Netherlands DAFT Visa: Requirements and How to Apply

The Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa lets US citizens live in the Netherlands while running their own business or independent profession. It is the most distinctive route we cover, because other nationalities, including British, Canadian and Australian citizens, have no equivalent. The IND requires a minimum investment of €4,500 for most business forms, the first permit lasts up to 2 years and the application fee is €423. After 5 years with a permit you can apply for permanent residence. Official source: the IND self-employed page. Check the official page before you apply. Rules change, and we are researchers, not lawyers.

Who qualifies

You must be a US citizen (the same page also covers a separate treaty route for Japanese citizens) and meet the IND's general requirements for everyone. You must also fall into one of these situations:

• trade between the Netherlands and the US;
• a key position at a US business;
• an independent profession (not for the government or in healthcare);
• a substantial capital investment.

The IND page does not say whether DAFT applicants are exempt from the essential-interest scoring system that applies to other self-employed applicants, so confirm this with the IND or an adviser.

Investment requirement

For most business forms the IND requires a minimum investment of €4,500. This is a capital requirement for your business, not a fee. At extension the IND checks annual accounts and a balance sheet or income statement to confirm the company has been active and the invested capital remains in the business.

For a first application, you must register with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK) and make the investment within 6 months of the date on the decision letter, or the IND may revoke your permit.

Documents you'll need

The IND page does not list every document. Typically you will need a passport, an apostilled birth certificate, a business plan, proof of the €4,500 investment, KVK registration, proof of income or funds and a Dutch address. Ask a Dutch adviser for the current IND checklist and the application form, because requirements change.

Step-by-step application

1. Confirm your category (trade, key position, independent profession or capital investment).
2. Prepare a business plan and proof of the planned €4,500 investment.
3. Submit the IND application and pay the €423 fee.
4. Receive the decision letter, then register with the KVK and make the investment within 6 months.
5. Arrive and register with the municipality to get your BSN, and arrange Dutch health insurance.
6. Collect your permit and begin trading.
7. Extend the permit by submitting annual accounts showing activity and invested capital.

Costs and timeline

The IND application fee is €423 for the first application and for extensions. KVK registration fees and optional notary costs for a BV are extra. The first permit is valid for a maximum of 2 years. The IND page does not state processing times, and secondary sources report anything from about one month to two months, which we have not verified.

Taxes once you're resident

You become a Dutch tax resident under the facts-and-circumstances test and pay income tax in box 1: 35.75% up to €38,883, 37.56% up to €78,426 and 49.5% above in 2026, per PwC's summary. You may also owe VAT and social premiums as a business owner. US citizens still file US returns, and the US has a tax treaty and totalization agreement with the Netherlands. The 30% facility is for employees and may not apply to you. We are not tax advisors; see our Netherlands country guide.

Family members

The IND page says family members or relatives can work without a work permit: their permit shows work allowed on a self-employed basis, free to work. It does not describe the family reunification conditions in detail, so ask the IND about income and housing requirements for partners and children.

Permanent residence

After 5 years with a residence permit you can apply for permanent residence, and after 5 years of work in the Netherlands you no longer need a work permit. Naturalisation requires 5 years of residence, Dutch integration at about A2 level and, in most cases, giving up your other nationality.

Alternatives

• Highly Skilled Migrant permit if you take a job with a recognised sponsor instead.
• Germany freelance visa for self-employed professionals in Germany.
• Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit if you have an Irish job offer.
• Cities: living in Amsterdam and living in Rotterdam, or take our quiz.