A step-by-step guide
The DAFT visa checklist for Americans moving to the Netherlands.
The Dutch–American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is one of the most accessible residency paths for US citizens in Europe. Here's exactly what you need, what it costs, and the order to do it in.
DAFT visa requirements
Four things you must have
US citizenship
The Dutch–American Friendship Treaty is reserved for US nationals. A US passport is required throughout the process.
€4,500 business investment
You must deposit and maintain at least €4,500 in a Dutch business bank account in your company's name. This capital must stay in the account for the duration of your residence permit.
Dutch business registration
Register a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) or BV with the Kamer van Koophandel (KvK). Most DAFT applicants register an eenmanszaak.
Genuine business activity
A short business plan demonstrating real, ongoing self-employment in the Netherlands—clients, services, and projected revenue.
The 5-step timeline
From US paperwork to Dutch residence card
Most applicants complete the full process in 8–14 weeks. The order matters— skip a step and you'll be stuck waiting on a BSN or a bank appointment.
- 01
Prepare US documents (4–8 weeks before departure)
Order a recent FBI background check (optional but useful), request a long-form birth certificate, and—if applicable—a marriage certificate. Each document needs an apostille from the issuing US state.
- Long-form birth certificate + apostille
- Marriage certificate + apostille (if applicable)
- Valid US passport (6+ months validity)
- Recent passport photos meeting Dutch biometric specs
- 02
Arrange Dutch address and BSN
Secure a rental address (or stay with a registered host) and book an appointment with the local gemeente to register and receive your BSN (Burgerservicenummer). Without a BSN you cannot open a business bank account.
- Signed rental contract or registered host letter
- Gemeente registration appointment
- Receive BSN (usually issued same day)
- 03
Register your business at the KvK
Book an in-person appointment at the Kamer van Koophandel to register your eenmanszaak. Bring your passport, BSN, and address proof. The KvK fee is around €82.
- KvK appointment booked
- Trade name decided
- SBI activity code selected
- Receive KvK number and VAT (BTW) number
- 04
Open a Dutch business bank account and deposit €4,500
Open a business account in your company's name (ABN AMRO, ING, bunq, and Knab all accept DAFT applicants). Transfer at least €4,500 from your US account. Print or download a recent statement showing the balance—you'll need it for IND.
- Business bank account opened
- €4,500 transferred and visible on statement
- Statement dated within 1 month of IND appointment
- 05
Submit your IND application and complete biometrics
File the DAFT residence permit application (self-employment under treaty) with the IND. Pay the IND fee (around €405). Attend the biometrics appointment. A decision typically arrives within 2–4 weeks; your residence permit card is valid for 2 years and renewable.
- IND application submitted
- Biometrics appointment completed
- Health insurance arranged within 4 months of arrival
- Residence permit card collected
Budget
What it costs
Figures are indicative and current as of 2026; IND and KvK fees are reviewed annually.
Common questions
DAFT visa FAQ
- How long does the DAFT visa take from start to finish?
- Most applicants complete the process in 8–14 weeks from gathering US documents to collecting their residence permit card, depending on gemeente and IND appointment availability.
- Can my spouse and children come with me on DAFT?
- Yes. A spouse and minor children can apply as dependents under the same permit. They receive Dutch residency and the spouse can work freely without a separate work permit.
- Do I need a Dutch address before I arrive?
- You need a registered address to receive a BSN, which is required to open a business bank account. Many applicants arrange short-term registered housing for the first 1–2 months while finding longer-term rentals.
- Can I keep US clients on DAFT?
- Yes. DAFT only requires that you are genuinely self-employed and operating from the Netherlands. Many DAFT holders continue serving US clients while based in NL.
Want a hand with your DAFT move?
We help Americans run the DAFT process end-to-end—documents, appointments, housing, and the awkward Dutch admin in between.