Immigration Services
The Netherlands
For ambitious entrepreneurs from the United States, the DAFT visa (Dutch American Friendship treaty visa) is a huge opportunity which enables them to establish their business in the Netherlands with a valid residence permit.
The DAFT visa is much easier going in comparison with the regular self-employment application. With the DAFT visa, the entrepreneur doesn’t have to undergo an examination of the point system of Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO). This easy-going procedure stems from the Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT)
The DAFT visa is recommended for every American entrepreneur.
In order to be eligible for a DAFT visa, the entrepreneur needs to meet the following criteria:
- The entrepreneur must have the American nationality;
- The entrepreneur has to invest a certain investment amount in the company that he/ she is going to establish in the Netherlands. The following investment amounts apply;
– If the entrepreneur is going to establish an ”Eenmanszaak”/ one man business, an amount investment amount of €4500 applies;
– If the entrepreneur is going to establish a ”Vennootschap onder firma/ general partnership, a minimum investment of 25% of the paid- in capital applies, with a minimum of €4500;
-If the entrepreneur is going to establish a ”Besloten vennootschap”/ a private limited company, a minimum investment of 25% of the paid- in capital applies, with a minimum of €4500;
– If the entrepreneur is going to establish a ”Naamloze vennootschap”/ a public limited company, a minimum investment of 25% of the paid- in capital applies. The paid- in capital for a public limited company is at least €45.000, which means that the minimum investing amount has to be €11.250.
Frequently asked questions
The IND has a legal term of 3 months. However from our experience and practice, the DAFT visa application procedure usually takes 1-2 months.
The IND fees for the DAFT visa are €380
The DAFT visa has a validity of 2 years.
Yes, it is possible. INLS manages the application for the spouse or partner of the DAFT entrepreneur as well. Please visit our partner of a Dutch residence permit holder page and family of a Dutch residence permit holder page.
Legal disclaimer
The information contained in this site is for general guidance on matters of interest only. The application and impact of laws can vary widely based on the specific facts involved. Given the changing nature of laws, rules and regulations, and the inherent hazards of electronic communication, there may be delays, omissions or inaccuracies in information contained in this site. Accordingly, the information on this site is provided with the understanding that INLS is not liable for the above content. As such, it should not be used as a substitute for consultation with our professionals before making any decision or taking any action.
