Apply for Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa
(Full-Service Support)
Start your DAFT visa application today with expert support for American entrepreneurs.
The Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa lets U.S. entrepreneurs live and work in the Netherlands by starting a company here. Your spouse and children are eligible for a residence permit and can work freely in the Netherlands. 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.
Dutch American Friendship Treaty Requirements
Have a US passport
Set up a company in the Netherlands
Invest € 4,500 in your Dutch company
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
Confirm you meet the three core requirements: a valid U.S. passport, a registered Dutch business, and €4,500 as starting capital. View full requirements.
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 8-12 weeks.
Common mistakes we fix
Relocating to the Netherlands and working self-employed in a new country: there are a number of mistakes you can make along the way. This is what you can expect from us:
Ensure a correct business structure
Guarding of your timelines
Prepare correct certificates
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 (or money back)
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
What does the DAFT visa cost in 2026?
What happens after 2 years?
The Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa in 2026
Currently the Dutch immigration authorities (IND) have adopted a process of expedited DAFT applications. This means the DAFT final decision is issued about 4-6 weeks after its initial submission!