What do I need to do to Live in the Netherlands?

Question

I Live in the USA. After college I want to move to the Netherlands (specificaly Amsterdam) for a long time (more then just three months) What do I need to do?

Answer 1

Apply for a visa, long term, with work permit.
Safe up as much money as you can to bridge the time till you can earn.
Amsterdam is even more expensive than most other towns in the Netherlands, so you might want to look around before deciding where to settle.
(Most of the Netherlands is no more than 2 hours travel from A'dam anyhow.)

Start looking for job offers in the USA where the work will be in the Netherlands, see what the requirements are. Maybe it can make a difference in what you do in college.

The European Union is working on a system like the USA green card, called Blue card for now, maybe it will be active when you are ready to move.
These sites have a lot of info:
http://www.minbuza.nl/en/welcome/comingtoNL,visas_x_consular_services/Visa-application-form.html
http://www.ind.nl/EN/

Also look on internet for sites for people who have done the same.

Answer 2

I`ll refer to Willekes answer.

However, i want to add to that that you need a sense of adventure, the will to succeed, and the stability to handle "Amsterdam".

I have seen too many running home again crying, cause they couldn`t deal with the freedoms of Amsterdam, and other dutch cities.