When you finish reading this, you’ll understand how DAFT works, what you need to apply, and how it differs from other Dutch entrepreneur visas. You’ll also discover little-known details—like its post-WWII roots, family-member rules, and special passport endorsements—that most guides leave out.

What Is the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty?

DAFT was signed in 1956 to strengthen ties after the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty was enacted and to build on the cooperation initiated by the post-war Marshall Plan. It lets U.S. citizens start a business in the Netherlands without going through the usual points-based self-employed “route”.

• Origins in the post-war Marshall Plan era, boosting trade and investment between the two nations
• Allows bypassing the Dutch self-employed “points” system
• Applies equally to Japanese citizens under a similar treaty for Japanese entrepreneurs, with some differences in key-position requirements

Who Qualifies and What You Need

DAFT sets clearer, simpler criteria than the regular self-employed visa. Here’s what you must show:

1. You’re a U.S. or Japanese national.
2. You invest at least €4 500 in your Dutch business.
3. You own at least 25 % of your company.
4. You intend to work exclusively as a self-employed entrepreneur—no regular Dutch employment.
5. You meet basic health-insurance and housing rules.

Document Checklist

• Valid passport with at least six months’ validity
• Business plan outlining service or product, target market, and profit projections
• Proof of investment ( €4 500 paid-in capital or blocked account )
• Proof of ownership (share certificates or equivalent)
• Health-insurance confirmation
• Proof of Dutch address
• (Optional) Apostilled copy of your birth certificate for faster civil-registry checks

How to Apply: Step by Step

1. Register your business at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK).
2. Book an appointment at the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
3. Submit your DAFT application and documents in person.
4. Receive an endorsement sticker (“verklaring”) in your passport at the first IND meeting—this lets you start self-employment immediately while your permit is processed.
5. Wait for the decision, typically within 4–6 weeks.
6. Collect your residence permit from your local municipality.

Taxes and Fees

• Application fee: €207 for the residence permit
• Annual income requirement: at least standard welfare level (~€1 800 net monthly)
• You’ll pay standard Dutch income tax (37–49 %)

Bringing Family Along

• Spouse/partner: apply for a partner residence permit.
• Children (under 18): apply for a family reunification permit.
• Parents or adult children: no DAFT-based sponsorship; consider a different visa category.

DAFT vs. Regular Self-Employed Visa

DAFT skips the points-based evaluation of the self-employed route:

• No Dutch economic interest assessment
• Fixed investment amount instead of scoring on education, experience, and business plan
• Faster, more predictable process

Common Pitfalls and Tips

• Don’t underestimate the business-plan scrutiny—include market research and financial forecasts.
• Use a Dutch accountant familiar with DAFT; Reddit threads warn about surprises in annual filings: Reddit discussion on DAFT visa.
• Open a Dutch bank account early—some banks require proof of residence.
• Get comprehensive health insurance from day one.

Your Next Steps

You now have a clear roadmap for using DAFT to launch your Dutch venture. From its Cold War origins to today’s streamlined process, this treaty remains one of the easiest ways for Americans to hit the ground running in the Netherlands.

The Final Word

DAFT isn’t just another visa—it’s a piece of history you can leverage to build your future. By understanding its unique requirements and advantages, you’ll be well on your way to doing business in one of Europe’s most dynamic economies. Good luck setting up your company, and welcome to the Netherlands!