The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty is one of the most accessible routes for American entrepreneurs who want to move to the Netherlands and run their own business. It does not require a Dutch employer, a minimum salary, or a degree. It requires a business plan, a KvK registration, and €4,500 of working capital. If you are a US citizen with a real business idea and the willingness to deal with Dutch bureaucracy, this visa is achievable.
I have helped several American clients through this process, and the most common mistake I see is underestimating the preparation required before submitting. The IND scrutinises DAFT applications carefully, particularly the business plan. Getting that right — and understanding what “real business activities” means to a Dutch immigration officer — makes the difference between approval and a long back-and-forth.
This guide covers the full process, the real costs, what you can and cannot do on this visa, and the mistakes worth avoiding from the start.
What Is the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty?
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is a bilateral trade and investment treaty between the United States and the Netherlands, signed in 1956. Among other provisions, it allows US citizens to obtain a Dutch residence permit for the purpose of self-employment.
The treaty predates the EU, and the Netherlands has honoured it since. It gives American citizens preferential treatment over most other non-EU nationalities: rather than needing an employer, a job offer, or specific salary thresholds (as required by the highly skilled migrant visa), you can establish your own business and live here as its owner-operator.
What the treaty does not do: it does not guarantee approval. The IND still assesses whether your business is genuine, sustainable, and adds something to the Dutch economy. A sole trader offering generic freelance services with no clear client base or differentiated offering may face pushback. A business with clear market positioning, a credible client acquisition plan, and demonstrated viability is approved routinely.
Who Qualifies?
Nationality requirement: You must hold US citizenship. Not permanent residency, not a green card — a US passport. If you are a dual national (US plus any other nationality), you qualify.
Self-employment requirement: You must be operating your own business. The DAFT route is explicitly for entrepreneurs and self-employed people. You cannot use it to work as someone else’s employee.
Business requirement: Your business must be registered in the Netherlands with the KvK (Kamer van Koophandel). It must have genuine, substantive activity in the Netherlands — not just a letterbox entity. The IND will look at this carefully.
Working capital requirement: €4,500 deposited in a Dutch business bank account, demonstrably available as working capital.
Health insurance: You must arrange Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) after arriving. See the Dutch health insurance guide for how this works for self-employed people.
There is no Dutch language requirement, no minimum age, no educational qualification requirement, and no prior Dutch work history required.
The Requirements in Detail
The Business Plan
The business plan is the heart of your DAFT application. The IND wants to see:
- A clear description of what your business does and for whom
- Evidence of demand for your services or products in the Dutch market
- Your proposed pricing and revenue projections
- How you will acquire clients (not just “LinkedIn and networking” — specifics)
- Your relevant professional background and qualifications
- Why the Netherlands specifically, and why now
- A realistic break-even analysis
This does not need to be a 50-page document. Ten to fifteen pages, clearly written, with plausible numbers grounded in market research, is typically sufficient. What the IND is screening for is: is this a real business, run by someone competent, with a realistic chance of generating income?
Weak business plans tend to share a profile: generic service descriptions, no identified client base, revenue projections that assume full-time billing from month one with no ramp-up period, and no clear reason why the Netherlands rather than any other country. Avoid all of these.
The €4,500 Working Capital
The working capital requirement is €4,500 — a figure that has been stable since this version of the DAFT process was standardised, though the IND can revise it. At time of writing (early 2026), this remains the threshold.
You need this money in a Dutch business bank account. That creates a sequencing problem: you need a KvK registration to open a business bank account, and you need a Dutch address to register with the KvK. Getting these in order before your MVV application is the right approach.
The Dutch business bank account guide for ZZP entrepreneurs covers which banks are available for newly registered sole traders without an established Dutch credit history.
Transferring money from a US bank account to a Dutch business account is straightforward with the right service. Transfer your €4,500 deposit with Wise → Wise offers mid-market exchange rates with no hidden fees, and transfers typically arrive within one to two business days — well within the timing you need for an IND application. For amounts at this level, the difference between Wise and a traditional bank wire can be €80–150 in exchange rate margin.
KvK Registration
You must register your business with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KvK). Registration costs €90 and can be done online or in person at a KvK office. You will need:
- A Dutch residential address (your registered address)
- Identification (US passport)
- Business details: name, sector, legal structure (most DAFT applicants register as eenmanszaak — sole trader)
The KvK registration guide for expats walks through the full process step by step. One practical note: registering at a temporary address, such as a short-stay rental, is accepted. You do not need a permanent contract to register.
The Application Process Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation (4-6 weeks)
Before submitting anything to immigration authorities, prepare:
- Business plan (finalised)
- Proof of €4,500 working capital (bank statement showing the funds)
- KvK registration extract (uitreksel) — obtained after registering your business
- Copies of relevant professional qualifications or portfolio evidence
- US passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay)
- Completed MVV application form
If you are bringing a partner or children, gather their documents at this stage too.
Step 2: Apply for the MVV at the US Consulate (4-8 weeks)
The MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) is the provisional residence permit that allows you to enter the Netherlands for the purpose of obtaining a full residence permit. You apply for this at the Dutch consulate or embassy in the US before you travel.
The standard locations are New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, and Washington DC. Processing time is typically four to eight weeks. The consulate fee for the MVV is currently €190.
The consulate does a preliminary review of your application. They are not making the final decision — that is the IND’s role — but a weak business plan can result in rejection or a request for additional information at this stage.
Step 3: Arrive in the Netherlands and Register (first 2 weeks)
Once you have your MVV, you can travel to the Netherlands. Within five days of arrival, report to your municipality (gemeente) to register in the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen) — the personal records database. You will receive your BSN (citizen service number), which you need for almost everything: health insurance, banking, tax registration.
The BSN registration guide covers this process. For the full picture of your first weeks, the first 30 days checklist is worth reading before you land.
Step 4: Submit Residence Permit Application to IND (within 90 days of arrival)
After arriving on your MVV, you must submit your residence permit application to the IND within the validity period of your MVV. You do this at an IND desk appointment, which you book online at ind.nl.
At this appointment, you bring your original documents, pay the IND fee (currently €345 for a new residence permit), and submit biometric data. The IND then has 90 days to decide, though most DAFT applications are processed within four to six weeks.
Step 5: Collect Your Residence Permit
When approved, you will be notified to collect your residence permit card (verblijfsvergunning) at an IND desk. This card is your official proof of right to residence and work in the Netherlands as a self-employed person.
The permit is initially issued for two years. You renew for subsequent two-year periods, and after five years of continuous residence you can apply for permanent residency.
What You Can and Cannot Do on a DAFT Visa
You CAN:
- Operate your own business as a sole trader or director of a Dutch BV (private limited company)
- Work in the Netherlands as a self-employed person across any sector not specifically restricted
- Have clients anywhere in the world — your business does not need to only serve Dutch clients
- Hire Dutch employees in your business once it is established
- Travel freely within the Schengen Area
- Apply for permanent residency after five years
You CANNOT:
- Take a job as an employee of a Dutch or foreign company — this visa does not grant employment rights
- Use the visa for passive investment without substantive business activity
- Register a dormant or shell company without genuine operations
Grey area to be careful about: Functioning mainly as a permanent contractor for a single client that controls your work schedule and methods. Dutch tax authorities (and the IND at renewal) may reclassify this as disguised employment, which affects both your tax position and your visa. The freelancer/ZZP guide covers the Dutch “false self-employment” issue in detail — worth reading before you structure your working arrangements.
Renewals
Your DAFT residence permit is initially valid for two years. Renewals are assessed by the IND and require demonstrating that:
- Your business has been genuinely active during the permit period
- You have generated income (the IND will look at your tax returns — specifically your inkomstenbelasting filing)
- Your business remains viable going forward
At renewal, the IND does not simply rubber-stamp the extension. They want to see that the business did what the business plan said it would do. If your first two years produced minimal revenue, be prepared to explain why and provide a credible plan for the next period.
Filing Dutch taxes correctly is important here. As a ZZP entrepreneur, you file annually through the Belastingdienst portal. The tax guide for freelancers and ZZP in the Netherlands covers self-employment tax obligations, the zelfstandigenaftrek (self-employment deduction), and what to keep records of.
Real Costs Breakdown
Here is an honest accounting of what this process costs:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| MVV application (US consulate) | €190 |
| IND residence permit fee | €345 |
| KvK registration | €90 |
| Working capital deposit | €4,500 (yours, stays in your account) |
| Business bank account setup | €0–€100 depending on bank |
| Business plan professional help (optional) | €500–€2,500 |
| Immigration lawyer (optional but recommended) | €1,500–€4,000 |
| Health insurance (first year) | €1,400–€1,800 |
| Total out-of-pocket costs (excluding capital) | ~€750–€8,000 |
The working capital is not a fee — it is your money, sitting in your business account. The real upfront costs are the application fees plus whatever you choose to spend on professional support.
I generally recommend spending money on professional business plan preparation if you are not experienced with Dutch business plan conventions. A rejected MVV application means re-applying, waiting another four to eight weeks, and paying the consulate fee again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting a business plan with no Dutch market specificity. The IND wants to know why the Netherlands, what your Dutch market is, and how you will reach it. Generic plans that could apply to any country are a consistent rejection trigger.
Underestimating the working capital timing. You need the €4,500 in a Dutch business account before submitting your IND application. Setting up a Dutch business account without Dutch residency is possible but takes longer than people expect. Start this process early.
Confusing the MVV with the residence permit. The MVV allows you to enter and stay for a limited period while you apply for the actual residence permit. Many applicants think the MVV approval is the end — it is not. You must still complete the IND residence permit application within the validity period.
Taking employment alongside the DAFT visa. If you take a salaried job, you need a separate work permit or a different visa. Working as an employee on a DAFT visa is not permitted and can result in permit revocation.
Not registering with the municipality promptly. You have five days from arrival to register at your gemeente. Missing this creates complications with your BSN, your health insurance timeline, and your IND appointment scheduling.
The DAFT Visa vs Other Options for American Entrepreneurs
Americans in the Netherlands have several paths, depending on their situation:
| Route | Best for | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| DAFT visa | Self-employed Americans | US citizenship + business plan + €4,500 |
| Highly skilled migrant | Employed Americans | Dutch IND-recognised sponsor employer + salary threshold |
| Startup visa | All nationalities, early-stage | Approved facilitator + innovative product |
| Student visa | Students | Enrolment at Dutch institution |
The DAFT visa is unique in requiring only US citizenship and a viable business — no employer, no salary minimum (beyond viability), no specific educational background. For American freelancers, consultants, and entrepreneurs who want independence and flexibility, it is typically the right route.
If you are considering the complete guide to moving to the Netherlands, the DAFT section is covered within the broader immigration overview, but this guide gives you the detail you need for an actual application.
Spouse and Family
Your spouse or registered partner can apply for a dependent residence permit (afhankelijke verblijfsvergunning) alongside your DAFT application. This permits them to:
- Live in the Netherlands
- Work as an employee or self-employed person without a separate work permit
- Access the Dutch public services they are entitled to as a legal resident
You will need to demonstrate your relationship (marriage certificate or registered partnership documentation, both apostilled for Dutch use — see the apostille guide for how this works) and show you can financially support your household.
Children under 18 can join as dependents. Children over 18 need their own visa unless they are enrolled in Dutch education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the DAFT visa?
Only United States citizens. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is a bilateral agreement between the Netherlands and the USA. It is not available to other nationalities. US passport holders of any background qualify — you do not need to be born in the US, only hold US citizenship.
How much money do I need for the DAFT visa?
You must deposit €4,500 into a Dutch business bank account and show it as working capital for your business. The deposit remains yours — it is not a fee — but must stay in the account and be demonstrably available as business capital.
Can I work for a Dutch employer on a DAFT visa?
No. The DAFT visa is specifically for self-employed entrepreneurs. You cannot use it to take a job as an employee. You must operate your own business, registered with the KvK (Chamber of Commerce).
How long does the DAFT application take?
The full process typically takes three to six months from initial application to receiving your residence permit. The MVV from the US consulate takes four to eight weeks; the IND then processes the residence permit within 90 days. Plan for at least four months and ideally six.
Can my spouse or partner come with me on a DAFT visa?
Yes. Your spouse or registered partner can apply for a dependent residence permit, which gives them the right to live in the Netherlands and to work without needing their own work permit. Children under 18 can also come as dependents.
Does the DAFT visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes. After five years of continuous legal residence in the Netherlands, you can apply for permanent residency. After five years of residence you can also apply for Dutch citizenship, provided you meet the language and integration requirements.
Next Steps
If you are a US citizen planning to run your own business in the Netherlands, the DAFT route is worth pursuing. The key preparation is:
- Develop a serious, Netherlands-specific business plan
- Register your business with the KvK
- Open a Dutch business bank account and deposit the working capital
- Apply for your MVV at the US consulate
Use our visa and permit finder tool to cross-check which route best fits your specific situation before committing to the DAFT process.
The Netherlands is one of the better countries in Europe for self-employed Americans: English is widely spoken, the startup and freelance ecosystem is mature, tax arrangements for entrepreneurs are reasonable, and the country’s central location makes it a practical base for serving clients across Europe. The paperwork is real, but it is worth doing properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the DAFT visa?
Only United States citizens. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is a bilateral agreement between the Netherlands and the USA. It is not available to other nationalities. US passport holders of any background qualify — you do not need to be born in the US, only hold US citizenship.
How much money do I need for the DAFT visa?
You must deposit €4,500 into a Dutch business bank account and show it as working capital for your business. This amount has been stable for several years but is subject to IND review. The deposit remains yours — it is not a fee — but must stay in the account and be demonstrably available as business capital.
Can I work for a Dutch employer on a DAFT visa?
No. The DAFT visa is specifically for self-employed entrepreneurs. You cannot use it to take a job as an employee. You must operate your own business, registered with the KvK (Chamber of Commerce). If you want to work as an employee, you need a different route — typically the highly skilled migrant visa, which requires an IND-recognised sponsor employer.
How long does the DAFT application take?
The full process typically takes three to six months from initial application to receiving your residence permit. The first step — the provisional residence permit (MVV) from the US consulate — takes four to eight weeks. The IND then processes the residence permit application within 90 days. Plan for at least four months and ideally six before you need to start operating.
Can my spouse or partner come with me on a DAFT visa?
Yes. Your spouse or registered partner can apply for a dependent residence permit. This gives them the right to live in the Netherlands and to work — either employed or self-employed — without needing their own work permit. Children under 18 can also come as dependents.
Does the DAFT visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes. After five years of continuous legal residence in the Netherlands, you can apply for permanent residency. After five years of residence you can also apply for Dutch citizenship, provided you meet the language and integration requirements. The DAFT visa years count toward both.
What happens to the €4,500 deposit?
The €4,500 stays in your Dutch business bank account as working capital. It does not get paid to any authority — it is your money. The IND needs to see that it is there and available. You can use the business account normally as your business operates, but the working capital needs to be demonstrable at the time of application and at renewals.
