Archive · 27 Jul 2025
Former Amazon Employee Finds Happiness and Safety in the Netherlands
A woman who lost her job at Amazon moved to the Netherlands because she thought it was better than the US.
She had wanted to live in Europe since she was 18.
She found it cheaper to live there, especially for things like food and the internet.
Also, she says the neighborhood is safer because there are fewer guns.
She applied for a special visa to start a business in the Netherlands.
She is currently happier living there.
A woman laid off from Amazon in 2023 moved to the Netherlands, finding it more affordable and safer.
She applied for the Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa, requiring a minimum business bank account balance.
She finds food, cell phone, and internet services cheaper compared to the US.
She feels safer in the Netherlands due to fewer guns and a safer neighborhood.
She has been living in the Netherlands for five years and is happier than in the US.
- Who
- Denise Segler, a former Amazon employee.
- What
- A woman relocated to the Netherlands after being laid off by Amazon.
- When
- She moved in November after her visa was approved in September.
- Where
- The Netherlands, specifically south of Haarlem.
- Why
- She sought a more affordable, safer, and better quality of life.
United States
Netherlands
Cost of Living
United States
Higher cost of living and expenses.
Netherlands
Lower cost of living in Netherlands, cheaper food, cell phone and internet services.
Safety
United States
Feels less safe and is concerned about gun violence.
Netherlands
Feeling safer in Netherlands with fewer guns and safer neighbourhood
- Former Employer
- Amazon
- Visa Type
- Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT)
- Visa Requirement
- $5,278 minimum balance in business bank account
- Health Insurance Cost (Netherlands)
- €190 per month
- Location in Netherlands
- South of Haarlem
- Primary Reason
- Found life more affordable and safe
- Duration in Netherlands
- 5 years