Moving to the Netherlands as an American entrepreneur is easier than many expect. Thanks to the Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT), you can legally live and run a business in the Netherlands without complex procedures or a points-based system.
It is one of the most accessible options in Europe for freelancers, consultants, and business owners.
What is the DAFT visa?
The DAFT visa allows US citizens to live in the Netherlands, run their own business, work as self-employed, and bring their partner and children. There are no restrictions on industry, clients, or location.
The main advantage is the simplicity of the process. There is no points system and the requirements are relatively straightforward compared to other residence permits.
Who qualifies?
You qualify if you are a US citizen, you start or run a business in the Netherlands, you work independently rather than as an employee, and you own at least 25% of the company.
You do not qualify if you plan to work as an employee or if your business is not active in practice.
Key requirements
You need a Dutch-registered business. This can be a sole proprietorship (ZZP) or a private limited company (BV).
You must deposit €4,500 into a Dutch business bank account. This is not a fee and remains your company’s money, but it must stay available during the validity of your permit.
Your business must be active and show realistic potential to generate income.
ZZP or BV – choosing the right structure
A ZZP (sole proprietorship) is the simplest and fastest option, often chosen by freelancers and consultants.
A BV (limited company) is required if you want to benefit from the 30% ruling, a tax advantage available to certain expats.
This decision has long-term implications for your taxes and financial structure, so it is important to choose carefully from the start.
DAFT process step by step
The process begins with preparing your documents and choosing the right business structure. Depending on your setup, you register your company either before or shortly after arrival.
After arriving in the Netherlands, you visit the IND to initiate your application, register with the municipality, and receive your BSN number. Once your company is active and your business account is funded, your application is finalized.
The decision is typically issued within one to two months.
Can you buy a house on a DAFT visa?
Yes. There are no legal restrictions preventing you from buying property in the Netherlands as a DAFT visa holder.
The key challenge is not the right to buy, but access to financing.
Getting a mortgage on a DAFT visa
As a self-employed entrepreneur, your mortgage application is assessed differently than that of an employee. Banks look at your income, the stability of your business, and your financial structure.
Each situation is evaluated individually, which means preparation and strategy play a major role in what is possible.
Moving to the Netherlands involves more than a visa
The visa itself is only one part of the process. You will also need to make decisions about taxes, business structure, insurance, and potentially buying a home.
Without proper guidance, this is where many people lose time, make inefficient choices, or face unexpected costs.
How Domek can support you
At Domek, we support internationals throughout the entire process, from the initial decision to the purchase of a property.
We help you understand your financial position, compare mortgage options, and navigate the requirements step by step. Our advisors explain the conditions clearly and help you prepare a strong application.
With more than 15 years of experience and a team of over 100 professionals, we work with international clients every day. If you decide to buy a home, we take care of all formalities before, during, and after the transaction.
Take the next step
The DAFT visa creates real opportunities, but the outcome depends on the decisions you make early on.
If you want to understand your options and avoid costly mistakes, you can speak with an advisor and review your situation in detail.
Call 088 1021 500, send an email to info@domek.nl, or use the contact form to get started.
