DAFT Visa Netherlands: The Complete Guide for Americans Moving to the Netherlands (2026)
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.
Important Points to Note:
a) The €4,500 investment requirement — the minimum required capital investment has remained €4,500 since the 1950s, and this amount must be maintained in a Dutch business bank account throughout the permit period.
b) Permit timeline & structure — the initial DAFT visa is valid for two years, after which it can be extended for five more, and after five years total, holders can apply for permanent residence.
c) IND fees — the 2026 IND application fees are €423 for the main applicant, €254 for a spouse or partner, and €85 per child.
d) Family inclusion — the spouse and unmarried minor children of the US entrepreneur can obtain residency, and the spouse is free on the Dutch labor market — able to take any job or start their own company without a separate work permit.
e) A practical reality check — finding a rental is a significant bottleneck many applicants underestimate, as recent legislative changes have reduced free-sector housing supply, and Dutch landlords tend to prefer applicants with standard employment contracts over new self-employed setups.
f) Recent IND policy change — since early 2026, the IND has been sending letters to some DAFT visa holders requesting extensive evidence that they have been complying with their visa conditions.
IND Website
IND: Residence Permit Self-Employed Person
Facebook Group: DAFT Visa & Relocation
