Amsterdam, Netherlands
Canals, bikes, and one of the most liberal cities on earth. Tiny apartments and tall windows.
RiversideRich in historyWalkableBike-friendlyFoodie cityArt sceneMusic sceneEnglish-speakingTech hubLGBTQ+ friendlySecular
Visa overview
Other long-stay pathways
- DAFT (US citizens)
- Highly Skilled Migrant
- Orientation Year
Residency5 years lawful residence
Citizenship5 years + Dutch language test
DAFT is uniquely generous for US citizens — €4,500 deposit gives 2-year residence.
Always verify with the official immigration website. Rules change.
Tax overview
Top income tax
50%
VAT / sales tax
21%
Effective on tech salary
34%
Special regimes
- · 30% Ruling (tax-free on 30% of salary for 5 years)
Approximations. Talk to a tax advisor before making real decisions.
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Amsterdam appears in our rankings of:
- Riverside cities worldwide
- Riverside cities in Europe
- Foodie cities worldwide
- Foodie cities in Europe
- Tech-hub cities worldwide
- Tech-hub cities in Europe
- Art-scene cities worldwide
- Art-scene cities in Europe
- Historic cities worldwide
- Historic cities in Europe
- LGBTQ-friendly cities worldwide
- LGBTQ-friendly cities in Europe