The DAFT visa is the EU’s best-kept secret for US entrepreneurs — €4,500 to set up a Dutch business and you’re a Dutch resident with full Schengen access. Verified 2026.
Last verified: May 26, 2026.
DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) overview
- USA citizens ONLY — bilateral treaty visa
- Investment: €4,500 in Dutch sole-proprietorship or BV business equity
- Validity: 2 years, renewable, PR after 5 years
- Tax: Box 1 progressive 36.97-49.5%; 30% ruling available for highly-skilled (5 years)
- EU + Schengen access
- Cost: €350 application + business setup fees
Why Netherlands works
- Lowest investment bar of any major EU visa (€4,500)
- Excellent English usage everywhere — Netherlands is most English-fluent non-native country alongside Iceland
- Strong startup ecosystem — Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven
- Direct flights to most US East Coast hubs (4-7 hrs)
- 5-year PR path
Eligibility requirements
- US citizen only
- Dutch business registration (eenmanszaak sole trader or BV)
- €4,500 of business equity (cash, equipment, software, IP)
- Business plan
- Dutch rental contract
- Health insurance (Dutch basisverzekering after BSN)
Cost of living — Netherlands 2026
- 1-bed Amsterdam center: €1,800-2,600/month
- 1-bed Rotterdam/Utrecht/Eindhoven: €1,100-1,600/month
- Restaurant meal: €18-35
- Couple comfortable monthly: €3,500-5,500
DAFT visa application process — Netherlands
DAFT (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) is unique among EU visas — only available to US citizens. The application process:
- Step 1 — Register Dutch business (KvK). Either eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship) OR BV (limited company). Eenmanszaak costs €82.25 + appointment fee.
- Step 2 — Capitalize the business with €4,500 in equity. This can be cash, equipment, software, intellectual property, inventory — anything valued at €4,500+ recognized as business equity.
- Step 3 — Open Dutch business bank account. ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, Bunq. Requires KvK registration + BSN (citizen service number).
- Step 4 — Submit DAFT application at IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service). Required: passport, KvK registration, business plan, accountant’s declaration of €4,500 equity, accommodation proof, health insurance.
- Step 5 — Pay €350 application fee.
- Step 6 — Receive decision in 60-90 days.
- Step 7 — Collect residence permit, register at gemeente (municipality), enroll in health insurance.
Why DAFT is so cheap — the historical context
DAFT (the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) was signed in 1956 to encourage US business investment in Netherlands post-WWII. The €4,500 capital requirement has been stable for decades and was originally set as a low bar to attract investment. Modern usage by digital entrepreneurs accelerated since 2018-2020 as remote work normalized.
The bilateral nature means DAFT applies ONLY to US citizens. Canadians, UK citizens, Australians, EU citizens — none can use this path. They must pursue other Dutch routes (orientation year for graduates, highly-skilled migrant for sponsored workers, EU citizens have free movement).
Amsterdam vs Rotterdam vs Utrecht — picking your DAFT base
Amsterdam
Capital, most international, highest rent (€1,800-€2,600 1-bed central). Strong startup + creative scene. English fluent everywhere. 30-minute train to airport. Best for: founders, designers, creatives wanting access to Amsterdam network.
Rotterdam
Second city, port + architecture, cheaper (€1,100-€1,600 1-bed). Younger + more affordable than Amsterdam. Strong engineering + logistics + design. 1-hour train to Brussels (international Brussels access). Best for: tech professionals wanting better value.
Utrecht
Third largest, university town, central location (15 min Amsterdam, 35 min Rotterdam). €1,200-€1,700 1-bed. Strong life-sciences + healthcare tech. Best for: families wanting smaller-city feel with access to both Amsterdam + Rotterdam.
Eindhoven
Fourth largest, tech epicenter (ASML, Philips). €900-€1,400 1-bed. Lower cost, strong English in tech sector. Best for: technical founders wanting hardware/semiconductor ecosystem.
DAFT pitfalls — what surprises US applicants
1. Business plan scrutiny. IND wants to see a viable business — not just “I will freelance from Amsterdam.” Plans should show client base, revenue projections, growth strategy. Most successful applicants engage a Dutch immigration attorney or accountant to refine the plan.
2. Annual accountant statement. Each renewal, you must submit a Dutch-licensed accountant’s declaration that you still maintain €4,500+ business equity. Accountant fees: €300-€600/year for this declaration.
3. 30% ruling does NOT automatically apply. The 30%-ruling (tax-free allowance for highly-skilled migrants) is a SEPARATE tax regime. Most DAFT holders do not qualify — it requires specific skilled-migrant status, not entrepreneur status.
4. BSN delays. Your BSN (citizen service number, like a Dutch SSN) takes 2-4 weeks after registration. Without BSN, you cannot fully open bank accounts, get phone contracts, or enroll in health insurance.
More FAQ
Can my children attend Dutch school on DAFT?
Yes — children of DAFT visa holders attend Dutch public school free. International schools (American School Amsterdam, British School Netherlands) cost €15,000-€25,000/year.
DAFT renewal — what changes after first 2 years?
Renewal is straightforward: continue showing €4,500+ business equity + accountant’s declaration + business activity proof. No income minimum (unique among EU visas). Renewals continue indefinitely.
Can I sell my DAFT business and stay in Netherlands?
Selling the business voids DAFT (the visa is conditional on operating the business). You would need to convert to another residence permit (orientation year, search year, highly-skilled migrant) before selling — or apply for permanent residency after 5 years if that timeline works.
FAQ
Why is DAFT so cheap?
Bilateral 1956 treaty — designed to encourage US investment in Netherlands post-WWII. Modern usage by digital entrepreneurs has accelerated dramatically since 2018.
Can my spouse work on DAFT dependent visa?
Yes — DAFT dependents (spouse + children) get full work authorization in the Netherlands, unlike most EU visas which restrict dependent work.
Related: full visa comparison · Portugal D7 · Spain NLV.
✓ Last verified: May 26, 2026.