes need a city permit. Here's how it works.

Moving and visas

Moving to Amsterdam as an American: the visa routes that actually work

Most Americans get to Amsterdam through a job, DAFT, school, a partner or the orientation year. Here's how each permit works, what it costs and what to do in your first month.

Moving and visas

DAFT: how the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty lets Americans work for themselves in Amsterdam

DAFT is one of the easiest ways for an American to move to the Netherlands as a freelancer or small business owner. Here's what the IND asks for, what it costs and how renewal works.

Health

Healthcare in Amsterdam: how the Dutch system works, from your GP to the ER

In Amsterdam your family doctor runs the show: no GP referral, no specialist. Here's how Dutch insurance, the after-hours GP post and the hospitals work for Americans.

Health

Dutch health insurance: the basic plan, the eigen risico and your four-month clock

Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands needs a Dutch basic plan. Here's the four-month deadline, the 2026 deductible, the healthcare allowance and how to pick a GP.

Schools and study

Schools in Amsterdam: international schools, free Dutch schools and the classes in between

Amsterdam has no American school, but it has IB schools, free Dutch public schools and newcomer classes for teens. Here's what each costs and how to get in.

Schools and study

Learning Dutch in Amsterdam: courses, the inburgering exam and the A2 level you need

Most Americans on work permits don't have to integrate, but you'll need the A2 exam for permanent residence or a Dutch passport. Here's who's exempt and where to learn.

Getting around

Driving in the Netherlands with a US license, and getting around Amsterdam without one

Your US license is good for 185 days after you move. After that, most Americans have to retake the Dutch tests unless the 30% ruling applies. Here's the rest of the picture.

Getting around

Cycling in Amsterdam: buying a bike, beating thieves and riding like you live here

In Amsterdam the bike is your car, your stroller and your grocery cart. How to buy one, keep it, park it legally and ride without annoying the locals.

Community

American life in Amsterdam: Pilgrims, football and turkey on a Saturday

The Pilgrims lived in Leiden before the Mayflower, and Americans have been at home in Holland ever since. Here's how to celebrate, catch a game and find your people in Amsterdam.

Community

King's Day, Dutch directness and birthday circles: a field guide for Americans in Amsterdam

The whole city turns orange on April 27, Sinterklaas beats Santa to the punch, and your colleague will tell you exactly what they think. A friendly guide to Dutch customs.

Going out

American food in Amsterdam: where to find tacos, Sunday football and a Thanksgiving turkey

Amsterdam does great fries and better bread, but sometimes you want a Crunchwrap and the late game. Here's where Americans find US chains, NFL nights and a November turkey.

Going out

Nightlife in Amsterdam: Leidseplein, Noord's late clubs and the rules that trip up visitors

Amsterdam goes out late, but the rules are different from back home. Here's where people actually go, what the Red Light District and coffeeshop rules say, and how to get home.

America in Amsterdam

The embassy or consulate, business groups, clubs, sport, schools, churches and a taste of home. Checked 2026-11; tell us if something has changed.

Official US

Consulate

U.S. Consulate General Amsterdam

Passports, citizenship, notarial and emergency services for U.S. citizens, by appointment

Museumplein 19, 1071 DJ Amsterdam

Website · Map · +31 70 310 2209 · Instagram · X · YouTube

Commission

Fulbright Commission the Netherlands / EducationUSA

Fulbright grants and official EducationUSA advising on study in the U.S.

Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 19, 1012 RC Amsterdam

Website · Map · +31 20 531 5930

Business and networking

Chamber

American Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands (AmCham)

Business association for U.S.-Dutch trade and investment, founded 1961

P.O. Box 15783, Amsterdam

Website · Map · +31 20 795 1840 · office@amcham.nl · LinkedIn

Clubs and associations

Club

American Women's Club of Amsterdam (AWCA)

Club for American and internationally minded women since 1927; FAWCO member since 1971

PO Box 70133, 1007 KC Amsterdam

Website · Map · membership@awca.nl · Facebook · Instagram · LinkedIn

Institute

John Adams Institute

Independent platform for American culture and ideas, with talks by U.S. writers and thinkers

West-Indisch Huis, Herenmarkt 95A, 1013 EC Amsterdam

Website · Map · +31 20 624 72 80 · Facebook · Instagram · LinkedIn · YouTube

Party groups abroad

Listed side by side for information. We are nonpartisan.

Party

Democrats Abroad Netherlands

Official Democratic Party organization for U.S. citizens in the Netherlands

Website · Map

Party

Republicans Overseas

Worldwide Republican organization for Americans abroad; no local chapter page found for this country

Website · Map

American sport

Team

Amsterdam Pirates

Top-division baseball and softball club with youth and adult teams

Loek Loevendie Ballpark, Sportpark Ookmeer, Herman Bonpad 5, 1067 SN Amsterdam

Website · Map · info@amsterdampirates.nl · Facebook · Instagram · LinkedIn · YouTube

Schools and universities

School

International School of Amsterdam

IB school accredited by NEASC that also offers an American-style high school diploma

Sportlaan 45, 1185 TB Amstelveen

Website · Map · +31 20 347 1111 · Facebook · Instagram · LinkedIn

School

Amity International School Amsterdam

IB World School, ages 3-18; IB Diploma or Amity High School Diploma in the final years; NEASC accredited

Amsterdamseweg 204, 1182 HL Amstelveen

Website · Map · +31 20 345 4481 · enquiries@amityamsterdam.nl

Study abroad

CIEE Amsterdam

US study-abroad center for college students; classes at the University of Amsterdam

Rapenburgerstraat, Amsterdam

Website · Map · +1 844-484-5687 · inquire@ciee.org · Facebook · Instagram · LinkedIn · YouTube

Study abroad

IES Abroad Amsterdam

US study-abroad center for college students; programs with Vrije Universiteit, University of Amsterdam and Conservatorium van Amsterdam

City centre near Nieuwmarkt, Amsterdam

Website · Map

Study abroad

CEA CAPA Amsterdam

US study-abroad center for college students; classes at the CEA CAPA Amsterdam Center and local partner institutions

Amsterdam

Website · Map · info@ceacapa.com · Facebook · Instagram · X · LinkedIn · YouTube

Study abroad

SIT Study Abroad Netherlands

SIT (School for International Training) semester program based in Amsterdam: International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender, 16 US credits, taught in English

Amsterdam

Website · Map · Facebook · Instagram · X · YouTube