International

DAFT Visa 2026: the €4,500 Route for American Entrepreneurs

Updated: 2026-08-19

Americans hold a shortcut into Dutch residency that most of the world envies: the Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT). Put €4,500 of real capital into your own Dutch business, and the standard points-based entrepreneur test stays out of the picture.

Short answer

The DAFT route (Dutch American Friendship Treaty, 1956) gives US citizens Dutch residence as self-employed entrepreneurs on three conditions: a genuine registered business, at least €4,500 invested and maintained in it, and the ability to support yourself. The permit runs two years and renews in five-year periods while business and capital remain in place. With a BV, the €4,500 doubles as share capital and profit is taxed at 19% up to €200,000.

The treaty in plain words

DAFT gives US citizens a residence permit as a self-employed entrepreneur under strongly simplified conditions. The core requirement: a genuine business in the Netherlands with at least €4,500 of invested capital that stays in the business. The permit runs two years and renews as long as the business and the capital remain in place.

The route, step by step

Choose the form. An eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship) or a BV (besloten vennootschap, the Dutch private limited company) both qualify; the BV route parks the €4,500 as share capital and brings the structure benefits this knowledge base maps — start at BV versus sole proprietorship.
Register the business with the KVK (€85.15) — for a BV via the notary, per the non-resident registration route.
Show the capital: an accountant’s statement or opening balance evidencing the €4,500 in the business.
File with the IND and register locally once approved. Family joins under the standard accompanying rules.

What DAFT holders arrange next

Dutch taxes as an entrepreneur, the US filing duty that travels with the passport, and health insurance from day one. Working through your own BV adds the DGA rules — the salary frame in the DGA salary guide.

Deeper into the DAFT route

The cluster continues: combining DAFT with a Dutch BV, the renewal after two years, and DAFT against the other Dutch routes.

Where DAFT leads

DAFT years count toward permanent residence and, if you choose, Dutch citizenship — the horizon stands on from DAFT to permanent residence. Along the way the Dutch tax system offers real advantages for founders: taxes for US citizens under DAFT. And for the fastest possible answer set, the question page: DAFT questions answered.

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Part of Doing Business in the Netherlands — the complete 2026 guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must the €4,500 stay in the business? +

Yes — it is a continuing condition, checked at renewal. Dropping under it puts the permit at risk, so the capital stays visibly on the balance sheet.

Is DAFT still open in 2026? +

Yes. The treaty has run since 1956 and applications reached a record in 2025. The IND processes DAFT applications through an accelerated procedure introduced during the recent surge.

Can I work for clients immediately? +

Yes, as your own business. DAFT covers self-employment: you invoice US and European clients through your Dutch company from day one. Employment for a Dutch employer runs on a separate permit basis.

Sources Belastingdienst · KVK · wetten.overheid.nl Last updated: 2026-08-19