Overview
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is commonly used by eligible US citizens who want to live in the Netherlands while working on a self-employed basis. In practice, this route is handled within the Dutch self-employed residence permit framework.
It is designed for American entrepreneurs, freelancers, and founders. It differs from employer-sponsored routes like the Highly Skilled Migrant permit: you do not need a Dutch employer to apply. It is still a formal residence route—business setup, registration, and documentation matter, and you must meet the investment and application requirements.
Who DAFT is for
- US citizens planning to operate a business in the Netherlands
- Freelancers, consultants, solo founders, and entrepreneurs
- People who do not have an employer sponsor but want a residence route tied to self-employment
- Founders moving alone, with a partner, or with family
- Americans planning to build EU market presence from the Netherlands
When this route is relevant
This route is typically relevant when you are a US citizen and want to live in the Netherlands as a self-employed person rather than as an employee of a recognized sponsor.
When another visa may fit better
If you have an employer offer, are studying, or are joining family, another route may fit better. Compare requirements and eligibility.
| Route | Best for | Main difference |
|---|---|---|
| Highly Skilled Migrant | Employees with a job offer from a recognized sponsor | Employer-sponsored; no self-employment or capital requirement. |
| EU Blue Card | Highly qualified non-EU workers (EU-wide scheme) | Employee route with different salary and eligibility rules. |
| Partner / family visa | Partners or family members of Dutch or EU residents | Based on relationship and sponsor's status, not employment. |
| Student visa | Students admitted to a Dutch institution | Tied to study; different work rights and conditions. |
| Self-employed visa | Non-US nationals seeking self-employed residence | General Dutch route; different evidence and profit requirements. |
Investment requirement and official costs
Costs of actually starting and running the business are separate from the IND application fee. The capital threshold is not the same as your total relocation budget. Incorporation, bookkeeping, legal advice, housing, insurance, and living costs add to the total move budget.
| Business form | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship / VOF / CV / BV | €4,500 | Minimum capital investment |
| NV | €11,250 | Minimum capital investment |
| IND application fee | €423 | IND application fee for self-employed residence permit (current figure). Costs of starting and running the business are separate. |
Figures can change
Investment and fees are maintained in a central data file; always check the IND and KVK for current figures.
Estimate your relocation cost
Use the Relocation Cost Estimator to plan first-year costs for a founder move.
Business setup requirements
Your business must actually be set up and documented. Registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) is usually relevant. The business form you choose matters for capital and reporting. Plan for bookkeeping or accountant support, and you need to show the required capital investment where applicable. You still need housing and registration planning for arrival.
- Business must actually be set up and documented
- Registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) is usually required
- Business form (sole prop, VOF, BV, etc.) affects capital and reporting
- Plan for bookkeeping and accountant support
- You must show the required capital investment where applicable
- Housing and municipality registration planning are still required for arrival
Practical note
DAFT helps with the residence route, but it does not replace the real work of setting up and operating a compliant business.
Documents usually needed
Exact documentation can vary by business structure and whether family members are included. Apostilles or legalization may be required for some documents; check IND and municipality requirements.
- US passport
- Business setup documents
- Evidence of required capital investment
- Chamber of Commerce / registration-related documents where applicable
- Business plan or activity explanation if relevant to file preparation
- Civil status documents if moving with partner or family
- Address / housing-related documents for practical move planning
- Supporting financial documentation as required by the route
Check your document readiness
Use the Document Readiness Checker to see which documents often apply to your profile.
Application process and typical timeline
Many founders plan housing and banking early because both personal and business setup can depend on timing. The first months often involve both relocation admin and business admin. Temporary housing is common while longer-term setup stabilizes.
- 1. Confirm DAFT suitability as your route
- 2. Prepare business setup and capital documentation
- 3. Arrange filing / application under self-employed route
- 4. Wait for IND review and decision
- 5. Plan travel and temporary housing
- 6. Register with municipality and receive BSN
- 7. Complete local setup: bank account, insurance, utilities, business admin
After approval: first practical steps
After a positive decision: municipality registration, BSN, Dutch bank account, health insurance, phone and internet, and business admin setup. Plan your first 30 and 90 days; if moving with family, plan their follow-up steps as well.
Recommended services for DAFT movers
Services often used in this step
Wise
Moving money internationally and operating across currencies before and after arrival.
Variable by route and amount
International transfers, multi-currency
bunq
Dutch banking after arrival; popular with internationals and entrepreneurs.
Monthly plans vary
Expat-friendly, fast setup
HousingAnywhere
Temporary housing during arrival while securing long-term accommodation.
City-dependent
Temporary housing, expat rentals
Simyo
Simple Dutch SIM-only mobile plans for early connectivity.
Low-cost monthly plans
Mobile, no-contract options
Independer
Compare Dutch health insurance options once you are ready to choose a provider.
Comparison free; premiums vary
Insurance comparison, health
KVK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce)
Business registration and support information for setting up in the Netherlands.
Registration fees apply
Business registration support
Blue Umbrella
Expat tax, payroll, and business setup support for international entrepreneurs.
Consultation-based
Business setup, tax, bookkeeping
Everaert Immigration Lawyers
Complex immigration and DAFT route questions, tailored advice.
Consultation-based
Legal support for complex cases
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