The number of Americans applying to move to the Netherlands has hit a ten-year high, with nearly 6,700 visa applications in November alone.
This is according to an analysis of immigration data by the NOS and Nieuwsuur — an analysis that hasn’t even factored in the busiest month for visa applications: December.
Although applications have skyrocketed for all visa types, the biggest jumps can be seen in the “family and knowledge and talent categories.” The latter, in particular, is designed for highly-skilled migrants from outside the EU.
More Americans are also taking the DAFT route
Based on the data and analysis, a growing number of Americans also seem to have discovered the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (or DAFT).
This 1956 agreement gives citizens of the United States and the Netherlands an easy route to conduct business operations in each other’s countries.
READ MORE | Moving to the Netherlands from the US: The ultimate guide
The requirements? Let’s just say that they’re a touch on the lenient end. All you typically need is a minimum of €4,500 in startup capital, a business plan, and some basic Dutch visa essentials.
This year alone, almost 700 Americans have been the happy recipients of DAFT visas — more than double the number of visa recipients from three years ago.
Easy Dutch visas? “Yes, please,” say American emigrants
To investigate the exodus, the NOS sat down with Jana Sanchez, founder of GTFO Tours, an organisation that helps Americans relocate abroad.
According to Sanchez, Americans who want to emigrate “usually prefer to go to an English-speaking country”, but it’s almost “impossible” to get visas for countries like Canada, Ireland, or the United Kingdom.
READ MORE | Permits and visas for the Netherlands: ultimate 2026 guide
“Unlike the Netherlands, which is actually also an English-speaking country,” Sanchez points out.
But easier visas aren’t the only reason Americans are flocking to the Netherlands. It turns out, the biggest factor driving the move isn’t something… but someone.
Many Americans fear the “rise of fascism”
Sanchez doesn’t mince words about why Americans are leaving, as she sums things up in one word: Trump.
“There’s great fear about the rise of fascism under his leadership,” she tells the NOS. “People with Latin American roots or a different sexual orientation, in particular, are very afraid right now.”
And it’s not just Donald Trump’s brand of politics that has some Americans saying “doei” to the US. As a surprise to literally no one, they’re also quite enamoured with the Netherlands’ healthcare system
READ MORE | The ultimate guide to going to the doctor in the Netherlands in 2026
“You just don’t want to have to worry about your child getting shot,” Sanchez adds. “Or having to pay thousands of dollars if you ever need to go to the emergency room.”
What do you think of the rising number of Americans immigrating to the Netherlands? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Fascism on the rise is what you call fake news. Blaming Trump for the move to the Netherlands is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. This so called Fascism comes from the they them nonbinary far left nut jobs. I live a good life in Florida and visit the Netherlands on a regular basis . It is the country of my birth. My relatives come visit here ever year they love it. America an the Netherlands are Great countries. Trump is not a nice man he is a business man not your typical politician. But trust me he has the best interest of the American people and does a good job.
“ But trust me he has the best interest of the American people and does a good job.” 😂
Dream on Willem…….