Dutch Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) Self-Employment Permit

Who it's for

US citizens who want to be self-employed in the Netherlands - freelancers, consultants, and small-business owners - and prefer the treaty's simple capital test over the general points-based self-employed route.

Requirements

• United States nationality
• A registered Dutch business (sole proprietorship, BV, etc.) at the Chamber of Commerce (KVK)
• The required minimum capital invested in and available to the business, held in a Dutch business bank account
• The applicant must be an entrepreneur genuinely running the business (not merely an employee/investor)
• A valid passport; no public-order objections; TB test where required

What you can do

• Live in the Netherlands and run your own registered business
• Bring family members through family reunification
• Renew the permit while the business stays active and the capital remains invested
• Use time on the permit toward eventual long-term/permanent residence

How to apply

First-time applicants can often apply from within the Netherlands. The IND has a streamlined DAFT process, with first applications generally decided within about four to six weeks.

First-time treaty applicants without an existing residence permit typically must register with the Chamber of Commerce and make the required investment within six months of receiving the permit, or it can be revoked.

You provide business registration and proof that the required capital is invested in and available to the company (usually via an accountant's statement).

Documents

• Valid US passport
• Chamber of Commerce (KVK) registration for the business
• Accountant's statement / bank evidence showing the required capital is in the business account
• Business plan or description of activities
• Antecedents (public order) declaration; TB test where applicable