American applicants · Kingdom of the Netherlands
Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) entrepreneur for American citizens
Treaty-based self-employment residence for US nationals starting a business in the Netherlands.
- Processing time
- 2–4 weeks after complete submission.
- Government fees
- Around €1,500.
- Typical duration
- Initial 2 years, renewable for 5; leads to permanent residence.
- Sponsor required
- No
- Leads to settlement
- Yes
Bilateral context
- Schengen Area
- Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT)
Consular processing: Amsterdam (IND direct)
Tourist entry vs. this route
Yes — American nationals can enter Kingdom of the Netherlands without a visa for short tourism (typically up to 90 days), but tourist entry does not authorise the activity covered by the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) entrepreneur.
Visa overview
DAFT is a bilateral treaty allowing US nationals to live in the Netherlands as self-employed business owners with a relatively low capital investment (€4,500 held in the business). The route also extends under equivalent treaties to Japanese nationals (the Dutch-Japanese friendship treaty).
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓US or Japanese nationality.
- ✓€4,500 held in a Dutch business bank account.
- ✓Registration of a Dutch company with the Chamber of Commerce.
Common blockers
- !Non-US/Japanese nationality.
- !Lack of Dutch company registration at application time.
Typical evidence
- ·US or Japanese passport.
- ·KvK registration.
- ·Bank statement showing €4,500.
Application pathway
Register Dutch company
Most DAFT applicants set up as eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship) or BV.
Deposit €4,500 in business account
Capital must be retained during the permit.
Apply with IND
DAFT route is self-sponsored.
Live and trade
Renew at year 2; permanent residence option after 5 years.
Comparable routes in other destinations
Frequently asked questions
Are American citizens eligible for the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) entrepreneur?+
Eligibility for the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) entrepreneur is set by Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though American applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Schengen Area, Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT). See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do American applicants typically file the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) entrepreneur?+
Amsterdam (IND direct). Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do American applicants need a tourist visa for Kingdom of the Netherlands as well?+
Yes — American nationals can enter Kingdom of the Netherlands without a visa for short tourism (typically up to 90 days), but tourist entry does not authorise the activity covered by the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) entrepreneur.
Is DAFT only for US citizens?+
DAFT itself is for US nationals. Japanese nationals access an equivalent self-employment route under the Dutch-Japanese friendship treaty. Other nationalities fall under the general Dutch self-employment points system, which is more demanding.