DAFT Visa Netherlands
For Americans, the Dutch American Friendship Treaty is the quiet superpower of Dutch immigration. Invest 4,500 euros in your own Dutch business, meet the treaty conditions, and you can live and work here as a self-employed professional, no job offer, no points system, no sponsor.
The route rewards good execution: the business registration, the investment on the balance sheet and the IND file all have to line up. We run DAFT cases from the first bank question to the moment your permit card is in hand, and our clients reach us directly on WhatsApp at any hour while it happens.
Who uses DAFT
- 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
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.
How your DAFT case runs
- 01
Plan
Intake on your business, family and timing. You leave the call knowing exactly what DAFT will ask of you.
- 02
Establish
Company registered, bank account opened, investment placed and documented.
- 03
Apply
The IND file goes in. You can generally await the decision in the Netherlands.
- 04
Live and work
Permit granted, registrations done, and your American practice is officially European.
The 4,500 euro must remain invested in the business for as long as you hold DAFT status, and renewals look at your balance sheet. Current IND fees and processing times shift, so we confirm them during your intake.
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.
How long is the DAFT permit valid?
The first permit is typically granted for two years and is renewable as long as you keep meeting the treaty conditions. Many of our clients later move on to permanent residence.
Your American passport opens this door
Tell us what you do for a living. We will map your DAFT route, from investment to permit, in one conversation.
Thank you, your inquiry has been sent
Johanna will personally review your situation and reply within one business day, usually much sooner. For anything urgent, message us on WhatsApp.
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