Is DAFT really a viable path to living in the Netherlands?

If you've been researching how to move from the USA to the Netherlands, you've almost certainly come across the acronym DAFT — the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty. But is it actually a reliable route to Dutch residency, or just internet folklore? The short answer: it's very real, and for the right person, it works remarkably well.

"DAFT has quietly helped thousands of Americans build lives in the Netherlands — often with less red tape than any other route available to non-EU citizens."

Signed in 1956, the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty allows American citizens to obtain a Dutch residence permit as a self-employed entrepreneur. You don't need a Dutch employer, a job offer, or a large investment. You simply need to register a business — typically a sole proprietorship (ZZP/eenmanszaak) — and demonstrate a credible business plan with a modest financial threshold.

For decades, Americans relocating to the Netherlands have used DAFT as their entry point — freelancers, remote workers, creatives, consultants, and small business owners alike. It's one of the most accessible legal pathways available to US citizens seeking long-term residency in the Netherlands, and the expat community around it is well-established and genuinely supportive.

At Dutch Landing, we specialise in guiding Americans through the entire DAFT process — from your initial business registration and IND application to finding housing and settling into Dutch life. If you're serious about moving to the Netherlands from the US, DAFT is absolutely worth exploring — and we're here to help you do it right.