¶ DAFT Eligibility and Benefits
Who can apply for DAFT and what benefits you receive - complete guide for families and individuals
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- U.S. Citizenship: Must hold U.S. citizenship (dual citizenship is acceptable)
- Age: Must be 18 years or older
- Business Intent: Must plan to operate a legitimate business in the Netherlands
- Clean Background: No criminal history that would pose a public safety risk
- Financial Capacity: Ability to invest and maintain €4,500 in Dutch business account
Unlike many other visa categories, DAFT does not require Dutch language proficiency for the initial permit or renewals.
- Work Authorization: Your spouse/partner can work freely in the Netherlands, including salaried employment
- No Separate Visa: Partners receive dependent status automatically
- Same Duration: Partner's permit matches your DAFT permit duration
- Include Minor Children: Can bring children under 18
- School Access: Children can attend Dutch schools
- Healthcare Access: Covered under Dutch health insurance system
- Initial Duration: 2 years
- Renewal: 5 years after successful first renewal
- Path to Permanence: Eligible for permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence
- Citizenship Path: Can apply for Dutch citizenship after meeting integration requirements
- Work Location: Clients can be anywhere in the world (not required to be Dutch)
- Business Types: Freelancing, consulting, e-commerce, creative services, online businesses
- Client Diversity: Recommended to maintain diverse client base (avoid 70%+ income from single client)
- Remote Work: Can work remotely for international clients
- Direct Entry: U.S. citizens can enter Netherlands as tourists and apply for DAFT
- No Pre-approval: No need for entry visa before arrival
- EU Travel: Can travel freely within Schengen area
- Multiple Entries: No restrictions on leaving and returning to Netherlands
- Self-Employment Only: Cannot work as a salaried employee
- Exception: Can transition to employer-sponsored visa if offered qualifying position
- Invoice-Based: Must invoice clients through your Dutch business
- Minimum Deposit: €4,500 must remain in business account at all times
- Business Activity: Must maintain active business operations
- Tax Compliance: Must file Dutch taxes and maintain proper business records
- Permanent Residency: No integration exam required for permanent residency
- Citizenship Option: Can apply for Dutch citizenship (requires integration exam)
- EU Rights: Access to EU citizenship benefits
- Language Level: Must pass civic integration exam at A2 level minimum
- Civic Knowledge: Must demonstrate knowledge of Dutch society and values
- Naturalization Ceremony: Must attend ceremony and make Declaration of Solidarity
- Lower Investment: €4,500 vs €1.25M+ for investor visas
- No Income Proof: Not required for initial approval
- Flexible Revenue: No minimum income requirements (but must sustain yourself)
Who Qualifies:
- US Citizens: Including dual nationals
- Age 18+: No upper age limit
- Business Intent: Must plan legitimate business operations
- Clean Background: No disqualifying criminal history
Family Benefits:
- Spouse/Partner: Can work freely (including salaried employment)
- Children: Can accompany and attend Dutch schools
- Same Duration: Family permits match DAFT holder's permit
Key Advantages:
- No Language Requirement: For initial permit and renewals
- Low Investment: Only €4,500 minimum deposit
- Business Flexibility: Clients can be worldwide
- Path to Permanence: Eligible after 5 years continuous residence
Long-term Options:
- Permanent Residency: After 5 years (no integration exam)
- Dutch Citizenship: After 5 years (requires integration exam)
- EU Rights: Full EU citizenship benefits
This guide covers eligibility and benefits. Next, learn about the specific requirements and setup process for your DAFT application.
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