Trump’s Visa Hike: Why More Expats Are Choosing Amsterdam Over the U.S.

Visa Costs That Change Global Hiring

The numbers are hard to ignore: $100,000 in the U.S. compared to €6,000 in the Netherlands. Even though Dutch fees have risen in recent years, the U.S. option is still almost 17 times more expensive. That gap is already reshaping where companies recruit and where skilled professionals decide to relocate.

Why Amsterdam Is Europe’s Smart Relocation Choice

Having guided high-earning expats to Amsterdam for years, we have seen how the city consistently exceeds expectations. It is not only one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe, it is also a practical career move that combines professional growth with genuine work-life balance.

Quality of Life That Professionals Value

Amsterdam delivers what many expats are seeking:

• Leaving the office at a reasonable hour

• Taking real vacations without guilt

• Affordable access to healthcare and education

• Safe, walkable neighborhoods with historic character

This is not marketing language, but the everyday reality for Amsterdam residents.

A Strong International Business Hub

Global tech firms, banks, and creative industries have chosen Amsterdam as their European headquarters. English is widely used in business, networking is straightforward, and the city attracts ambitious yet approachable professionals. This combination makes Amsterdam one of the easiest places in Europe to build both a career and a community.

Amsterdam Housing for Expats

For professionals with salaries above €90,000, Amsterdam’s premium rental market offers unique opportunities. Properties starting at €3000 per month include canal apartments, modern city flats, and family homes in green districts.

While home prices are comparable to London, New York, and Paris, the standard of living and the options are clearly better.

Faster and Simpler Relocation

While U.S. visa processes can drag on for months or years, Dutch highly skilled migrant visas are typically processed within weeks. Combined with a focused housing search, many expats are fully settled in Amsterdam within two months of signing a job contract.

This speed eliminates the stressful limbo period common in U.S. relocations and helps professionals transition smoothly into their new lives.

Why Amsterdam is attractive for high-earning expats

The Netherlands offers:

• 5 years of 30% tax discount for eligible expats

• Competitive salaries with strong net income potential

• Manageable daily living costs

• High-quality healthcare and education

Together, these factors make Amsterdam a financially attractive choice for long-term career moves.

Why Early Action Matters

This visa fee increase in the U.S. is new, but it will accelerate interest in Amsterdam quickly. Premium properties in desirable neighborhoods rent fast, and well-prepared applicants are more likely to secure the best homes.

Starting your planning early allows you to understand the housing market and lifestyle options, which helps ensure your choices support long-term happiness rather than short-term convenience.

Amsterdam as Your Gateway to Europe

Living in Amsterdam provides direct access to the rest of Europe. Weekend trips to Paris, business meetings in Berlin, or holidays in Italy are just a train or short flight away. This connectivity is a major benefit for professionals seeking both career opportunities and lifestyle variety.

Making Your Amsterdam Move Seamless

A smooth international relocation depends on more than just listings. It depends on guidance you can truly trust. Most agencies work with as many clients as possible simultaneously. We take the opposite approach. By limiting the number of expats we accept, we guarantee every client receives dedicated and personal attention.

You will always feel supported and never rushed. We take time to understand your lifestyle, your career goals, and the type of home that will make Amsterdam feel like your own. Our approach is kind, professional, and highly personal. We believe moving to a new country should be exciting and inspiring rather than stressful.

Whether this U.S. visa change has just put Amsterdam on your radar or you have already been considering a move, the sooner you explore your housing options, the better prepared you will be. With us, the process is not only effective but also enjoyable.

If you earn €90,000 or more and are planning to relocate, schedule a free video call with us. Together, we will explore how Amsterdam can become one of the best professional and personal decisions of your life.

Amsterdam Life Homes is a team of expats who have made Amsterdam our home. We help fellow foreigners navigate the unique challenges of relocating to and living in the Netherlands with personalized real estate services, including buying, renting, letting, and furnishing homes.