DAFT Treaty Support
built around the business.
A treaty-based self-employment route for American citizens establishing and actively operating a business in the Netherlands—supported by a coordinated residence and company setup plan.
↓What is the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty route?
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, commonly called DAFT, gives eligible US citizens a treaty-based route to reside in the Netherlands as self-employed entrepreneurs. Compared with the standard Dutch self-employed route, applicants invoking the treaty are assessed under specific treaty conditions rather than the regular points-based test for essential economic interest.
DAFT is not passive residency through a bank deposit. The applicant must develop and lead genuine business activity in the Netherlands, use an appropriate Dutch business structure and maintain the required capital in the enterprise. The residence file and the practical establishment of the business therefore need to follow one coordinated plan.
What makes a DAFT case workable.
The route is accessible, but the structure must be real. Nationality, entrepreneurial control, capital and Dutch business activity must be documented consistently.
US citizen
The principal applicant must hold United States nationality and meet the general Dutch residence requirements that apply to the application.
Actively self-employed
The applicant must develop and lead the Dutch business or practise an eligible independent profession. Passive ownership alone does not establish the entrepreneurial activity required.
Properly invested
For most common structures—including a sole proprietorship, VOF, CV or B.V.—the IND generally requires at least €4,500 in substantial capital invested and maintained in the enterprise.
Dutch-established
The business must be registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce and supported by a credible operating setup, activity description, financial administration and evidence matching the chosen legal form.
From American entrepreneur to Dutch operation.
The residence route and business launch move together. The strongest file anticipates the Dutch structure, investment evidence and operational obligations before the formal application is submitted.
Test the treaty fit
Confirm US nationality, intended activities, ownership and management role, business structure, available capital and the practical relocation timeline.
Design the Dutch setup
Select the appropriate legal form and map registration, banking, investment, administration, address and operating requirements.
Build the application file
Prepare the treaty-based residence forms and supporting evidence so the business activity, capital and establishment plan tell one consistent story.
Submit and coordinate
File through the appropriate IND process, complete biometrics and respond to any request for additional evidence without disconnecting it from the business plan.
Register and operate
Complete Chamber of Commerce registration and the required investment within the applicable period, then maintain active operations, accounts and capital for renewal.
Built for founders
with a market to enter.
US citizens planning to establish and actively operate a Dutch business
American independent professionals relocating eligible commercial activity to the Netherlands
Entrepreneurs coordinating residence, company formation, investment and family relocation
One connected
preparation strategy.
Treaty and structure assessment
We test nationality, business activity, entrepreneurial control, legal form, capital and timing before the application strategy is fixed.
Coherent residence file
We organise the treaty rationale, establishment plan, investment evidence and business documentation into one consistent application package.
Operational Dutch launch
We coordinate incorporation or registration, business banking, administration and the milestones required to remain compliant after approval.
Assess.
Prepare.
Establish.
Assess
Review treaty eligibility, business activity, intended structure, available capital and relocation timing.
Build
Develop the residence file, evidence package and coordinated Dutch establishment plan.
Operate
Support registration, investment and the practical transition into an active Dutch business.