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
Is the DAFT visa the right choice for you?
The DAFT visa is by far the most accessible route into the Netherlands for self-employed Americans. Unlike the Startup Visa, which requires a formal business plan and approval, or the Highly Skilled Migrant visa, which requires employer sponsorship, the DAFT visa only asks for a U.S. passport, a registered Dutch business, and €4,500 in starting capital.
Whether you're a freelancer, a 1099 contractor, or an entrepreneur setting up a Dutch branch of your existing business: if you can work self-employed, DAFT is almost certainly your fastest and most straightforward path.
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
What happens after your DAFT visa is approved?
Your DAFT visa is valid for 2 years. After that, you apply for a renewal, at which point the IND will ask for basic financial records from your business. As a rule of thumb, you'll need to show earnings of roughly €1,700 to €1,800 per month from month 7 to 24.
After 5 years of lawful residence, you can apply for permanent residency, which means no further visa requirements while keeping your U.S. passport. Your spouse and minor children receive a residence permit alongside yours and are free to work in any capacity from day one.
We guide clients through the full lifecycle, from initial application to renewal and beyond.
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!