DAFT Visa Netherlands 2026 Explained: A Step-by-Step Guide for U.S. Entrepreneurs

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Moving to the Netherlands as a US entrepreneur is far more achievable than many people think. Thanks to the Dutch American Friendship Treaty, American citizens have access to one of the most entrepreneur-friendly residence permits in Europe: the DAFT visa.

Whether you are a freelancer, consultant, digital entrepreneur or business owner expanding to Europe, this guide explains how the DAFT visa works, who qualifies, what is required, and how to prepare properly before making the move.

What is the DAFT visa?

The DAFT visa is a residence and work permit for US citizens who want to live in the Netherlands as self-employed entrepreneurs. DAFT stands for Dutch American Friendship Treaty , a bilateral agreement signed in 1956 to promote trade and economic cooperation between the United States and the Netherlands.

What makes this visa unique is its simplicity . Unlike most Dutch self-employment visas, the DAFT visa does not use a points-based evaluation system. You do not need to prove innovation, job creation or economic added value. The treaty itself is the legal basis for approval.

As a DAFT visa holder, you are allowed to:

• Live in the Netherlands
• Operate your own Dutch business
• Work as a self-employed professional
• Bring your partner and minor children
  

There are no restrictions on industry, business size or client location.

Who qualifies for the DAFT visa?

The DAFT visa is available exclusively to US passport holders who plan to work as independent entrepreneurs in the Netherlands.

You qualify if you:

• are a US citizen
• start or operate a Dutch business
• work independently and not in salaried employment
• actively participate in your company
• own at least 25 percent of the business
  

Your clients may be based in the United States, the Netherlands or anywhere else in the world.

Who does not qualify?

You cannot use the DAFT visa if you:

• want to work in regular employment
• rely only on passive income
• operate a business without real activity
• use a dormant or shell company
  

DAFT is a self-employment visa. You must truly run a business.

Can you bring your family?

Yes. One of the strongest advantages of the DAFT visa is family reunification.

You may bring:

• your spouse or long-term partner
• your minor children
  

Your family members receive Dutch residence permits and are free to work in the Netherlands , including regular employment. This gives them even broader work rights than the main DAFT applicant, who must remain self-employed.

Adult children may only join under exceptional circumstances.

DAFT visa requirements explained clearly

1. Registration and Dutch business

You must operate a business registered in the Netherlands. This can be a small operation. Freelancers, consultants and solo entrepreneurs are fully eligible, provided the business is active.

2. The €4,500 capital requirement

A central DAFT requirement is a €4,500 capital deposit into your Dutch business account.

Important details:

• the funds must be deposited into a business account
• personal accounts do not qualify
• the amount must remain available during the visa period
• proof is required via a bank statement or opening balance
  

This is not a fee. It remains your company’s money.

3. Economic activity

Your business must be operational. Immediate profitability is not required, but there must be real activity and income potential.

Choosing the right business structure in the Netherlands

Before applying for the DAFT visa, you must choose how to structure your business. Most US entrepreneurs choose between two options.

Sole proprietorship (ZZP or eenmanszaak)

This is the simplest structure and works well for freelancers and consultants. It is easy to register but does not provide access to certain tax benefits.

Private limited company (BV)

A BV is required if you want to apply for the 30 percent ruling , a well-known Dutch tax benefit for expats.

The 30 percent ruling allows a portion of your salary to be tax free and can significantly reduce your tax burden. However:

• the BV must be set up before relocation
• the employment relationship must exist from the start
• switching later is not possible

This choice has long-term consequences and should be made carefully.

Required documents for a DAFT application

Typical documents include:

• valid passports for all applicants
• apostilled birth certificates for children
• apostilled marriage certificate or proof of unmarried status

You do not need:

• a business plan
• a points-based evaluation
• an FBI background check

An apostille is an official certification that makes documents valid for international use. Birth certificate apostilles remain valid indefinitely.

DAFT visa application process step by step

Step 1: Preparation

You review eligibility, gather documents and determine your business structure.

Step 2: Business registration

Depending on your structure, your company is registered either before or after arrival. BVs are usually set up in advance, while sole proprietorships are registered after receiving a BSN.

Step 3: Arrival and IND appointment

US citizens are exempt from an entry visa. After arrival, you visit the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst to receive a residence endorsement sticker, which allows you to live and work while your application is processed.

Step 4: Municipality registration and BSN

You register at your local municipality and receive your BSN number, required for taxes, healthcare and business operations.

Step 5: Finalizing the DAFT application

Your company must be active, the business account funded and documentation complete. Approval typically follows within one to two months.

DAFT renewal and long-term residence

The DAFT visa is granted for two years . When renewing, the Dutch authorities will review your income. In practice, you must show that your business generates sufficient income to support yourself.

After five years of legal residence , you may apply for permanent residence in the Netherlands.

Common misconceptions about the DAFT visa

• You do not need Dutch clients
• You don’t need a business plan
• You are not assessed under a points system
• Your income is not reviewed at the initial stage
  

Moving to the Netherlands as a US entrepreneur

The DAFT visa is one of the most accessible residence options in Europe for American entrepreneurs. Still, relocating involves more than immigration alone. Housing, taxation, healthcare and family logistics all play an important role.

At Domek, we help non-natives understand the full picture before making life-changing decisions, so they can relocate with confidence and clarity.

Ready to explore your DAFT options?

Moving to the Netherlands under the DAFT visa is a big step. While the rules are clear on paper, the right decisions around business setup, taxes, family situation and timing can make a major difference later on.

At Domek, we help US entrepreneurs understand their situation before they commit.

Free DAFT consultation

Not sure whether the DAFT visa fits your plans? During a free, no-obligation consultation, we:

• review your personal and business plans
• explain how the DAFT visa applies to your situation
• clarify common pitfalls and smart preparation steps
• answer your questions in clear, practical language

This conversation is ideal if you are exploring your move or want to avoid costly mistakes early on.

Book your free consultation and take the next step with confidence.

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