How Much Money Do You Need to Move to Europe from the US?
Less than you think. More than the internet tells you.
Every "how much does it cost to move to Europe" article gives you one of two answers: a hand-wavy "it depends on your lifestyle" or an inflated number designed to make you hire a consultant. Here are the actual numbers — by country, by family size, with nothing hidden.
The Short Answer
A single person or couple can realistically move to Europe for €15,000–€30,000 in total setup costs, depending on the country. That includes visa fees, document preparation, housing deposits, insurance, and enough runway to settle in before your income stabilizes. A family of four should plan for €20,000–€40,000.
These aren't "scraping by" numbers. They're "comfortable start" numbers. And for context — a domestic move from New York to Austin runs $10,000–$15,000 once you count deposits, moving costs, and the gap between leases. Moving to Europe costs more, but you're not just changing your zip code.
By Country: What You'll Actually Spend
The Netherlands (DAFT Visa)
The Dutch American Friendship Treaty has the lowest barrier to entry of any US-to-Europe pathway. There's no income threshold to apply — just a €4,500 business capital requirement.
| Category | Single/Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| IND visa fees | €423–€677 | €847 |
| Business capital (stays in your account) | €4,500 | €4,500 |
| Document prep + accountant | €700–€1,100 | €900–€1,300 |
| Expat health insurance (3 months) | €216–€600 | €432–€900 |
| Housing deposit (3–6 months rent) | €3,600–€10,800 | €5,400–€15,000 |
| Living expenses (first 3 months) | €4,500–€7,500 | €6,000–€10,000 |
| Total | €14,000–€25,000 | €18,000–€33,000 |
The €4,500 business capital isn't a fee — it's your money, parked in a Dutch business bank account. The IND checks that it's still there every two years. Think of it less as a cost and more as a permanent roommate in your bank account.
The biggest variable is housing. The Netherlands outside Amsterdam is surprisingly affordable — and the country is small enough that living in Utrecht or The Hague puts you 30 minutes from Amsterdam by train. Nobody in the Netherlands thinks twice about a 30-minute train commute. The whole country is basically one interconnected city with really good bike lanes.
For the full breakdown, see our complete DAFT cost guide.
Spain (Digital Nomad Visa)
Spain's DNV requires proof of €2,849/month in income from remote work. That's the ongoing threshold — your setup costs are separate.
| Category | Single/Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Consulate visa fees | $190 | $570 |
| NIE + document prep | €300–€800 | €500–€1,000 |
| Health insurance (3 months) | €450–€900 | €900–€1,500 |
| Housing deposit (2–3 months rent) | €2,000–€5,400 | €3,000–€7,200 |
| Living expenses (first 3 months) | €3,600–€6,000 | €5,400–€9,000 |
| Total | €6,400–€13,300 | €10,000–€19,000 |
Spain is the most affordable entry point on this list. Valencia, Málaga, and Alicante offer a quality of life that's hard to explain until you've lived it — dinner at 9pm with the whole family in a plaza, €3 glasses of wine, kids playing until it gets dark at 10. The setup costs reflect that affordability.
The income requirement (€2,849/month) is your bigger consideration. You need to prove that before you apply. See our Spain DNV hub guide for specifics.
Portugal (D8 Visa)
Portugal's D8 requires €3,680/month in income from non-Portuguese sources, plus savings of at least €11,040. The income threshold is the highest of the three, but daily life is among the most affordable in Western Europe.
| Category | Single/Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Consulate visa fees (+ VFS ~$45) | €110.80 | €332.40 |
| Document prep + NIF | €400–€900 | €600–€1,200 |
| Health insurance (3 months) | €300–€600 | €600–€1,200 |
| Housing deposit (first + last month) | €1,400–€3,600 | €2,400–€5,000 |
| Required savings (must show proof) | €11,040 | €14,000+ |
| Living expenses (first 3 months) | €3,000–€5,400 | €4,500–€8,100 |
| Total | €16,200–€22,700 | €22,400–€31,800 |
Portugal's total looks higher because of the savings requirement — but like the Netherlands' €4,500, that money stays yours. You show it in bank statements. You don't hand it to anyone.
Porto and Lisbon get all the attention, but Braga, Aveiro, and the Algarve coast offer lower rents with the same healthcare system, the same safety, and arguably better weather. See our Portugal D8 guide for the full picture.
What These Numbers Don't Include
Flights. Budget $500–$2,000 per person depending on timing and luggage.
Shipping belongings. A full container from the US to Europe runs $3,000–$8,000. Most people ship less than they think they need. See our shipping guide for a practical breakdown.
Ongoing income. The numbers above are setup costs. Spain and Portugal require ongoing income thresholds. The Netherlands requires your business to generate income by the time you renew. You need a functioning income stream, not just savings.
The "I forgot" costs. Apostilles ($20–$30 per document), sworn translations ($50–$150 per document), an international driver's license ($20), and the three things you'll realize you need to buy the first week that somehow cost €200.
The Question Behind the Question
If you're reading this, you've probably been running numbers in your head for months. Comparing rent in your city to rent in Lisbon. Calculating what your remote salary would feel like if groceries cost half as much and healthcare didn't require a dedicated savings account.
Here's what the numbers don't capture: what it feels like to walk your kids to school instead of driving them. To eat lunch — an actual lunch, sitting down, with other humans — in the middle of a workday. To know that a doctor's visit costs €20 and not "let me check if they're in-network first."
The setup costs are real and worth planning for. They're also a one-time bridge to a daily life that costs less, stresses less, and — for a lot of families — just works better.
How to Know If You Can Afford It
The math isn't complicated:
- Do you have €15,000–€30,000 liquid? That covers setup for most couples across all three countries.
- Do you have a remote income of €2,849+/month? Spain requires €2,849/month, Portugal requires €3,680/month. The Netherlands doesn't have an income threshold to apply — but you'll need income eventually.
- Can you maintain that income for 12+ months? The first year is about proving your financial stability to the host country. After that, you're settled.
If you hit two of three, you're in better shape than you probably thought. The visa process isn't the hard part — it's paperwork. The hard part is deciding to do it.
Not sure which country fits? Take the free assessment → — it checks your eligibility across all three pathways based on your specific situation. Takes about 5 minutes, and we won't hound you afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move to Europe with less than €15,000?
Technically, yes — Spain's setup costs can be as low as €6,400 for a single person with existing income. But that leaves very little buffer. Having at least 3 months of living expenses beyond your setup costs makes the transition significantly less stressful.
Do I need to quit my US job to move to Europe?
No. Spain's Digital Nomad Visa and Portugal's D8 are specifically designed for people who keep working remotely for US employers or clients. You bring your income with you. The Netherlands DAFT requires self-employment, but your spouse can work for any Dutch employer freely.
Is the money I show for the visa gone?
No. The Netherlands' €4,500 stays in your business account — it's your capital. Portugal's €11,040+ savings requirement is proven via bank statements — the money stays in your account. Spain requires income proof, not a lump sum. You don't hand any of this to a government.
What about US taxes?
You still file US taxes as an American abroad. But the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) lets you exclude over $126,000 of earned income from US taxation. Most Americans living in Europe pay very little additional US tax. See our expat tax guide for details.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. All three visas include spouse and dependent children on the same application. In the Netherlands, your spouse also gets open work authorization — no separate visa needed. See our DAFT spouse work rights guide.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Costs are estimates based on 2026 figures and vary significantly by individual situation, city, and family size. Requirements change frequently — always verify current requirements with the relevant consulate or a qualified immigration lawyer before applying.
