Securing residency in Northern Europe as a US entrepreneur requires a technical alignment of corporate structure, cross-border banking, and immigration law. We move beyond generic advice to provide practitioner-led execution across the Netherlands and the Nordic region.
The premier bilateral treaty path. No points system or "added value" tests for Americans.
The standard for consultants. Involves hiring yourself through your Norwegian AS or NUF.
A high-threshold route for high-earning founders. Requires a 2026 salary of SEK 52k+.
For innovative tech ventures. Requires business plan approval by Business Finland.
Formation of legal entity (such as Dutch BV or Norwegian AS) and key components such as business address. This provides the "Sponsorship" or "Self-Employment" legal base.
We resolve the FATCA/US-Person bottleneck by securing Business Banking for the capital deposit required by the IND/UDI.
Integrated filing of the Residency Permit. We manage the IND/Migration Agency loop from start to finish.
Activation of the 30% Ruling (NL) or Expert Tax (Sweden) to optimize take-home pay for the director.
Leonor has a 100% success rate managing DAFT and Skilled Migrant applications for Americans. She takes care of the entire process, from immigration applications to home finding services.
As analyzed in our Golden Visa Comparison, passive investment routes in Spain and Ireland have closed. The North offers the only remaining high-certainty routes for active entrepreneurs.
The reason many Americans choose the Netherlands and Nordics over the rest of Europe is not just that they are modern countries that are welcoming to Americans. The public services are simply much better than in the rest of Europe. For example, healthcare in the Netherlands, Norway or Sweden is of a substantially higher level than what is offered in the UK and Southern Europe.
| Residency Path | Min. Capital | 2026 Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch DAFT 🇳🇱 | €4,500 | Open & Guaranteed by Treaty |
| Portugal Golden Visa | €500,000 | Strict Fund-based Investment |
| Spain Golden Visa | N/A | Terminated |
Everything you need to know about the Dutch Startup Visa program, including requirements, application details and prices. The Netherlands is rapidly becoming a leading European hub for startups and innovation. The Dutch government actively seeks to attract ambitious international entrepreneurs. To foster this ambition, the Dutch Startup Visa allows those from countries outside the European…
The statistics are telling: From 2013 to 2022, the number of Americans in the Netherlands grew from about 15,500 to 24,000 and has now reached approximately 47,000 in 2026. In Portugal, the American population tripled to nearly 10,000, and in Spain it increased to over 45,000. Moderate to steady growth was observed in countries like…
In recent years, Europe has become an increasingly attractive destination for American entrepreneurs and professionals. It has been widely publicised by among others The Economist and the New Yorker that factors such as remote work opportunities, concerns about gun violence, and political polarization in the US have contributed to this trend. Additionally, the desire for…
Moving to the Netherlands as a US citizen? Here are the critical points every entrepreneur and expat needs to know before making the leap. A more extended version of this article was written by our partner Richard. 1. DAFT Visa: Your Fast Track to Dutch Residency The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is your best bet…
European healthcare systems dominate global rankings, with Netherlands leading at #2 worldwide and six European countries in the top 10 globally according to 2024 Commonwealth Fund analysis. For expats and international entrepreneurs, the landscape offers excellent quality care but varies dramatically in accessibility, costs, and bureaucratic complexity. Switzerland delivers premium care at premium prices (CHF…
The Importance of English Proficiency in Attracting International Business In today’s globalized economy, English proficiency plays a pivotal role in attracting international business. Countries with a high level of English proficiency are more likely to attract foreign investment, establish trade relationships, and participate in the global marketplace. The EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) provides…
The concept of virtual offices has evolved significantly beyond simple mail forwarding services, presenting both opportunities and challenges for international businesses. Understanding the requirements demands consideration of both regulatory frameworks and practical business needs. As part of the Business Attraction Index, this article will compare over 20 of the most commonly-used jurisdictions and their attitudes…
The EU Blue Card is a work permit that allows citizens of non-EU countries to work in the EU. It is a popular choice for many people who want to work in Europe, as it has many benefits compared to other visas. In this article, we will discuss who can apply for the EU Blue…
Finland, known for its innovative business environment and high quality of life, offers an attractive opportunity for global entrepreneurs through its Startup Permit program. Introduced in 2018, this permit allows non-EU entrepreneurs to establish and grow their startups in Finland, providing a gateway to the European market. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the…
Question: Being a US-based nonprofit, we’re looking to expand our presence into Europe. Which European countries would you recommend considering the following criteria: 1) Incorporation costs; 2) Simplicity and speed of the registration process; 3) Ongoing maintenance costs; 4) Necessity of a physical office, given our remote work model; and 5) Other notable advantages or…
I offer over 20 years of experience in Global Mobility, including immigration….
View Profile →