Three things to show in the file
The capital: you still have at least €4,500 of your own capital invested. In a BV (besloten vennootschap, the Dutch private limited company), you see this in the share capital on the balance sheet. A real business: the company has revenue, clients and activity, and it visibly trades. Administration in order: the annual accounts are filed with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK), and the tax returns are up to date. An accountant will sign the balance sheet.
Common problems at renewal
Three problems come up most often. First, the equity fell below the threshold in a loss year. You fix this with a capital top-up, in time and documented. Second, the business became less active while the founder focused on other things. Under the treaty, the business must keep operating. Third, the bookkeeping was done only after the year ended, which creates the same risk. You can avoid each problem with a check of half an hour each year. Review the equity, and check that you file on time and that the KVK registration is up to date.
Changes to the structure at renewal
Many owners change their structure around the time of renewal. They add a holding company above the operating BV, take on staff or bring in a partner. Each of these steps is routine, and each is easier when your DAFT file is already in order. See the holding structure page for the options and the DAFT overview for the original conditions.
Related questions
Most readers come here from DAFT and the Dutch BV or switch to A Dutch BV for UK Companies After Brexit.
Changing from sole proprietorship to BV
Many owners convert their sole proprietorship into a BV between renewals, and the IND accepts this. The capital requirement then applies to the BV’s share capital. Add the notarial deed and the updated KVK extract to the renewal file. For the choice itself, see sole proprietorship or BV under DAFT.
You can set up the company by power of attorney, from any country. This usually happens within one week once all documents are complete. See setting up a BV in the Netherlands from abroad.
The long term, and the alternatives
- From DAFT to permanent residence and citizenship
- DAFT or the highly skilled migrant permit
- DAFT or the Dutch startup visa
- DAFT compared with every other Dutch option
- DAFT questions answered: what Americans ask us most
- Your rights and obligations under the DAFT treaty
- The requirements checklist: every condition and document
All twenty-one guides are together on the DAFT hub, grouped in the order of the steps.
Your DAFT permit, arranged with us
We arrange your DAFT application. An immigration lawyer from our network prepares it and files it with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). We set up your company and business bank account and provide the company documents your application needs. The IND decides on your permit.