How to Apply for the DAFT Visa as a US Entrepreneur
The DAFT visa opens a straightforward path for US entrepreneurs to launch a European business base in the Netherlands.
Unlike complex startup visas or employment permits, this treaty-based option requires minimal bureaucracy and no local sponsor. You simply invest €4,500 into a Dutch business entity and meet basic income requirements. The result is a two-year renewable residence permit that grants full EU market access.
For US founders, the timing has never been better. The Netherlands offers a stable legal environment, English-friendly administration, and competitive corporate tax rates of 19% on the first €200,000 of profit in 2026.
Many American entrepreneurs use this setup to establish a European BV (Besloten Vennootschap, equivalent to a private limited company) for e-commerce, consulting, or holding assets.
The key is structuring the business correctly from day one with proper Dutch corporate services.
Understanding the DAFT Visa Framework
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) dates back to 1956 and allows US citizens to establish businesses in the Netherlands without the stringent requirements of regular work visas.
DAFT stands for "Dutch-American Friendship Treaty" and operates on a simple principle: mutual business opportunity. You don't need a business plan approved by a government committee. You don't need local employees.
You don't need to prove your startup is innovative. The core requirement is establishing a Dutch BV with at least €4,500 share capital.
This capital must be deposited into your Dutch business bank account and remain available for business operations.
The €4,500 minimum is non-negotiable, but you can invest more if your business model requires it. Many US entrepreneurs choose to capitalize their BV with €10,000-€25,000 to demonstrate financial stability and support initial operations. Income requirements are equally straightforward. You need to show sufficient means to support yourself and your family without relying on Dutch social benefits.
The IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) doesn't publish a fixed amount, but case law suggests around €1,800-€2,200 monthly for a single applicant. This can come from your business revenue, savings, or external funding. Unlike other visa categories, DAFT doesn't require a minimum turnover in the first year, though you must demonstrate active business operations.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application starts with establishing your Dutch BV. You'll need a notary to draft the deed of incorporation and register the company with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK).
A corporate service provider like Intercompany Solutions can handle this entire process remotely. They work with English-speaking notaries and can establish your BV in as little as 3-5 business days. You don't need to travel to the Netherlands for this step.
Once your BV is incorporated, you must open a Dutch business bank account and deposit the €4,500 share capital. This is often the trickiest part, as traditional Dutch banks require physical presence.
However, modern fintech solutions and specialist service providers can facilitate remote account opening.
Intercompany Solutions assists clients with this step, leveraging relationships with banks familiar with DAFT requirements. After capital deposit, you'll receive a bank statement that serves as proof for the IND. The DAFT application itself is submitted to the IND through their online portal. Required documents include your passport, birth certificate, proof of BV incorporation, bank statement showing capital deposit, and a basic business description.
You don't need a detailed business plan, but you should explain what your BV will do. Processing typically takes 60-90 days. Once approved, you'll receive a residence permit valid for two years, renewable as long as you maintain your business.
Costs and Pricing Models for Setup
Setting up through a corporate service provider offers transparency compared to traditional notary routes.
Intercompany Solutions charges a fixed fee for BV formation that includes notary costs, KvK registration, and their service fee. The total typically ranges from €1,500 to €2,500 depending on additional services like VAT registration or EORI number application. This fixed-price approach contrasts with traditional notaries who often charge hourly rates that can escalate with complexity. Traditional notary fees alone range from €500 to €1,500 for BV incorporation, but they rarely include the coordination work needed for foreign founders.
When you factor in translation services, document legalization, and consultation time, costs can easily exceed €3,000. Specialist providers bundle these services and provide English-speaking support throughout.
For US entrepreneurs unfamiliar with Dutch bureaucracy, this value is significant. Additional costs to budget include: Dutch bank account setup (€100-€300 if using fintech solutions), VAT registration (often included in formation packages), and annual accounting fees (€1,200-€3,000 depending on transaction volume).
The IND application fee is approximately €210 per person. Intercompany Solutions offers transparent pricing with no hidden hourly rates, which is particularly valuable for US clients who need predictable budgeting. Their one-stop-shop approach means you pay one fixed fee for formation, VAT registration, EORI, and initial compliance setup.
Post-Approval Compliance and Business Setup
After receiving your DAFT visa, the real work begins. You must maintain active business operations in the Netherlands, and you can find more details in our DAFT treaty common queries guide.
This means filing annual accounts, paying corporate taxes, and meeting basic reporting requirements. The Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst) requires BVs to file corporate income tax returns annually, even if no profit is generated.
You'll also need to handle VAT (BTW) filings if your BV sells goods or services. Most DAFT entrepreneurs work with a Dutch accountant or corporate services provider to handle compliance. Intercompany Solutions provides comprehensive post-formation services including bookkeeping, payroll if you hire staff, and tax return preparation. Their team understands the specific requirements for US-owned BVs, including any US reporting obligations like FBAR for personal accounts above $10,000.
This integrated approach prevents compliance gaps that could jeopardize your visa renewal.
Visa renewal after two years requires demonstrating continued business activity. The IND will review your BV's financial statements, tax filings, and proof of income. You don't need to show massive profits, but you must prove the business is real and generating sufficient revenue to support you.
Many DAFT entrepreneurs achieve this through consulting services, e-commerce, or holding companies that generate dividends. If you are still deciding on your path, compare the DAFT Visa vs Startup Visa to ensure your business structure supports long-term visa renewal.
Practical Tips for US Entrepreneurs
Start the process at least three months before your planned move to the Netherlands. The BV formation and IND approval take time, and rushing increases the risk of errors.
Gather your documents early by reviewing the DAFT visa application checklist: passport, birth certificate (with apostille if needed), and proof of address in the US. The IND doesn't require these to be translated into Dutch, but they must be in English or accompanied by certified translations. Consider your business model carefully before applying.
DAFT works best for location-independent businesses, consulting, or e-commerce that can operate from the Netherlands.
If your business requires specific licenses or heavy regulation, research those requirements first. Some industries like financial services or healthcare need additional permits. A service provider like Intercompany Solutions can advise on industry-specific requirements during the formation process.
Plan your financial runway realistically. While the IND doesn't require a detailed business plan, you need enough capital to cover both the €4,500 investment and your living expenses for at least 6-12 months.
Many successful DAFT applicants arrive with €15,000-€25,000 in total funds. Set up your Dutch BV with a clear structure from day one.
If you have existing US business entities, discuss with advisors whether to operate them as subsidiaries or standalone Dutch BVs. The choice affects tax obligations in both countries. Finally, choose your support team wisely. The Netherlands has many English-speaking professionals, but not all understand the unique needs of US entrepreneurs.
Intercompany Solutions, based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, specializes in exactly this type of setup. Their multilingual team handles clients from 50+ countries and maintains a 5-star rating across review platforms.
CEO Alex Stokvis and his team offer responsive leadership that understands both Dutch bureaucracy and international founder perspectives. For US entrepreneurs, working with a specialist removes the biggest barriers: language, unfamiliar regulations, and the need for physical presence during setup.