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DAFT Visa and Family Relocation: How to Navigate the Dutch Housing Market and School System
Making the move to the Netherlands under the Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is an exciting opportunity—especially for U.S. entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in Europe. The DAFT visa offers a uniquely accessible route for American entrepreneurs, without the usual hurdles like Dutch language requirements or recognised academic qualifications. Even better, your immediate family—including your spouse or registered partner and any minor children—can join you under family reunification.
However, for those relocating with children—especially families with more than one child at different ages or school levels—the practical realities quickly come into focus. Beyond the immigration paperwork and business registration, there are major life decisions to navigate: Where will we live? How do we find the right schools? What does daily life actually look like for our kids?
These are the kinds of concerns we hear the most often. At Expat Management Group, we’ve been guiding families through exactly these challenges—helping them navigate the competitive Dutch housing market, understand local school options, and manage all the logistics of settling in. From securing a family-friendly home to supporting children of all ages during the transition, we offer tailored advice and hands-on assistance every step of the way.
Navigating a Competitive Housing Market
In 2025, housing in the Netherlands remains a major challenge. The rental market is tight, with private sector rents rising faster than inflation, and available supply dropping rapidly. The purchase market hasn’t fared much better, with a slight slowdown in overbidding but continued high demand across the country.
For expat families relocating under the DAFT scheme, the pressure is even higher. You’ll be competing with locals and international professionals for homes—often before even arriving in the country. Many Americans are surprised to find they need to act quickly, provide extensive documentation, and navigate unfamiliar rental rules and bidding procedures.
That’s where our home search service comes in. From pre-arrival virtual viewings to contract negotiations and settling-in assistance, we help you secure a suitable, family-friendly home in a location that meets your personal and family needs.
Choosing the Right School: Public vs. Private Options
Education is another key concern for relocating families. Many parents initially consider international or private schools, only to encounter high tuition costs and long waiting lists. In major cities, these schools can cost upwards of €20,000 per year, per child—and places are limited.
Public schools, on the other hand, offer a high standard of education and are free to attend. As explained by Iamsterdam, more international families are now choosing Dutch public schools as a sustainable, community-oriented solution. These schools often provide language integration support and can be an excellent way for children to adapt and thrive.
Still, navigating the public school system as a newcomer—especially in Dutch—can be challenging. Finding the right fit for your child’s age, language level, and educational needs requires time and local insight. We offer personalized school search and enrollment assistance to help you make informed decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure a smooth start for your children.
Support for the Whole Family
Relocating to the Netherlands under the DAFT visa isn’t just about registering a business and finding an apartment—it’s about building a life. Your spouse may be looking for work or community. Your kids may need extra support adjusting to a new language and culture. Even the logistics—setting up bank accounts, utilities, or daycare—can be overwhelming.
That’s why our approach at Expat Management Group is holistic. Our settle-in services are designed to cover every aspect of the transition, from home search and school selection to partner support and post-arrival guidance.
If you’re planning—or even just considering—a move to the Netherlands under the DAFT scheme, let us help you make informed decisions from day one.
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