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Head to head

Germany vs Netherlands: the digital nomad visas compared

Partially verified Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Germany grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 24), and it is renewable.
Side-by-side comparison of the Germany Freelance and the Netherlands DAFT.
Criteria Germany Freelance Netherlands DAFT
Minimum income / month No fixed threshold No fixed threshold
Income basis Freelance income Savings accepted
Initial duration 3 years (better) 2 years
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence Yes Yes
Path to citizenship Yes Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Allowed Allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Standard resident taxation (Possible 30% ruling (if eligible))
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €100 (better) ≈ €423
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country In country
Processing time — —

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Germany Freelance →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Netherlands DAFT →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Germany → Insurance for Netherlands →

Sources