Netherlands DAFT Visa in 2026: Dutch-American Friendship Treaty Guide

“DAFT visa” is informal search language for treaty-based Dutch self-employed residence under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty. The same IND self-employed page also describes a comparable Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty framework.

The treaty route is important because qualifying US or Japanese nationals do not use the ordinary RVO essential-interest points test in the same way as most third-country self-employed applicants.

Who can use the treaty route?

The IND states that the applicant must have US or Japanese nationality and satisfy one of the treaty situations, such as:

  • trading between the Netherlands and the United States or Japan;
  • developing and leading the business operations of a Dutch business;
  • representing a US or Japanese business in a key position;
  • practising an independent profession, subject to exclusions; or
  • investing substantial capital in the business.

The independent-profession treaty provision does not apply to work for or on behalf of government or in the healthcare sector, according to IND guidance.

The €4,500 capital rule

For most business forms, the IND states that it requires at least €4,500 of substantial capital invested in the business.

This is not a universal Dutch entrepreneur threshold. It is a treaty-related benchmark for many common business forms. Different legal structures can have different substantial-capital rules, so applicants should check the current IND/legislative rule for their specific structure.

April 2024 processing change

A significant procedural change took effect in April 2024.

For a first-time treaty applicant who does not yet have a Dutch residence permit, the IND now allows the applicant to receive the residence permit before completing Chamber of Commerce registration and the investment. The applicant must then:

  1. register the business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce; and
  2. make the required investment

within six months after receiving the residence permit.

If those steps are not completed, the IND may revoke the permit.

A person changing an existing Dutch residence purpose and relying on the treaty should submit as much evidence as possible with the application immediately.

Application fee

The current IND 2026 fee table lists €423 for a first application or change in purpose for self-employed residence, including the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty and Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty.

Nationality-specific fee rules can exist in Dutch immigration law, so the current fee page should always be checked just before filing.

Processing time

The treaty route is processed within the self-employed residence framework. The legal decision period is generally 90 days. The ordinary self-employed page notes that expert-advice cases can be extended, although treaty applications are not assessed through the standard RVO points route in the same way as ordinary cases.

Practical timing also depends on whether an MVV is required, embassy appointments, document preparation and residence-card collection.

Permit validity

The IND self-employed residence permit is valid for a maximum of two years. Treaty applicants should plan renewal early and preserve business records throughout the permit period.

Renewal evidence

For treaty-based extensions, the IND states that it requires:

  • annual accounts; and
  • a balance sheet or income statement.

The purpose is to check that the business has actually been active and that the invested capital remained in the business.

A dormant shell company is therefore not a reliable long-term strategy.

Work rights

DAFT/Japanese treaty residence is still a self-employed residence permit. The permit authorises self-employed work. Paid employment for an employer generally requires a TWV unless another rule applies.

The applicant should make sure actual activity matches the treaty/business basis used in the residence application.

Family

The IND states that the partner of a person holding self-employed residence is free to work, including as a self-employed person, once the partner has the proper family residence permit.

Family admission still has separate relationship, document, income and residence conditions.

DAFT versus ordinary self-employment

The ordinary self-employed residence permit generally requires proof that the activity is of essential interest to the Dutch economy and commonly involves the RVO points system.

A qualifying treaty entrepreneur instead relies on the special US/Japanese treaty framework. This is why DAFT should not be described simply as “the same visa with an easier business plan.” The legal basis and assessment route differ.

DAFT versus the startup permit

The startup permit is nationality-neutral but requires a reliable facilitator, an innovative project and a step-by-step plan. It lasts only one year and is not extendable as a startup permit.

DAFT does not require a startup facilitator and can fit ordinary independent business activity, but only eligible nationalities can use it.

Tax and social security

DAFT is an immigration treaty route, not a Dutch tax exemption. A DAFT entrepreneur may still need to register and comply with Dutch:

  • income or corporate tax;
  • VAT;
  • bookkeeping and annual accounts;
  • social-security rules; and
  • payroll obligations if employees are hired.

The employee Expat Scheme/30% facility should not be marketed as an automatic DAFT benefit.

Permanent residence and citizenship

Treaty residence can contribute to a longer Dutch residence history if the permit remains valid and the applicant maintains main residence and continuity.

General permanent residence normally uses a five-year consecutive lawful-residence baseline plus income/integration and other requirements. Ordinary Dutch naturalisation also generally uses a five-year lawful-residence baseline and requires an eligible status, civic integration, public-order compliance and normally nationality renunciation unless an exemption applies.

Common mistakes

  • assuming DAFT is open to every nationality;
  • treating €4,500 as a universal Dutch business-investment requirement;
  • failing to complete Chamber of Commerce registration/investment within six months after a first permit;
  • withdrawing the required business capital before extension;
  • keeping an inactive company with no real business operations; or
  • confusing treaty residence with a tax incentive.

FAQs

Is DAFT available to British, Canadian or Australian citizens?

Not under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty. IND's treaty self-employment rules specifically refer to US and Japanese nationals.

How much do I need to invest?

For most business forms, the IND states a €4,500 substantial-capital amount. Check the current rule for your legal structure.

Must I invest before applying?

For a first-time treaty applicant without an existing Dutch permit, current IND procedure allows registration and investment within six months after receiving the residence permit. Change-of-purpose and renewal cases are handled differently.

What is the fee?

€423 under the current 2026 self-employed/treaty fee table, subject to applicable exceptions.

How long is the permit valid?

The self-employed residence permit is valid for a maximum of two years.

What does IND check at renewal?

Annual accounts and a balance sheet or income statement, including whether the business stayed active and the invested capital remained in the business.

Can my spouse work?

IND partner guidance says the partner of a self-employed permit holder is free to work, including as a self-employed person, once properly admitted.

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Last verified: 15 September 2026. This page is editorial information, not legal or tax advice.

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