Creators

Relocating from Colombia to Amsterdam as a creator: the 30% US tax

Updated: 6 October 2026 Holdwise editorial team

Colombia built one of Latin America's strongest creator economies, despite peso volatility, heavy banking friction on foreign payouts, and one structural leak few creators can name precisely. Colombia is outside the US income-tax treaty network, so American royalty income is withheld at the full 30% before it reaches Bogotá. The Amsterdam relocation closes that leak. At Holdwise, we keep this answer up to date and change it when the rules change.

What the 30% costs you

A creator earning €20,000 a month with 40% American viewership loses roughly €2,400 a month, or €28,800 a year, to withholding. A Dutch resident keeps all of it: the 1992 treaty sets royalties at 0%. Calculate your own number in US withholding. For most Colombian creators with US-heavy audiences, that alone funds the entire relocation.

What else changes

Stable currency: with payouts in euros into a euro business account, you avoid peso conversion problems and payout delays from platforms.
Banks that accept creators, if you have a documented file. See how creator banking works.
The structure: retained profit is taxed at 19% on the first €200,000 and 25.8% above that. You also have a holding and a reserve for income that goes up and down with algorithms and exchange rates. A lower customary salary is allowed if comparable work pays less, or for up to three years while a new BV is still unable to pay the full salary. You can also borrow up to €500,000 from your own BV (besloten vennootschap, the Dutch private limited company). The lower salary is what saves tax. At €36,000 in place of €58,000, you keep about €7,100 a year more. After a later dividend, about €2,800 of that remains. The loan gives you access to money, but your tax stays the same. Calculate it with your own figures.
Access to the EU market for products and courses. There is also a direct flight from Amsterdam to Bogotá for trips between the two countries.

Two immigration options for Colombian citizens

Colombian citizens can apply for the standard permits for non-EU citizens. For the self-employed permit, you need a real business plan and real revenue. A working creator usually has both. The other option is the startup permit. Both take longer than the options for EU citizens and Americans, and thousands of applicants succeed every year. With good preparation, the process is faster. We prepare this part with you in writing.

Ending Colombian tax residence

Colombia taxes its residents on worldwide income, so the departure deserves the same care as the arrival. End residence formally under Colombian rules, complete the final filings, and map remaining assets, backed by one written consultation with a Colombian adviser alongside the Dutch build. Then follow the standard 90 days in relocating to Amsterdam.

Free advice

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We help creators with their income, their company and their tax. Tell us where you stand or what you are planning. You get free advice on your next step.

Part of Doing Business in the Netherlands, the complete 2026 guide.

Frequently asked questions

Why do Colombian creators lose 30% of US platform income? +

Colombia is outside the US income-tax treaty network, so American royalty income is withheld at the statutory 30%. Dutch residents claim 0% under the 1992 treaty, the single biggest line in the relocation.

Can a Colombian creator get Dutch residence? +

Yes, with the self-employed permit or the startup permit. Both take longer than the options for EU citizens. These permits suit a working creator with documented revenue. With good preparation, the process is faster.

What about the peso and Colombian banking friction? +

With payouts in euros into a Dutch business account, you have a stable currency. With a documented file, Dutch banks accept this kind of income.