As a US citizen living in the Netherlands, you’ve probably discovered that investing and saving for retirement isn't as straightforward as you'd hope. Many providers will turn you away — not out of spite, but because of American tax law.
Still, some good options remain.
1. Investment Options
Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
A globally oriented broker that accepts US Persons in the Netherlands. You can invest in stocks, ETFs, and more — as long as you file the required US tax forms (e.g. W-9).
Charles Schwab International
Offers accounts specifically for Americans abroad. Note: there are limitations on some fund types (like US mutual funds) due to European regulation (PRIIPs).
2. Retirement Savings
401(k) or Traditional IRA
Only makes sense if you're temporarily in the Netherlands and plan to return to the US.
Not deductible under Dutch income tax (Box 1), but the assets may not be taxed in Box 3 either.
Roth IRA
Not tax-deductible in the US, and fully taxable under Dutch Box 3 (wealth tax).
However, the Roth still grows and pays out tax-free in the US, which may make it attractive as a long-term investment account (though not as a "retirement account" under Dutch rules).
BrightPensioen – the only Dutch retirement provider for US Persons
BrightPensioen explicitly accepts US citizens.
You invest for retirement using a Dutch pension account structure (lijfrente).
Cost-effective only for assets above ~€100,000, due to their flat annual membership fee.
Do you need help picking the right option? Get in touch and we will discuss what works best for you!