@snder My dutch still isnt good enough to answer in dutch (thought I do know what you asked). So let me answer in english.

Basically it depends on what avenue you use. There is something called "The Dutch-American friendship treaty" which makes it a lot easier to apply than it would for others.

Long story short if you qualify preliminarily for the treaty you apply and you instantly get residency. Then over the course of 3 months there are many things you have to do to ensure you keep it. After that point I'd have to renew the permit periodically (which is garunteed almost if i keep up with the terms).

So i just had to submit a form, some money, and a stack of paperwork. Thats all.

Now that i have it next steps will be register for a BSN and my home, register a new company at the chamber of commerce, deposit money in that company account, etc.

Keep in mind residency is not citizenship.

@freemo

Ah I see! Thanks for the explanation this makes the process a lot clearer! I didn't knew there was such a program..

And what are the big differences between your residency or becoming a citizen of the Netherlands?

@snder Well residency means you have permission to live there without a set time limit. For most purposes it is as good as citizenship.

Citizenship as far as i know is mostly critical when it comes to stuff that wont effect me. For example the ability to vote, or if they will deport me if another country charges me criminally, or my ability to get a dutch passport, stuff like that. I'm not sure of the whole list.