Comprehensive guide to renewing your DAFT permit with detailed requirements and process for 2025
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DAFT permits must be renewed every 2 years initially, then every 5 years thereafter. The renewal process is more complex than the initial application, requiring detailed financial documentation and proof of business activity.
- First Application: 2-year permit granted
- Renewal Application: Submit 3 months before expiry
- Renewed Permit: 5-year duration after successful renewal
- Following Renewals: Every 5 years
- Same Requirements: Similar documentation and criteria
- Long-term Stability: Established business track record
¶ 1. €4,500 Deposit Maintenance
ZZP (Sole Proprietorship):
- Liquidity: €4,500 must appear in business liquidity on balance sheet
- Consistency: Must be maintained throughout both years
- Documentation: Clear bank statements showing consistent balance
BV (Private Limited Company):
- Company Assets: €4,500 must be part of company "Eigen Vermogen" (Assets)
- Classification: Can be "Nominal Share Capital" or "Share Premium Payment"
- Accounting Error Risk: Avoid bookkeeper mistakes that reduce assets below €4,500
- Both Years: Must demonstrate positive annual cash flow for year 1 and year 2
- Certified Documentation: Profit & Loss statements prepared by certified accountant
- BV Consideration: Don't pay out all profits as salary - maintain some for positive cash flow
- Recommended Strategy: For BV with 30% ruling, keep baseline salary ~€67,000 (2025) with year-end bonus
- Income Requirement: Must be able to sustain yourself (no specific minimum)
- ZZP Calculation: Amount equals your business cash flow balance
- BV Calculation: Amount equals salary drawn from company
- Consistency: Must demonstrate sustained income capability
Certified Balance Sheet:
- Professional Preparation: Must be prepared by certified accountant
- BECON Certification: Accountant must have proper credentials
- Two-Year Coverage: Covering both years of permit period
- Asset Verification: Clearly showing €4,500 maintenance
Profit & Loss Statements:
- Annual Statements: For both years of permit
- Professional Preparation: Certified accountant required
- Positive Results: Must show positive cash flow both years
- Detailed Breakdown: Revenue, expenses, net profit
Current KvK Extract:
- Recent Extract: No more than 3 months old
- Active Status: Showing current business registration
- Correct Information: Matching current business activities
- Address Verification: Confirming current business address
Filed Tax Returns:
- Annual Returns: Both years must be filed
- Compliance: No outstanding tax obligations
- Professional Preparation: Recommended professional tax preparation
- Supporting Documents: VAT returns if applicable
- Accountant Engagement: Hire certified accountant if not already done
- Financial Review: Assess financial position and requirements
- Document Gathering: Start collecting all required documents
- Compliance Check: Ensure all obligations are met
- Application Submission: Submit renewal application (earliest allowed)
- Document Completion: Ensure all documents are ready
- Professional Review: Have accountant review all financial statements
- Application Fee: Pay renewal fee (€290)
- Monitor Status: Check application status regularly
- Respond Quickly: Address any IND requests promptly
- Maintain Obligations: Continue meeting all requirements
- Professional Support: Stay in touch with accountant/lawyer
Insufficient Deposit:
- Balance Drops: Allowing account to drop below €4,500
- Temporary Removal: Withdrawing funds even temporarily
- Poor Monitoring: Not tracking balance adequately
- Emergency Withdrawals: Using funds for business expenses
Negative Cash Flow:
- Poor Business Performance: Showing losses in either year
- Inadequate Revenue: Not generating sufficient income
- Excessive Expenses: Claiming too many business expenses
- Timing Issues: Poor timing of income and expenses
Inadequate Income:
- Insufficient Income: Not able to sustain yourself
- Inconsistent Income: Irregular income patterns
- Late Start: Not achieving income early enough
- Poor Documentation: Inadequate income records
Late Application:
- Timing Error: Applying too close to expiry
- Processing Delays: Not allowing enough time for processing
- Document Delays: Waiting too long to gather documents
- Professional Delays: Accountant scheduling issues
Inadequate Professional Support:
- Uncertified Accountant: Using non-BECON certified professional
- Inexperienced Advisor: Advisor unfamiliar with DAFT requirements
- Poor Communication: Language barriers with professional
- Incomplete Services: Not receiving comprehensive support
Poor Record Keeping:
- Missing Documents: Lost or incomplete financial records
- Inadequate Backup: No backup copies of important documents
- Disorganized Files: Poor organization of business records
- Timing Issues: Records not prepared in time
Review Requirements:
- Deposit Check: Verify €4,500 has been maintained
- Cash Flow Analysis: Assess both years' financial performance
- Income Verification: Confirm minimum income requirements
- Tax Compliance: Ensure all taxes are filed and paid
Professional Engagement:
- Certified Accountant: Engage BECON certified professional
- Document Preparation: Begin balance sheet preparation
- Compliance Review: Assess all regulatory requirements
- Cost Planning: Budget for renewal costs
Financial Statements:
- Balance Sheet: Certified balance sheet for both years
- Profit & Loss: Certified P&L statements for both years
- Bank Statements: Complete bank statements showing €4,500
- Tax Returns: Filed returns for both years
Business Documentation:
- KvK Extract: Current registration certificate
- Business Records: Comprehensive business activity records
- Client Documentation: Evidence of diverse client base
- Invoice Records: Professional invoicing documentation
Application Preparation:
- Complete Forms: Fill out renewal application forms
- Document Assembly: Organize all required documents
- Professional Review: Have accountant review application
- Fee Payment: Pay €290 renewal fee
Submission Process:
- Online Submission: Submit through IND portal
- Document Upload: Upload all required documents
- Confirmation: Receive application confirmation
- Tracking: Monitor application status
During Processing:
- Status Monitoring: Check application status regularly
- Response Readiness: Be prepared to respond to IND requests
- Continued Compliance: Maintain all obligations
- Professional Support: Stay in contact with advisors
Potential Requests:
- Additional Documentation: Provide additional financial records
- Clarifications: Answer questions about business activities
- Interviews: Attend interviews if requested
- Corrections: Correct any errors in application
¶ Step 5: Decision and Next Steps
Positive Decision:
- Approval Letter: Receive approval notification
- New Permit: Collect new 5-year residence permit
- Continued Obligations: Maintain all requirements
- Next Renewal: Plan for next renewal in 5 years
Negative Decision:
- Appeal Options: Consider appeal process
- Legal Support: Engage immigration lawyer
- Reapplication: Consider reapplication strategy
- Alternative Options: Explore other visa options
BECON Certification:
- Mandatory: Must have BECON certification
- DAFT Experience: Experience with DAFT renewals
- English Support: English-speaking capabilities
- Comprehensive Services: Full accounting and tax services
Services Provided:
- Balance Sheet Preparation: Certified balance sheet
- Financial Statement Preparation: P&L statements
- Tax Return Preparation: Annual tax returns
- Renewal Support: Application assistance
Costs:
- Balance Sheet: €500-1,500
- Annual Accounting: €200-400/month
- Tax Preparation: €300-800
- Renewal Assistance: €200-500
Immigration Lawyers:
- Renewal Assistance: Application preparation and submission
- Complex Cases: Handling difficult renewal situations
- Appeal Support: Assistance with appeals
- Strategic Planning: Long-term immigration strategy
When to Engage:
- Complex Financial Situations: Multiple income sources
- Previous Compliance Issues: Past problems with requirements
- Business Structure Changes: Changes in business setup
- Appeal Proceedings: Negative decisions
- Maintain Buffer: Keep €5,000+ in business account
- Professional Monitoring: Regular accountant reviews
- Consistent Performance: Maintain steady business activity
- Early Preparation: Start preparation 6 months early
- Comprehensive Records: Maintain detailed business records
- Professional Preparation: Use certified professionals
- Backup Systems: Keep copies of all documents
- Timely Submission: Submit applications early
- Long-term Relationships: Maintain relationships with accountant/lawyer
- Regular Communication: Stay in regular contact
- Proactive Planning: Plan for future renewals
- Continuous Learning: Stay informed about requirement changes
Renewal Emergency Contacts:
- IND General Information: 088-043-0430
- BECON Certified Accountants: Check professional directory
- Immigration Lawyers: Contact bar association for referrals
Key Websites:
Critical Deadlines:
- Application Submission: 3 months before expiry
- Document Preparation: 4 months before expiry
- Professional Engagement: 6 months before expiry
This guide provides comprehensive information about DAFT renewal requirements. For specific questions about your situation, consult with a certified accountant or immigration lawyer.
📍 Current Location: DAFT Renewal Guide
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