The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is a special agreement between the U.S. and The Netherlands. It offers a straightforward path to residency and self-employment in The Netherlands. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about DAFT, including business structures in The Netherlands and how to apply:
What is the Dutch American Friendship Treaty?
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, also known as the Dutch-American Residency Treaty or DAFT, is an agreement between the United States and the Netherlands. It allows American entrepreneurs to acquire temporary residency and a work permit in the Netherlands for the purpose of starting a business.
The DAFT also outlines similar reciprocal benefits for Dutch citizens who want to do business in the United States.
If you qualify under this treaty, you can get temporary residency in the Netherlands for two years. After this time allotment, you can renew your DAFT visa for another five years, provided you still meet all conditions.
Under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, a wide range of business opportunities are available. We’ve worked with American entrepreneurs across many industries, including freelancing in fields like:
- Writing
- Graphic design
- Web development
- Virtual assistance
- Online tutoring
- Digital marketing.
These roles offer flexibility and the potential for substantial income, depending on skills and market demand.
If you have a business idea, the DAFT could be your gateway to success in the Netherlands.
Benefits of the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty
No point based test requirements
Typically, if a foreign entrepreneur wants to start a business in the Netherlands, they must prove that their business is innovative and in the interest of the Dutch economy. This is determined by a points-based test of 300 points.
This evaluation includes questions about the personal experience of the applicant. Typical questions examine the applicants education, entrepreneurship, and business plan. It is meant to determine if and how the business will add value to the Netherlands. For example, if the business will create jobs, or if the applicant is making a financial investment in the Netherlands.
However under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, American entrepreneurs are exempt from the Dutch national interest and points-based test requirements. This is a huge benefit that Americans have over other nationalities moving to the Netherlands.
Lower capital investment
Another requirement for most foreign entrepreneurs starting a business in the Netherlands is that they must prove that they have “significant capital” available to start their business. This amount can range up to tens of thousands of euros. Daft lowers this amount significantly, requiring only €4,500 of capital
Requirements for the DAFT Visa
These are the main requirements to obtain a DAFT Visa:
- You have a US passport
- You will live and start a business in The Netherlands
- You have not stayed in The Netherlands illegally
- You bring a starting capital of €4,500. This amount needs to be on your business bank account for the duration of your Visa.
You do not need to learn Dutch to get a DAFT Visa. However, if you plan to apply for permanent residence or Dutch citizenship after five years, you will need to pass the Dutch language and integration (inburgering) exam.
How to apply for the Dutch American Friendship Treaty?
1. Decide on the business structure
If you want to move to the Netherlands under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, you’ll need to start a business. So you’ll need to decide on a business structure. There are two options: Self-employed (ZZP) or Corporation (BV). It’s best to decide on this structure before moving to the Netherlands. You can find which structure works best for you here– ZZP or BV link
2. Submit your DAFT Visa application
Once you decide on which structure is right for you, you’ll need to fill out an application with IND (the Dutch Immigration service). You can read more about how to apply to live and work in the Netherlands as a self-employed person on the IND website here.
You will be asked for your Chamber of Commerce extract, bank statement and balance sheet as well, but you can do this at a later stage. First, you need to apply for a BSN number.
3. BSN and Bank Account
In order to complete your registration process in the Netherlands, you will need to obtain a BSN. This is essentially a Dutch social security number and is required for all official transactions and forms in the Netherlands.
You must register with the city (Gemeente) within four months after your arrival. Mention that you’re in the process for the DAFT Visa.
Once your registration is complete, you will receive your BSN within 5-10 business days. With this number in hand, you can open a Dutch bank account. There are also some banks like Bunq that already let you have a bank account while you wait for your BSN.
As mentioned above, you need to deposit a minimum of €4,500 into the account. This capital is required to qualify for the DAFT visa and must remain in the account throughout the duration of your permit.
4. Chamber of Commerce Registration
Make sure to register with the Chamber of Commerce within six months after receiving your residence permit. Failing to do so can lead to the revocation of your permit by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).
Make an appointment online with your closest Chamber of Commerce. After registration, you will receive your Chamber of Commerce number. For your DAFT application, you also need an extract of your registration. You can get this for a small cost online or at the Chamber of Commerce office.
DAFT Changes 2025
The Dutch immigration authorities (IND) have made the DAFT application process faster. Most visas are now approved within 4-6 weeks after submission.
U.S. applicants usually submit complete applications. The IND therefore no longer checks finances upfront. Instead, they do random checks after approval. You don’t need to upload financial documents, but you must keep them on file in case of an audit.
For 2025, the IND fees for the DAFT application are:
- €405 for the main applicant
- €243 for a spouse
- €81 per child
Navigate Your Personal Tax Situation with BNC Tax & Accounting B.V.
Are you moving to the Netherlands under the DAFT and have questions about your specific tax situation? Please contact BNC Tax for a free initial consultation for professional advice.