DAFT Requirements and Setup
Financial requirements, business setup, and essential preparation steps for 2024-2026 pilot process
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Important: As of April 1, 2024, the IND introduced a new temporary pilot process. You can now submit your DAFT application without providing business registration or bank statements upfront. However, within 6 months of approval, the IND may verify that you have:
- Registered your business with KvK
- Deposited the required €4,500 in a Dutch business account
- Minimum Investment: €4,500 deposited in Dutch business bank account
- Maintenance: Must keep €4,500 in account for entire permit duration
- Business Bank Account: Must be dedicated business account (not personal)
Choose one of the following business types:
- Minimum Investment: €4,500
- Liability: Personal liability for business debts
- Taxes: Income taxed as personal income
- Recommended for: Freelancers, consultants, small operations
- Minimum Investment: €4,500 (minimum 25% of paid-in capital)
- Liability: Limited liability protection
- Taxes: Corporate tax + potential 30% ruling access
- Recommended for: Businesses expecting €66,000+ annual profit (2026)
- 30% Ruling: Access to 30% tax ruling if meeting requirements
Minimal Documentation Required:
- Valid U.S. passport
- DAFT application form
- Application fee payment (€423)
- KvK registration extract
- Business bank account statement showing €4,500 deposit
- Dutch residential address proof
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is an international certification that authenticates documents for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. The Netherlands requires apostilled US documents for official purposes.
Documents That May Need Apostille:
- Birth certificate - Required for municipality registration and citizenship applications
- Marriage certificate - If applicable, for family reunification or name changes
- Divorce decree - If applicable
- Educational diplomas - Sometimes needed for professional licensing
- Police clearance/FBI background check - If requested by IND
How to Get US Apostilles:
- Federal documents (FBI checks, federal court records): US Department of State, Office of Authentications
- State documents (birth certificates, state court records): Secretary of State of the issuing state
- Cost: Typically $20-50 per document
- Processing time: 4-8 weeks (plan ahead!)
- Expedited service: Available for additional fee through private services
Important Tips:
- ⚠️ Get fresh copies: Some offices only apostille original or recently issued documents
- ⚠️ Plan 2-3 months ahead: Process can be slow, especially during busy periods
- ⚠️ Make copies: Keep digital and physical copies of all apostilled documents
- ⚠️ Translation: Dutch authorities may require certified Dutch translations of apostilled documents
Dutch Translation Requirements:
- Use a beëdigd vertaler (sworn translator) registered with Dutch courts
- Find translators at: rechtspraak.nl (search "register beëdigd vertalers")
- Cost: €50-100 per page typically
- Required: Must have Dutch residential address
- Options: Temporary housing, Airbnb, or permanent rental
- Timing: Needed before IND application
- When: Within 6 months of DAFT approval
- Process: Online appointment at kvk.nl
- Cost: Approximately €82
- Documents: Passport, address proof, business plan outline
- Best for Americans:
- Bunq ⭐ - Most US-friendly, fully online, accepts Americans easily
- ABN AMRO - Traditional bank, generally works with Americans
- ING - Possible but may require extra documentation
- Rabobank - Can be difficult for Americans due to FATCA
- Backup Options: Wise (for IBAN), N26 (German neobank), Revolut
- Requirements: KvK registration extract, passport, address proof
- Timeline: Open after KvK registration
- Deposit: €4,500 minimum immediately after opening
- What: Burgerservicenummer (Dutch social security number)
- When: After receiving residence permit
- Where: Local municipality (gemeente)
- Required for: Banking, healthcare, taxes
- Mandatory: Must obtain Dutch health insurance
- Deadline: Within 4 months of registration
- Cost: €140-170 per month typically
- Coverage: Basic package covers most medical needs
- Positive Cash Flow: Must show positive annual cash flow for both years
- Income Requirement: Must be able to sustain yourself (no specific minimum)
- Balance Sheet: Certified accountant-prepared balance sheet required
- €4,500 Maintenance: Must maintain minimum deposit throughout
- Activity Level: Must maintain active business operations
- Documentation: Keep detailed financial records
- Invoicing: Must invoice through Dutch business entity
- Client Base: Recommended to diversify (avoid 70%+ from single client)
- Accountant: Strongly recommended for tax compliance and renewal preparation
- Legal Advisor: For complex business structures or specific questions
- Business Consultant: For business strategy and Dutch market entry
- Bunq: English-friendly, fast setup
- ING: Established bank, good English support
- ABN AMRO: Traditional bank, comprehensive services
- Rabobank: Strong business banking focus
- Insufficient Deposit: Dropping below €4,500 minimum
- Mixed Accounts: Using personal account for business
- Poor Record Keeping: Inadequate financial documentation
- Wrong Entity Type: Choosing BV when ZZP is more appropriate (or vice versa)
- Late Registration: Missing 6-month post-approval deadline
- Inactive Business: Failing to maintain genuine business activity
- Tax Obligations: Missing quarterly VAT or annual tax filings
- Insurance Gaps: Failing to maintain continuous health coverage
- Address Updates: Not notifying authorities of address changes
2024 Pilot Process Key Changes:
- No upfront documentation: KvK/bank statements not required for initial application
- 6-month setup window: Complete business setup after IND approval
- Simplified application: Minimal documentation needed initially
Core Financial Requirements:
- €4,500 Minimum: Must be maintained in Dutch business account
- Business Account: Dedicated business account required (not personal)
- Continuous Maintenance: Required for entire permit duration
Setup Timeline:
- Dutch Address: Before IND application
- DAFT Application: Submit with minimal documentation
- IND Approval: Wait 1-3 months for decision
- KvK Registration: Within 6 months of approval
- Business Bank Account: After KvK registration
- €4,500 Deposit: Immediately after account opening
Recommended Banks:
- Bunq: €9.99/month, English support, quick setup
- ING: €10-25/month, established bank
- ABN AMRO: €15-30/month, professional services
This guide covers requirements and setup. Next, learn the step-by-step application process under the new 2024-2026 pilot program.
📍 Current Location: DAFT Requirements and Setup
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