What is the Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa?

The DAFT visa is a residence permit that allows U.S. entrepreneurs and freelancers to live and work in the Netherlands. It requires starting a business and maintaining a minimum investment of €4,500 in a Dutch business bank account.

Who is eligible for the DAFT visa?

All U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for the DAFT visa, provided they establish a business in the Netherlands and meet the financial investment requirement.

What are the steps to apply for the DAFT visa?

The process typically involves: (1) registering with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK), (2) opening a Dutch business bank account, (3) depositing the required €4,500 investment, (4) submitting the application to the IND, and (5) receiving a residence permit decision.

How much do I need to invest for the DAFT visa?

Applicants must deposit at least €4,500 into a Dutch business bank account linked to their company and maintain this balance during their residence.

Can my spouse and children join me under the DAFT visa?

Yes. Spouses and minor children of DAFT visa holders can apply for dependent residence permits, allowing them to live, study, and in most cases work in the Netherlands.

How long does the DAFT visa process take?

Processing times vary, but most applicants receive a decision from the IND within 8 to 12 weeks after submitting all required documents.

Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa application assistance

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The Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa lets U.S. entrepreneurs live and work in the Netherlands by starting a company here. The process involves a visa application, a company registration and the opening of a Dutch bank account. Cardon & Company offers expert guidance to simplify the application.

Read more about the DAFT Visa application steps or schedule a free intake below.

Dutch American Friendship Treaty Requirements

Have a US passport

Set up a company in the Netherlands

Invest € 4,500 in your Dutch company

Schedule free intake

How to apply for the Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa

We can help with your DAFT visa application in eight steps! The process includes personalized support with application assistance, tax consulting, preparation of immigration documents, and expert guidance to make your journey seamless and stress-free.

Step 1

Make sure you meet all the requirements for DAFT visa. Also check for practical tips about DAFT.

Step 2

Prepare and choose a business type. Don’t forget you can get a 30% ruling with DAFT as well!

Step 3

We file your DAFT visa application. You plan your IND appointments.

Step 4

Go to the IND appointments and obtain your endorsement sticker + drop off your biometrics.

Step 5

Make an appointment at your Dutch Municipality to obtain your BSN number.

Step 6

Make sure you have your company registered and have a bank account for it.

Step 7

Deposit € 4,500 on your company bank account. Get an opening balance from an accountant.

Step 8

Your file is complete. Expect your DAFT visa in 6-8 weeks.

Schedule free call

How to apply for the Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa

Step 1

Make sure you meet all the requirements for DAFT visa. Also check for practical tips about DAFT.

Step 2

Prepare and choose a business type. Don’t forget you can get a 30% ruling with DAFT as well!

Step 3

We file your DAFT visa application. You plan your IND appointments.

Step 4

Go to the IND appointments and obtain your endorsement sticker + drop off your biometrics.

Step 5

Make an appointment at your Dutch Municipality to obtain your BSN number.

Step 6

Make sure you have your company registered and have a bank account for it.

Step 7

Deposit € 4,500 on your company bank account. Get an opening balance from an accountant.

Step 8

Your file is complete. Expect your DAFT visa in 6-8 weeks.

Schedule free call

How to apply for the Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa

Step 1

Make sure you meet all the requirements for DAFT visa. Also check for practical tips about DAFT.

Step 2

Prepare and choose a business type. Don’t forget you can get a 30% ruling with DAFT as well!

Step 3

We file your DAFT visa application. You plan your IND appointments.

Step 4

Go to the IND appointments and obtain your endorsement sticker + drop off your biometrics.

Step 5

Make an appointment at your Dutch Municipality to obtain your BSN number.

Step 6

Make sure you have your company registered and have a bank account for it.

Step 7

Deposit € 4,500 on your company bank account. Get an opening balance from an accountant.

Step 8

Your file is complete. Expect your DAFT visa in 6-8 weeks.

Schedule free call

Complete DAFT + BV + 30% package

If you qualify for the DAFT visa, you may also be eligible for the 30% ruling tax benefit !

We offer a complete DAFT + BV + 30% package, servicing you from A to Z. This means we take care of your DAFT, your BV incorporation and 30% ruling application. We guard your timelines and make sure everything is 100% correct.

Apply for DAFT

Set up a company in the Netherlands

Get a 30% ruling

Schedule free intake

Explaining the DAFT Visa Netherlands process

Explaining the
DAFT Visa Netherlands process

Book Consulation

Why choose Cardon & Company

More than 12 years of experience.

Specialised in business immigration to the Netherlands

Immediate, practical and informed approach

100% success guarantee

Schedule free intake

Basic information Dutch
American Friendship
Treaty visa

Dutch American Friendship Treaty explanation

Definition of "substantial" investment

Possible company forms

Validity of the Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa

Permanent Dutch Residency

Position of family members under the Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa

Tax benefits available under the Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa

Netherlands / USA Tax treaty

The Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa in 2025

Dutch American Friendship Treaty explanation

Definition of "substantial" investment

Possible company forms

Validity of the Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa

Permanent Dutch Residency

Position of family members under the Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa

Tax benefits available under the Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa

Netherlands / USA Tax treaty

The Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa in 2025

Dutch American Friendship Treaty explanation

Definition of "substantial" investment

Possible company forms

Validity of the Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa

Permanent Dutch Residency

Position of family members under the Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa

Tax benefits available under the Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa

Netherlands / USA Tax treaty

The Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa in 2025

Book Consulation

Our clients

Book Consulation

Our clients

Book Consulation

Our clients

Book Consulation

Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa application assistance

Dutch American Friendship Treaty Requirements

Have a US passport

Have a US passport

Have a US passport

Set up a company in the Netherlands

Set up a company in the Netherlands

Set up a company in the Netherlands

Invest € 4,500 in your Dutch company

Invest € 4,500 in your Dutch company

Invest € 4,500 in your Dutch company

How to apply for the Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa

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Step 8

How to apply for the Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa

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Step 8

How to apply for the Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa

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Step 8

Complete DAFT + BV + 30% package

Apply for DAFT

Apply for DAFT

Apply for DAFT

Set up a company in the Netherlands

Set up a company in the Netherlands

Set up a company in the Netherlands

Get a 30% ruling

Get a 30% ruling

Get a 30% ruling

Explaining the DAFT Visa Netherlands process

Explaining theDAFT Visa Netherlands process

Why choose Cardon & Company

More than 12 years of experience.

More than 12 years of experience.

More than 12 years of experience.

Specialised in business immigration to the Netherlands

Specialised in business immigration to the Netherlands

Specialised in business immigration to the Netherlands

Immediate, practical and informed approach

Immediate, practical and informed approach

Immediate, practical and informed approach

100% success guarantee

100% success guarantee

100% success guarantee

Basic information Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa

Our clients

Our clients

Our clients

Explaining the
DAFT Visa Netherlands process

Basic information Dutch
American Friendship
Treaty visa