How to Apply for the DAFT Visa: A Guide for Americans Moving to the Netherlands

The Dutch American Friendship Treaty, commonly known as DAFT, offers qualifying U.S. citizens a path to live in the Netherlands while operating a business or working in an independent profession.

For many American freelancers, consultants, creatives, and small-business owners, DAFT provides a more accessible route than the Netherlands’ standard self-employed residence permit. Applicants relying on the treaty generally do not have to satisfy the usual points-based assessment of whether their work is of essential interest to the Dutch economy. They must, however, establish a genuine Dutch business, make the required investment, and comply with the applicable immigration conditions.

Key Takeaways

• DAFT is available to qualifying U.S. citizens who intend to work as self-employed entrepreneurs in the Netherlands.
• For many common business structures, the required business investment is at least €4,500.
• The 2026 IND application fee for a self-employed residence permit is €423.
• The IND’s standard decision period is 90 days, although it can be extended in some cases.
• Many individual applicants register an eenmanszaak, or Dutch sole proprietorship, although other structures may be appropriate.
• An initial DAFT residence permit is generally valid for two years and may be extended if the business remains active and the applicant continues satisfying the conditions.

What Is the DAFT Visa?

The term “DAFT visa” refers to a Dutch residence permit for self-employed work issued under the Dutch American Friendship Treaty.

The treaty gives U.S. citizens preferential treatment when applying to operate a business or practise an independent profession in the Netherlands. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, this may include:

• Starting and operating a Dutch business;
• Practising an independent profession;
• Developing and directing the operations of a Dutch enterprise;
• Representing a U.S. business in an important position; or
• Conducting qualifying trade between the United States and the Netherlands.

Most independent applicants rely on the route by establishing and actively operating their own business in the Netherlands.

Who Can Apply Under DAFT?

A typical applicant must:

• Be a U.S. citizen;
• Meet the general conditions for Dutch residence permits;
• Intend to work genuinely as a self-employed entrepreneur;
• Register the business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, known as the KVK;
• Make and maintain the required investment in the business; and
• Meet any licensing or professional requirements that apply to the proposed work.

Certain regulated professions may involve additional restrictions or requirements. Applicants should confirm that their planned activities may lawfully be performed on a self-employed basis before selecting a business structure or submitting an application.

How Much Must You Invest?

For many commonly used business structures, the IND requires a minimum investment of €4,500.

The money must be invested in the business rather than merely shown in a personal savings account. Applicants should be prepared to document the source, transfer, and continued availability of the funds within the business.

The exact substantial-capital requirement can depend on the legal form of the enterprise. Applicants using a structure other than a straightforward sole proprietorship should confirm the amount that applies to their circumstances.

The investment is separate from the IND application fee, which is €423 in 2026.

Do You Need a Sole Proprietorship or a BV?

Many solo founders and freelancers establish an eenmanszaak, the Dutch form of a sole proprietorship. It is generally faster and simpler to establish than a private limited company.

A sole proprietorship does not have separate legal personality. The owner is personally responsible for the business and its debts. By contrast, a Dutch private limited company, or BV, is a separate legal entity and generally offers greater separation between business obligations and the shareholder’s personal assets.

The right structure depends on factors such as:

• Expected revenue and expenses;
• Personal-liability concerns;
• Whether the business has multiple owners;
• Tax treatment;
• Existing U.S. entities or contracts;
• Plans to hire employees or raise capital; and
• Administrative and accounting costs.

A BV is not automatically required for a DAFT application, and it should not be presented as the standard choice for every applicant.

How Do You Apply for a DAFT Residence Permit?

The precise sequence depends on whether the applicant is making a first application or changing from another Dutch residence status.

A typical process involves the following steps.

1. Define the proposed business

Prepare a clear description of the services or products the business will provide, its intended customers, pricing model, and expected operating expenses.

The business should reflect genuine self-employment. A nominal registration with no real commercial activity may create problems at renewal.

2. Select the appropriate legal structure

For an individual consultant, freelancer, or creative professional, an eenmanszaak may be sufficient. A BV may be considered where liability protection, multiple owners, investment, or more complex operations justify it.

3. Prepare the residence-permit application

The application generally requires identity documents, information about the proposed business, and evidence addressing the applicable treaty requirements.

Applicants should use the current IND form and document checklist rather than relying on an unofficial checklist that may be outdated.

4. Pay the IND fee

The fee for a first self-employed residence-permit application under DAFT is €423 in 2026. The IND provides payment instructions after the application is submitted.

5. Complete KVK registration and the investment

Under the IND’s current process for first-time treaty applications, applicants who do not yet hold Dutch residence status may generally complete the KVK registration and qualifying investment within six months after receiving the residence permit.

Failure to complete those conditions may result in the IND revoking the permit. Applicants changing from another Dutch residence purpose should submit as much supporting evidence as possible with the initial application.

How Long Does the DAFT Application Take?

The IND’s statutory decision period is 90 days.

The IND may extend that period if the application is incomplete, additional information is required, or outside advice is necessary. Applicants should therefore treat 90 days as the formal decision window rather than a guaranteed approval date.

What Happens After Approval?

After receiving the permit, the applicant may need to complete several practical steps, including:

• Finalizing KVK registration;
• Depositing and documenting the required business investment;
• Registering with the municipality;
• Obtaining a citizen service number, or BSN;
• Arranging Dutch health insurance when required;
• Opening appropriate banking and bookkeeping systems; and
• Registering for applicable Dutch taxes.

The applicant must then operate the business in a manner consistent with the permit.

When seeking an extension, the IND may request annual accounts, a balance sheet, or an income statement to confirm that the business has remained active and that the qualifying capital has remained invested.

Can a Spouse or Children Accompany the Applicant?

A spouse, registered partner, unmarried partner, and minor children may be able to apply for residence as family members of the principal applicant.

Family applications involve separate forms, evidence, and fees. Applicants relocating with family should address these applications as part of the overall timeline rather than assuming that family status is granted automatically with the principal permit.

Does DAFT Automatically Provide the 30% Ruling?

No.

DAFT is an immigration route for self-employed work. The Dutch expat tax scheme commonly called the 30% ruling has separate requirements and generally applies where an individual works in salaried employment for an employer.

An entrepreneur operating only as a sole proprietor should not assume that DAFT status creates eligibility. Any plan involving employment through a BV or another company requires individualized Dutch tax advice, including analysis of the employment relationship, salary thresholds, recruitment history, and other eligibility requirements.

Common DAFT Application Mistakes

Treating the €4,500 as personal savings

The qualifying amount must be connected to the Dutch business and properly documented.

Choosing a business structure solely for immigration purposes

The structure should also make sense from liability, tax, accounting, and operational perspectives.

Assuming KVK registration alone establishes eligibility

Business registration is only one part of the application. The IND also evaluates whether the applicant falls within the treaty categories and meets the general residence conditions.

Relying on an unrealistic or generic business plan

A clear explanation of the proposed activities, customers, revenue model, and operating costs can help establish that the business is genuine.

Ignoring renewal requirements

The business must remain active, and the invested capital generally must remain in the business. Accurate bookkeeping should begin from the outset.

Final Considerations

The DAFT visa can offer American entrepreneurs a practical path to establishing a business and residing in the Netherlands. Its comparatively straightforward investment requirement does not eliminate the need for careful planning.

Applicants should coordinate their immigration filing with business formation, tax registration, contracts, insurance, and cross-border compliance. The strongest applications present a coherent picture: a genuine business, an appropriate legal structure, documented investment funds, and a realistic plan for operating in the Netherlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum DAFT investment?

For many commonly used business structures, the minimum substantial-capital investment is €4,500. The amount must be invested in the business and is separate from the IND filing fee.

What is the DAFT application fee in 2026?

The 2026 fee for a first self-employed residence-permit application, including an application under DAFT, is €423.

How long does the IND take to decide?

The official decision period is 90 days, although the IND may extend it in certain circumstances.

Do DAFT applicants have to establish a BV?

No. Many independent applicants operate through an eenmanszaak or sole proprietorship. A BV may be appropriate for some applicants, but it is not universally required.

How long is the initial DAFT permit valid?

The initial self-employed residence permit is generally issued for a limited period, commonly two years. Continued residence requires an extension application and evidence that the business remains active and compliant.