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The Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is a bilateral agreement between the United States and the Netherlands that allows U.S. citizens to obtain a Dutch residence permit for self-employment and business operations in the Netherlands.
This treaty provides a unique pathway for American entrepreneurs to live and work in the Netherlands with significantly reduced bureaucratic barriers compared to standard immigration routes.
- Simplified Process: No job offer or MVV (entry visa) required
- Low Investment: Minimum €4,500 deposit in Dutch business bank account
- Flexible Business Types: Freelancing, consulting, e-commerce, and various online businesses allowed
- Family Inclusion: Spouse/partner can work freely (including salaried employment) and children can accompany
- Renewable Permit: Initial 2-year permit, renewable for 5 years thereafter
- Path to Permanence: Eligible for permanent residency after 5 years, citizenship after meeting integration requirements
New Pilot Process: As of April 1, 2024, the IND introduced a temporary pilot process. You no longer need to provide KvK registration, balance sheet, or business bank statement upfront with your initial application. However, starting 6 months after IND approval, they may verify that you have registered your business and deposited the required €4,500.
- U.S. Citizens: Including dual nationals
- Age Requirement: 18 years or older
- Business Intent: Must plan to operate a legitimate Dutch business
- Clean Record: No criminal history that would pose a public safety risk
Minimum €4,500 must be deposited and maintained in a Dutch business bank account for the duration of your residence permit.
- Enter Netherlands (90-day tourist entry allowed)
- Apply for DAFT at IND (new pilot process - minimal documentation required initially)
- Receive Residence Sticker (allows 6-month stay while awaiting decision)
- Set up Business (KvK registration and bank account within 6 months post-approval)
- Deposit €4,500 (maintain for duration of permit)
- Register with Municipality (get BSN number)
- Obtain Health Insurance (mandatory)
- Processing Time: 1-3 months typically
- Initial Permit: 2 years
- Renewal: 5 years (with business activity verification)
- Application Fee: €380 (2024)
- Language Requirement: None for initial permit
- Work Restrictions: Self-employed only (no salaried employment)
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