¶ DAFT Requirements and Setup
Financial requirements, business setup, and essential preparation steps for 2024 pilot process
🏠 Back to Home | ⬅️ Previous: Eligibility & Benefits | ➡️ Next: Application Process
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 (2024)
- 30% Ruling: Access to 30% tax ruling if meeting requirements
Minimal Documentation Required:
- Valid U.S. passport
- DAFT application form
- Application fee payment (€380)
- KvK registration extract
- Business bank account statement showing €4,500 deposit
- Dutch residential address proof
- 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 €50
- Documents: Passport, address proof, business plan outline
- Popular Options: Bunq, ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank
- 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: €100-130 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 pilot program.
📍 Current Location: DAFT Requirements and Setup
🏠 Back to Home | ⬅️ Previous: Eligibility & Benefits | ➡️ Next: Application Process