How to Retire in the Netherlands as an American (2020)

Some of the links below are affiliate links, so we may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Check our disclaimer for more info. (* = affiliate link)

So, retirement is approaching, and you have been working hard and saving to live your golden years in the best way you can. Luckily, today, there is nothing stopping you from moving to a fairytale-like village in the Netherlands and joining many other Americans who have discovered the beauty of this country.

To retire in the Netherlands as an American is a straightforward process. Because of the agreements between the two countries, you can get your Social Security benefits paid there and pay taxes only to the US. The cost of living is similar to the one in the US, but the quality of life is higher.

Planning ahead and arranging such a big move is crucial to make the most of your time here – read on and start packing today.

Why Retire in the Netherlands as an American?

You will find plenty of details regarding all the aspects that an American about to retire in the Netherlands should know about in the sections below. However, if you are in a rush, you can find an overview here. Or, the video below can offer you some more insights:

According to the Social Security Administration, in 2017, 413,000 retired Americans received their Social Security benefits abroad. In 2020, this figure has risen to 431,883, with 3,966 only in the Netherlands.

While the number of younger or still-working expats in Holland is much higher, the country has started to become a desirable – and accessible – location for retirees.

The country’s cost of living can be compared to the one in the US, with just a few points’ difference in the Numbeo.com ranking for 2020. However, the Netherlands’ quality of life is considered to be much higher than the one in the US, making it one of the top countries for this characteristic in Europe and the world.

The Netherlands’ culture is unique, and you will have fun exploring all the different ways in which locals express themselves, socialize, and go about their lives. However, one aspect of this that is universally loved is that the country is extremely welcoming and multicultural.

Additionally, since over 90% of the Dutch population will be able to converse in English, you won’t struggle to communicate with locals. This is extremely helpful in social and formal situations alike.

Here are more details about what to expect from planning your retirement years in the Netherlands.

Leverage Healthcare in the Netherlands

Assuming that your retirement age won’t come before you are 50 or 60, your age and physical condition will influence what aspects you will need to focus on when retiring. Naturally, looking after your health and counting on high-quality medical care is crucial when you are younger.

However, during your golden years, you might be a little more vulnerable to illnesses or health conditions. This makes understanding a country’s healthcare system and coverage paramount – especially if you are planning to remain there for your retirement years. Here is what to know.

You can always count on a Universal Healthcare System in the Netherlands. This system makes it compulsory for everybody living in the country to have basic health insurance – which is available and accessible to everybody. In turn, the system provides access to high-quality care and facilities for all.

Health basic insurance will cost you between €100 and €120. This will cover all the costs involved with basic health care, such as visits to the hospital or doctor. However, if you require additional treatments, you might need to pay more for such a service.

As a reference, an emergency room visit will cost around €256 – which is relatively inexpensive compared to the $1,389 you would spend on average in the US. Nonetheless, many citizens in the Netherlands prefer to opt for a higher insurance level that will cover such costs.

Understand the Cost of Living

As you have seen, healthcare in the Netherlands – and the insurance you would pay to cover such costs – is much more affordable than the one in the US. However, living in the Netherlands is not as inexpensive as one might think. And understanding how much you will spend when living here is paramount to plan.

Here is an easy breakdown you can refer to (all stats reported from Expatistan.com):

Rent – $2,160 ($2,243 in the US, on average) for two people in an 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment or home.
Utilities – $128 ($109 in the US, on average) for two people in an 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment or home
Groceries – $37.9 ($45.10 in the US, on average) for one person, for a week
Estimated overall cost for one person – $2,764 ($2,624 in the US, on average)

These stats might vary depending on your lifestyle, type of rent, location, and general expenditures. The overall cost of living for one person in the Netherlands includes rent, utilities, groceries, meals in a restaurant, clothing, transport, and entertainment.

So, the cost of living in the Netherlands does not significantly differ from what you are used to in the US. Therefore, if you had been planning to retire there and you have made a precise budget, you should be able to afford your retirement in the Netherlands – given that your lifestyle remains the same.

Count on the Low Crime Levels in the Netherlands

It is only understandable that you wish to find a location for your retirement years that allow you to feel safe and comfortable, especially as the years during which you are at your most vulnerable approach.

So, looking into the crime levels and stats in the Netherlands becomes an aspect to take into consideration, especially if you are about to buy or rent a property there.

Luckily it has been seen that the crime levels in the Netherlands are extremely low. The Netherlands 2020 Crime & Safety Report indicates that travelers should exercise caution in the larger cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.

When considering the safety levels you can enjoy while in the Netherlands, you could look at many factors. One of these is the level of incarceration in the country – only 69 people in 100,000. In the US, especially in certain areas, this figure is as high as 716 – one of the world’s highest.

The safety level in the Netherlands is also one of the highest ones in Europe. According to Numbeo.com, the country has an extremely low (26.70) crime index, and most areas are deemed safe for people to walk alone both during daylight and at nighttime.

Naturally, in bigger cities, the risk of incurring accidents is greater than in smaller villages. Nonetheless, the country benefits from a fair police system and enjoys some of the highest safety levels in Europe – and in the world.

Additionally, before moving to the Netherlands for your retirement, it is worth considering the programs made available to citizens by the Netherlands and the US. Such programs will help you keep an eye on what is happening in the country to which you wish to move.

One of the best programs to check out is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a great way to log your trips and find out more about what is happening at your destination.

Work Taxes and Pensions

The tax system in the Netherlands is no more or less complicated than in most other countries. However, luckily, you will not be working after you have moved to the Netherlands. So, what really concerns you is how to receive your pension or Social Security benefits when living in the Netherlands. Here is what you need to know.

Leverage the US-Netherlands Agreement

One of the most important aspects for retirees to consider is the tax treaty that currently exists between the US and the Netherlands. The treaty defines how the citizens of the US living in the Netherlands are taxed. Essentially, depending on your citizenship and residency, you will be paying taxes to one country or the other.

While challenging to comprehend at first fully, this system is the only way for Americans living in the Netherlands not to have to worry about double taxation. Additionally, this can help you better understand how to receive your Social Security benefits while living abroad.

Consult a Professional

Before moving to the Netherlands, it is recommendable to get in touch with a knowledgeable tax expert or financial advisor. Most Americans who take the leap and move to the Netherlands also opt to hire a professional in the US and one in the Netherlands. This might be necessary to ensure that you are operating legally – while leveraging all benefits that are available to you.

Ultimately, while moving to the Netherlands for your retirement years is a fairly straightforward process compared to what you would experience if moving to other places, it is crucial to leverage an expert’s knowledge.

Make the Most out of Transport and Links

If you don’t like a sedentary lifestyle, the Netherlands is the right country for you. The country might be small enough that most of the notable locations within it, such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Le Hague, are only a short train ride away. Additionally, from here, you can take a train or bus to Paris or Belgium – or even an overnight bus to London!

Indeed, benefitting from an extremely central location, the Netherlands can be an excellent way to spend an outdoorsy retirement – ideal for travelers and active couples. However, if you prefer to remain within the countries, you can either use the extensive public transport system or a bike to explore nearby neighborhoods, tourist sights, attractions, and important cities.

Make the Most of the High-Quality Train System

The Netherlands benefits from an extensive, perfectly-functioning public transport system. Such a detailed network makes it easy for citizens and visitors to travel through and around all the main cities and sights.

For example, if you have decided to move to a location such as Amsterdam, you can make the most of buses, metro, and GVB trams. And, of course, you can use one of the several ferries to cut through the many canals that shape the city.

Traveling to other cities in the Netherlands might require a little bit of planning. However, the trains are highly efficient and perfectly functioning, meaning that you can count on being able to stick to your previously-made travel plans.

Once you arrive in the city you want to visit, you can use the local public transport system to move around. There are also airports connecting all the big cities with other European countries and even the US.

Opt for a Bike to Travel Around the City Instead of a Car

If you prefer to stay in the city for the most part of the year, you might decide to invest in a bike. In the Netherlands, it is common for citizens to travel by bike to most city locations. Indeed, these are often used to travel to work, the pub, or just take a stroll around the city center.

Thus, bikes are a much more common sight than cars or scooters, especially in city centers. However, it is important to become more confident in the saddle before attempting such an experience! Indeed, traveling by bike in the Netherlands can be extremely challenging, especially for foreigners.

Enjoy the Entertainment in the Netherlands

Retirement life is also about entertainment and enjoyment. But, you can be sure never to be short of it when living in the Netherlands. Indeed, both the city center and the countryside can offer the whole family opportunities to have fun together.

Indeed, the Netherlands’ main cities are dotted with museums, exhibitions, theatres, and cinemas, offering you the chance to experience something new each weekend. Among the most famous sights and locations in the Netherlands, you can’t miss out on a visit to:

Van Gogh Museum
NEMO Science Museum
Anne Frank House
The National Maritime Museum

Instead, if you prefer to take long walks in the countryside, you can leverage the canals’ beauty or the peacefulness of the older windmills that dot the national territory. Tulips and flower beds also offer an occasion to see the country at its most beautiful during summer.

Think About the Weather and Climate

Depending on where you are from in the US, you will find the Netherlands’ climate more or less agreeable to your taste. It is undeniable that in the Netherlands, the weather tends to be rainy and gray throughout the year, with most rainy days happening in Fall and Winter.

The climate in the Netherlands is characterized by the aspects that determine a temperate maritime climate. So, here you can enjoy moderate summers and mild-to-cold winters, but temperatures can sometimes drop below zero, especially from January to March.

If you wish to travel through your city on a bike, it is recommendable to invest in water-proof gear and some shield or screen. This will protect you from the cold rainwater and from the harsh winter that can blow in the winter months.

Express Yourself: Language, Communication, and Culture

As seen above, the European Union study has determined that over 90% of Dutch citizens can hold a conversation in English. This is undeniably a considerable advantage for US citizens who move to the Netherlands.

Indeed you won’t struggle as much to make yourself understood and understand others. In turn, here are some of its benefits:

You will find it easier to communicate with your bank or financial advisor.
It can streamline the process of getting and starting medical treatment. You can speak to your doctor without having to translate.
It will be easier to start building relationships with the ones around you, including neighbors and locals.

Finding such a high level of spoken English in some countries in Europe can be challenging. So, many Americans decide to move here because the nonexistent language barrier can significantly speed up the moving process.

Retiring in the Netherlands: A Checklist

We have explored the factors that count when moving to a new country. Now, let’s find out more about the checklist to complete before the big move! Of course, this is a rough indication of the more precise plan you might have. In any case, before retiring, you should reconsider your arrangements and make sure you are ready to leave the US behind.

Leverage Facebook and Charity Expat Groups Before Leaving

Whether you are a fan of Facebook or not, this platform has its benefits. One of the main ones is that it can connect people across the globe, especially those with interest in common.

If you have a lot of doubts about the upcoming movie, there is nothing better to do than getting in touch with someone who has already done it – or a local. Speaking to expats and retirees can help you get a clearer idea about what to expect from life in the Netherlands.

You can usually find such expat groups on Facebook and other similar platforms and connect immediately. This gives you the chance to read and learn from the questions that other expats have previously asked – something that you might not have thought about. Checking such platforms is undoubtedly the best way to get valuable insights.

Understand About Visas and Residence Permits

The visa you will need largely depends on your current situation and requirements. If you are retiring to the Netherlands to move to your spouse’s birthplace, you might not need a residence permit at all.

However, if you are a US citizen without additional paperwork that might justify you staying there, you might need to apply for a residence permit or visa.

In any case, speaking to your financial advisor or lawyer can help you better understand the visa and entry requirements for US citizens, based on your current situation.

Find a Suitable Accommodation

Once you have started the application form and you are clear on what the budget for your retirement is, you will need to get started with finding accommodation in the Netherlands. Depending on your mental and physical status, you might opt to live in an apartment or house – or just rent a room in a retirement home.

This last option is particularly suitable for those retired professionals who are facing the move on their own. This choice can help you interact with others immediately, making the transition less overwhelming.

Alternatively, you will need to decide on whether you would see yourself in a city apartment or countryside home. Naturally, your budget and lifestyle will play important roles in this decision.

Starting to check real estate and online board announcements is the first step to find a suitable property. However, if you only wish to rent a place, you can also opt to stay in a hotel for a few weeks while finding your dream property.

Consult a Local Accountant and a Lawyer

Moving abroad at your age and with all the assets you have built during your lifestyle can involve some risks. You might be at the most vulnerable stage of your life, and the process might represent a steep learning curve.

Hiring a local lawyer and financial advisor is an excellent way to keep your finances and paperwork in check. Most retirees opt to have the help of a local lawyer in the US and one in the Netherlands so that they can have a direct communication channel between them.

This solution is ideal if you wish to move abroad, but you don’t know where to start.

Learn About the Dutch Universal Healthcare System

Once your paperwork for retiring in the Netherlands is in order, and you have set your heart on the ideal property, you will need to care for the aspect that is crucial – health and medical care – especially in retirement.

It is important to notice that services such as Medicare are not available in the Netherlands. Thus, even if the healthcare is fairly affordable, you might need to cover the costs of this insurance by yourself.

Finding more about this system before you get there can also influence the place where you will rent or buy the house. Indeed, some locations receive higher-quality healthcare due to better hospitals and facilities.

Yet, it’s up to you to determine if it is a must-have for your future neighborhood.

Make Sure You Get Medical Care and Insurance Cover

It is unwise to leave your home in America behind without having any insurance covering your health and safety. The medical insurance required in the Netherlands can be extremely affordable, especially for basic plans.

So, deciding to invest in such insurance before setting foot on the road is crucial – and it can also help you limit the list of tasks once you get there.

Complete All Arrangements

Moving to another country can represent a major step in everybody’s lives – whether you are moving for a few months or forever, completing all of your arrangements in the US is paramount to arrive in the Netherlands with the peace of mind you deserve.

Don’t underestimate the number of tasks you will need to undertake – especially during the first few days. Making sure that your home in the US is sold or taken care of is crucial. However, you should also ensure that all of those who were dependent on your income and job can be auto-sufficient.

Lastly, you should remember that your will and any other document of the like that you might have left behind are not automatically valid in the Netherlands. Speaking to an expert lawyer can be the best way to ensure that your documents are valid independently from where you are in the world.

Learn a Bit of Dutch

Over 90% of the population will be able to speak to you in English – but this positive aspect should not be an excuse to avoid learning dutch! Indeed, locals are likely to appreciate any word you can muster.

While this language can be hard in the beginning, it can help you better understand Dutch people’s culture and lifestyle – something that is crucial if you wish to live there long term.

Book Your Flight!

One of the most difficult parts – for anybody – of moving abroad is … moving abroad. Even if you have done all of your paperwork and you are ready to settle in, you should not underestimate the courage that it can take you to move abroad. Naturally, if you are moving with a spouse or a friend, you can reduce a lot of these worries and issues.

Alternatively, you might decide to start contacting people in your same situation in American facebook groups about expats. If there is already someone waiting for you with a cup of tea or a beer, the transition will feel a lot smoother.

Conclusion

If you wanted to retire abroad, it is only reasonable to think about the Netherlands as the perfect place to be during your golden years. The cost of living in this European country is easily comparable to the one in the US. However, there are some advantages that professionals about to retire should not overlook.

Firstly, the quality of living in the Netherlands is surprisingly high. The high-quality, affordable healthcare system and low crime levels make it a safe place to be during the most vulnerable years of your life. Overall, the Netherlands makes for the ideal place to retire for Americans.

How to Retire in the Netherlands as an American