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.
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.
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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
Practical note
DAFT helps with the residence route, but it does not replace the real work of setting up and operating a compliant business.
Check your document readiness
Use the Document Readiness Checker to see which documents often apply to your profile.
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
DAFT sits in the Dutch self-employed residence framework: immigration lawyers and visa consultants often help with applications, business evidence, and family permits. Startup and entrepreneur advisors can complement KVK and accountant support. Relocation agencies and services can help with housing and arrival admin alongside your business setup.
Services often used in this step
Fragomen
Global immigration law firm with a Netherlands practice. Handles corporate immigration, work permits, and relocations for employers and individuals.
From ~€175–300/hr; corporate packages on request
Pathway Partners
Amsterdam-based immigration and legal services for individuals and businesses. Employment visas (HSM, Blue Card, ICT), self-employment permits, family reunification, naturalisation, objections (bezwaar), and humanitarian residence. Free eligibility assessment and consultation.
Free initial assessment; service fees vary. Family reunification from ~€500 per additional family member
42workspace
Co-working and startup visa facilitation for tech founders.
€0–€2,000 typical; confirm with facilitator
Expat2Holland
Relocation and settling-in support for internationals, including housing, registration, and practical onboarding.
Full package from ~€1,500–3,000; à la carte from ~€200–500 per service. Employer packages often higher.
Jimble
Relocation and mobility services for expats and internationals in the Amsterdam area.
Packages vary; often €1,000–2,500+ for core relocation. Check directly for quote.
Everaert Advocaten
Dutch immigration law firm focused on residence permits, family migration, and IND procedures. One of the first in the Netherlands dedicated to immigration law.
From ~€150–275/hr; fixed fees for some applications
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