For US citizens
DAFT Visa Netherlands
The DAFT visa Netherlands, granted under the Dutch American Friendship Treaty, is the most accessible immigration route for US citizens who want to run their own business here. Because of the treaty between the Netherlands and the United States, American entrepreneurs qualify under more flexible conditions than the standard entrepreneur permit.
It is the route freelancers, consultants and small business owners use most. Alongside the immigration file we handle the practical side of arriving: company registration, housing, and residence for the family coming with you.
What is the DAFT permit?
The DAFT permit comes from the Dutch American Friendship Treaty, a 1956 agreement that gives United States citizens a uniquely accessible route to self-employment in the Netherlands. It is open only to Americans, and it is by some distance the easiest entrepreneurial permit the country offers.
The treaty replaces the points system that other nationalities face with one straightforward test: register a genuine Dutch business and keep a defined minimum investment in the company’s equity. There is no innovation requirement, no facilitator and no scoring of your business plan. Maintaining the investment is what keeps the permit alive at renewal.
Who the DAFT visa is for
- American freelancers and consultants taking their practice to Europe
- US entrepreneurs opening a Dutch business
- Remote professionals restructuring their work as self-employment
- American spouses and families moving along with the applicant
DAFT visa requirements
The treaty replaces the points-based economic assessment of your business plan with a straightforward investment test. Applicants must generally:
- Hold US citizenship
- Register a company in the Netherlands
- Invest at least 4,500 euro in the business
- Register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
- Maintain the required business investment
The full DAFT track
Structure advice
Eenmanszaak or BV, and what each means for your investment requirement and taxes. We explain the trade-offs in plain English before you choose.
Business registration
KvK registration, the Dutch business bank account and the 4,500 euro capital placement, evidenced the way the IND wants to see it.
IND application handling
We prepare and submit your residence application under the treaty and manage every exchange with the IND until the decision.
Accountant introduction
DAFT status must be maintained at renewal, and your books are the proof. We connect you with accountants who know the treaty well.
Settling in as a family
Residence for your spouse and children, registration, healthcare and housing, arranged alongside the business setup.
Our working method
- 01
Immigration consultation
We assess your eligibility under the DAFT treaty and map the route around your business, family and timing.
- 02
Business setup
We guide you through company registration and the administrative requirements that follow it.
- 03
Investment and documentation
We make sure the required investment is placed and documented the way the IND wants to see it.
- 04
Residence permit application
We prepare and submit the DAFT application to the IND, and handle every exchange until the decision.
Professional fees for a DAFT application
Investment from €2,295
- Eligibility assessment under the Dutch American Friendship Treaty
- Company registration and the investment structured to meet the treaty test
- Residence permit application prepared and filed
- Guidance on maintaining the investment through later renewals
Investment figures represent our professional service fees only and are intended as a guideline. Government fees (including IND filing fees), VAT, legalisation and apostille costs, sworn translations, consular charges and any third-party expenses are not included unless explicitly stated in the proposal.
The residence permit is typically granted for two years and can be extended. The 4,500 euro must stay invested in the business for as long as you hold DAFT status, because renewals look at your balance sheet.
Detail worth reading before you apply
What exactly is the DAFT residence permit?
It allows US citizens to live in the Netherlands while operating their own business here. Unlike the regular entrepreneur residence permit, the DAFT route does not require a points-based economic assessment of the business plan. The primary requirement is the minimum business investment.
Eenmanszaak or BV?
Both can satisfy the treaty. A sole proprietorship is lighter and cheaper to run; a BV limits liability and suits growth and investors. The choice changes how the investment is evidenced and how you are taxed, so we advise on your numbers rather than a rule of thumb.
What does maintaining the investment mean in practice?
The capital has to remain in the business, visible on the balance sheet, not withdrawn once the permit is granted. Your bookkeeping is the proof at renewal, which is why we introduce clients to accountants who know the treaty well.
Americans ask us
Can my spouse work in the Netherlands under DAFT?
Yes. Your spouse receives a residence permit with free access to the labour market, so they can take a job or start their own venture.
Do I need clients or revenue before applying?
No revenue threshold applies at the start. You need the investment, a registered business and the intent to actually run it. By renewal time your accounts should show a living business.
Does DAFT lead to permanent residence?
It can. After five years of continuous legal residence you may generally apply for permanent residence or naturalisation, subject to the integration requirements. Many of our DAFT clients follow that path.
Move to the Netherlands under the DAFT treaty
Tell us what you do for a living. We will map your DAFT route, from investment to permit, in one conversation.
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