DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty)

Netherlands•Europe

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DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Application Fee

423 EUR

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Netherlands

Cost of Living

7% more than United States

Avg Salary€44,400

Quality of Life

214/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Self-employment visa for US citizens to establish businesses in the Netherlands without points testing.

The DAFT visa is a Netherlands residence permit exclusively for US citizens who want to establish and run a business there. It bypasses the standard points-based assessment, requiring only a minimum €4,500 capital investment in a Dutch business and KvK registration. The application fee is €423.

Granted for 2 years and renewable, the permit leads to permanent residence if the business stays active. Spouses and minor children can join and work without restriction on a family member permit. No Dutch language requirement applies at entry, though future citizenship requires integration exams.

This visa is ideal for US citizens who want to freelance or run a small business in Europe without a job offer or points test.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

2 years

Eligible Nationalities (1)

United States

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Type II — Permanent Regular Residence Permit (Type II)

Netherlands

Type II — Permanent Regular Residence Permit (Type II)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing1-180 days

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be a citizen of the United States.

Must establish a business in the Netherlands (sole proprietorship or private limited company).

Must own at least 25% of the business.

Must invest a minimum of €4,500 in a Dutch business bank account.

Must work as a self-employed entrepreneur or freelancer.

Must possess a valid passport.

Must not pose a risk to public order or national security.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

Investment

4,500 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid U.S. passport

Apostilled birth certificate

Proof of business registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK)

Bank statement showing the €4,500 capital investment

Opening balance sheet signed by a Dutch accountant (BECON registered)

Proof of Dutch health insurance

Antecedent certificate

Application Process

Register your business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) or prepare to do so.

Open a Dutch business bank account and deposit the minimum €4,500 capital investment.

Obtain an opening balance sheet signed by a BECON-registered Dutch accountant.

Arrange Dutch health insurance and gather all required documents (apostilled passport copy, birth certificate, antecedent certificate).

If applying from the US: submit form 9531 at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country of residence to obtain an MVV (entry visa).

If already in the Netherlands: submit form 7524 to the IND to change or obtain your residence permit.

Pay the €423 application fee.

Attend biometrics appointment at an IND desk in the Netherlands.

Collect residence permit (sticker or card) upon approval.

Application Forms

Go to application portal

9531 Application for admission and residence to work on a self-employed basis (from abroad / MVV)	Fill online
7524 Application for the purpose of residence to work on a self-employed basis (in Netherlands)	Fill online
7612 Appendix: Declaration on income of self-employed person	Fill online
7535 Application for extension of residence permit for work as a self-employed person	Fill online

Verified Claims (22)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Register your business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) or prepare to do so.; Open a Dutch b…	ind.nl
Dependent Visa	Residence Permit for Family Members (form 7525)	ind.nl
Fee Breakdown	Application fee: 423 EUR	ind.nl
Fees	EUR 423	ind.nl
Forms	9531; 7524; 7612; 7535	ind.nl
Included Nationalities	US	ind.nl
Investment Amount	4500	ind.nl
Job Offer Required	false	ind.nl

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Overview

Self-employment visa for US citizens to establish businesses in the Netherlands without points testing.

This visa is ideal for US citizens who want to freelance or run a small business in Europe without a job offer or points test.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be a citizen of the United States.

Must establish a business in the Netherlands (sole proprietorship or private limited company).

Must own at least 25% of the business.

Must invest a minimum of €4,500 in a Dutch business bank account.

Must work as a self-employed entrepreneur or freelancer.

Must possess a valid passport.

Must not pose a risk to public order or national security.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

Investment

4,500 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid U.S. passport

Apostilled birth certificate

Proof of business registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK)

Bank statement showing the €4,500 capital investment

Opening balance sheet signed by a Dutch accountant (BECON registered)

Proof of Dutch health insurance

Antecedent certificate

Application Process

Register your business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) or prepare to do so.

Open a Dutch business bank account and deposit the minimum €4,500 capital investment.

Obtain an opening balance sheet signed by a BECON-registered Dutch accountant.

Arrange Dutch health insurance and gather all required documents (apostilled passport copy, birth certificate, antecedent certificate).

If applying from the US: submit form 9531 at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country of residence to obtain an MVV (entry visa).

If already in the Netherlands: submit form 7524 to the IND to change or obtain your residence permit.

Pay the €423 application fee.

Attend biometrics appointment at an IND desk in the Netherlands.

Collect residence permit (sticker or card) upon approval.

Application Forms

Go to application portal

9531

Application for admission and residence to work on a self-employed basis (from abroad / MVV)

Fill online

7524

Application for the purpose of residence to work on a self-employed basis (in Netherlands)

Fill online

7612

Appendix: Declaration on income of self-employed person

Fill online

7535

Application for extension of residence permit for work as a self-employed person

Fill online