€4,500
Minimum capital to deposit into your Dutch business bank account — remains your own money
2 years
Initial residence permit duration — renewable for a further 5 years, then permanent residency eligible
1956
Year the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty was signed — exclusively available to US citizens
The DAFT Visa — Overview
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is a bilateral agreement signed in 1956 between the United States and the Netherlands. It grants US citizens the right to obtain a Dutch residence permit specifically to start and operate a business in the Netherlands. In practice, this has become the primary route for American freelancers, remote consultants, designers, developers, and independent professionals who want to live in the Netherlands without employer sponsorship.
Unlike most EU visa pathways, the DAFT has no strict income threshold, no points-based test, and no requirement to prove economic benefit to the Dutch market. The core requirement is registering a business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and depositing €4,500 in equity capital into a Dutch business bank account. For US citizens, this is one of the most accessible and flexible routes to EU residency available anywhere in Europe.
“The DAFT is the best-kept secret in EU immigration for Americans. Low capital, no income test, no business plan evaluation — and a direct path to permanent residency in one of Europe’s most connected countries.”
US GO EU — Netherlands Relocation Team
Who Qualifies
The DAFT is exclusively available to US citizens. There is no equivalent treaty for other nationalities. You must intend to operate a business or work as a self-employed professional in the Netherlands, and you must choose one of two business structures.
Structure 1
ZZP — Sole Proprietorship
Simple registration · Physical presence required to finalise · Unlimited liability
A ZZP (Zelfstandige Zonder Personeel) is the Dutch sole proprietorship structure. Registration at the Chamber of Commerce is straightforward, but you must be physically present in the Netherlands to finalise it. You have unlimited personal liability for business debts, and ZZP owners are not eligible for the 30% tax ruling.
Structure 2
BV — Private Limited Company
Online formation possible · Limited liability · 30% tax ruling eligible
A BV (Besloten Vennootschap) is the Dutch equivalent of an LLC. It can be formed via a Dutch civil law notary and completed online from the US. Your personal assets are protected from business debts. You employ yourself as director and may qualify for the 30% tax ruling — the preferred route for corporate clients and tax optimisation.
The €4,500 Capital Requirement
The required capital is €4,500, deposited into a Dutch business bank account. This money remains yours — it is not a fee. It can be used for legitimate business expenses once your company is registered. The requirement is equity capital only: it cannot be borrowed, and the balance must be maintained throughout the visa period.
There is no upfront income test — but renewal is different
Unlike most self-employment visas, the DAFT does not require you to prove a minimum income before your first permit is granted — only the €4,500 capital. However, when you renew after 2 years, the IND does expect evidence that your business generates sustainable income to support yourself, benchmarked informally against the Dutch social minimum (around €1,657/month gross as of 2025, adjusted annually). Falling well short of this at renewal time can put your permit at risk, so plan your business income with this in mind from year one.
How to document it
The €4,500 is not a visa fee — it is working capital for your Dutch business. Once your company is registered and the visa is issued, you can use the funds for legitimate business expenses including office costs, equipment, software, professional services, and operating costs.
BECON accountant requirement
Your opening balance sheet must be prepared and verified by a BECON-registered Dutch accountant (Besluit Externe Controle). This is a specific Dutch certification for accountants authorised to work with the IND. Your immigration advisor can connect you with a BECON-registered accountant as part of the application process — it's also worth cross-checking any accountant or advisor against LocalVouch, an independent directory of verified client reviews.
What You Get
2-year residence permit, renewable for a further 5 years
Your initial DAFT residence permit is valid for 2 years. It is renewable for a further 5 years, and after 5 years of continuous legal residence you become eligible to apply for permanent residency or Dutch citizenship.
Schengen Area freedom of movement
As a Dutch resident, you can travel freely within the 29-country Schengen Area. The Netherlands is centrally located — Paris, London, Berlin, and Brussels are all within 2 hours by train or flight.
Keep your US job or business
Your spouse and children under 18 can join you through family reunification. Spouses receive unrestricted work authorisation — they can work for a Dutch employer or freelance without a separate work permit.
30% tax ruling for BV route
If you operate through a BV and meet the salary and qualification conditions, you may qualify for the Dutch 30% ruling — up to 30% of your gross salary paid tax-free for up to 5 years. This is only available via the BV structure, not to ZZP sole proprietors.
What This Visa Does Not Allow
Self-employment only — no regular Dutch employment
The DAFT permits you to operate your own business and work within it. You cannot use it to take up regular employment with a Dutch employer. If you wish to work for a Dutch company as an employee, you would need a standard work permit instead.
Does not lead directly to permanent residency
Your Dutch business must remain active and the €4,500 capital must never drop below the required threshold. If your business becomes dormant or the capital falls below the minimum, your residence permit may be at risk at renewal. Older applicants approaching Dutch pension age may receive additional IND scrutiny to confirm genuine business intent.
Core Documents Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid US passport | Must be valid for the duration of the intended stay plus a safety margin |
| Completed application form | Official DAFT residence permit application, submitted to the IND. Under the 2024 pilot, business documents can follow within 6 months of permit approval |
| Health insurance | Qualifying Dutch health insurance (zorgverzekering). International policies are generally not accepted — you need a Dutch-registered policy |
| Proof of accommodation | Rental agreement or confirmed accommodation address in the Netherlands. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht are popular choices for US arrivals |
| Business plan / proof of business activity | A description of your intended Dutch business, demonstrating it is genuine, commercially rational, and likely to be sustainable — the IND assesses viability, not a fixed income figure, for your initial application |
| KvK registration (or plan to register) | Registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce as a ZZP or BV. Under the current pilot procedure, this can be completed within 6 months of permit approval rather than upfront |
| State fee payment receipt | BECON-verified opening balance sheet confirming the €4,500 equity capital, prepared by a BECON-registered Dutch accountant |
Application Process — Step by Step
Thanks to the April 2024 pilot procedure, you can now apply for your DAFT residence permit before completing company registration. Processing takes approximately 90 days. The application fee is approximately €405–423 (IND fees adjust periodically; confirm the current amount when you file).
1
Arrange qualifying Dutch health insurance
Arrange Dutch health insurance (zorgverzekering). The Netherlands requires residents to hold qualifying Dutch health insurance. Several Dutch insurers offer policies for new residents and internationals — your immigration advisor can recommend suitable providers.
2
Obtain a background check
You will need a clean background check (antecedents certificate). For US applicants, this is typically an FBI Identity History Summary or a state-level police clearance certificate. Confirm apostille requirements with the IND or your immigration advisor.
3
Open a Dutch business account and deposit capital
Open a Dutch business bank account and deposit the €4,500 equity capital. Several Dutch banks offer business accounts for new BV and ZZP owners. Under the pilot, you have 6 months from permit approval to complete this step.
4
Compile and translate your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, KvK registration (or prepare to submit within 6 months), business bank statement, BECON-verified opening balance sheet, Dutch health insurance proof, and background check. Documents not in Dutch or English may need certified translation.
5
Submit your application to the IND
Submit your DAFT residence permit application to the IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst). Under the 2024 pilot you can submit without business registration proof. Pay the current IND application fee (approximately €405–423). Processing takes approximately 90 days.
6
Register company and establish Dutch residence
Once approved, register your ZZP or BV with the KvK, deposit the €4,500 capital, and submit the BECON-verified balance sheet to the IND within 6 months. Register your address with the local gemeente and confirm your Dutch health insurance is active.
Why US Citizens Choose the DAFT Route
Lowest capital requirement of any EU self-employment pathway
At €4,500, the DAFT has the lowest capital requirement of any EU self-employment visa. There is no points-based test, no minimum income threshold to prove before applying, and no requirement to demonstrate economic benefit to the Dutch market. For US freelancers and consultants, this is the most accessible route to EU residency in Western Europe.
English widely spoken and world-class digital infrastructure
The Netherlands consistently ranks among the most digitally connected countries in the world. English is spoken at a near-native level across business, government, and daily life — making it one of the easiest EU countries for Americans to integrate into without learning Dutch immediately.
Functions as a de facto remote work permit
In practice, the DAFT serves as a remote work permit for independent professionals. You register a company, deposit the capital, and can continue serving your existing US clients and employers through your Dutch entity. No income test and no restriction on where your clients are based.
Path to permanent residency after 5 years
After 5 years of continuous legal residence under the DAFT, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency. Note that Dutch naturalisation generally requires renouncing your US citizenship — a significant consideration if keeping your US passport is a priority.
Bottom Line — Is the DAFT Right for You?
- › You are a US citizen working as a freelancer, consultant, or independent professional
- › You can invest €4,500 in equity capital into a Dutch business (this remains your money)
- › You want EU residency in a highly connected, English-friendly country without an income test
- › You are comfortable operating through a registered Dutch company (ZZP or BV)
- › Note: Dutch naturalisation generally requires renouncing US citizenship — if keeping your passport is a priority, consider Portugal or Ireland instead