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The DAFT Guide 2026: Living and Working as an Entrepreneur in the Netherlands
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Did you know that you do not need a large corporation to sponsor your Dutch visa?
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, a business idea, and the desire to build your own professional path, the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, also known as DAFT, could be your route into the Netherlands.
For US citizens, DAFT offers a more accessible way to live and work in the Netherlands as an entrepreneur. For other nationalities, the general self-employed residence permit may be an option, although the requirements are usually stricter.
In 2026, the Netherlands remains one of the strongest European hubs for freelancers, consultants, startups, and independent business owners.
If you are tired of the corporate ladder and want to become your own sponsor, this guide will help you understand the basics, the process, and the first steps toward building your entrepreneurial life in the Netherlands.
What is the DAFT Visa?
The DAFT route is a unique opportunity for US citizens who want to move to the Netherlands and start a business.
Unlike the standard self-employed residence permit, DAFT has significantly lower barriers. You do not need to pass the usual points-based assessment that measures your contribution to the Dutch economy.
This makes DAFT especially attractive for freelancers, consultants, creatives, coaches, developers, designers, and other independent professionals who want to start working for themselves in the Netherlands.
One of the key requirements is a minimum business investment of €4,500. This amount must usually be deposited into a Dutch business bank account and remain available as part of your business capital.
DAFT can also include your family. Your spouse or registered partner and children may be able to join you in the Netherlands, and your partner can usually work without restrictions.
DAFT Benefit | What It Means |
|---|---|
No points-based test | US citizens do not need to prove economic value through the standard self-employed scoring system. |
Low investment requirement | The required business capital is much lower than many other entrepreneur visa routes. |
Entrepreneur freedom | You can build your own business instead of depending on an employer sponsor. |
Family inclusion | Your spouse or registered partner and children may be included in the relocation process. |
Partner work rights | Your partner can usually work in the Netherlands without needing separate employer sponsorship. |
The 5-Step Roadmap to Your DAFT Visa
Navigating the IND, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service, and the KVK, the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, requires the right order and timing.
The process is manageable, but the sequence matters. Having the right documents prepared at the right moment can prevent unnecessary delays and stress.
Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
1. Prepare your business idea | Define what your business will do, who your clients will be, and how you plan to generate income. | This creates the foundation for your application and business setup. |
2. Register with the KVK | Register your business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. | Your business needs to be officially registered in the Dutch system. |
3. Open a business bank account | Open a Dutch business account and deposit the required business capital. | For DAFT applicants, the minimum investment is generally €4,500. |
4. Submit your IND application | Apply for your residence permit through the Dutch immigration system. | This is where your DAFT application is formally assessed. |
5. Complete your arrival setup | Register at the municipality, receive your BSN, arrange health insurance, and prepare your tax administration. | These steps allow you to fully settle and start operating in the Netherlands. |
Life as a ZZP’er in 2026
Living in the Netherlands as an entrepreneur is about more than getting a visa. It also means understanding your role as a ZZP’er, which stands for Zelfstandige Zonder Personeel, or self-employed person without employees.
As a ZZP’er, you are responsible for your own clients, invoices, taxes, insurance, administration, and business planning.
One important tax concept is the urencriterium, or hours criterion. If you spend at least 1,225 hours per year working on your business, you may qualify for certain entrepreneur tax deductions, such as the zelfstandigenaftrek.
Most entrepreneurs also need to understand BTW, which is Dutch VAT. In many cases, entrepreneurs file VAT returns every quarter through the Belastingdienst, the Dutch Tax Office.
It is also important to keep your business administration organized from day one. This includes invoices, receipts, client contracts, expenses, tax deadlines, and bank records.
ZZP Topic | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
Business registration | You register your business with the KVK before operating officially. |
VAT returns | Many entrepreneurs file BTW returns every quarter. |
Hours criterion | Spending at least 1,225 hours per year on your business may help you qualify for entrepreneur tax deductions. |
Administration | You need to keep invoices, receipts, contracts, and financial records organized. |
Insurance | You may need business liability, professional indemnity, or disability insurance depending on your work. |
Tax advice | A Dutch accountant can help you understand deductions, deadlines, and the best structure for your situation. |
For some entrepreneurs, especially higher earners, setting up a B.V. instead of working only as a ZZP’er may be worth exploring. In certain situations, a B.V. structure can create more strategic tax and liability options.
Some entrepreneurs may also explore whether the 30% ruling could apply if they become an employee of their own B.V. and meet the relevant salary and eligibility requirements. This is a specialist area, so it should always be discussed with a qualified Dutch tax advisor.
DAFT vs. Highly Skilled Migrant
DAFT and the Highly Skilled Migrant route are both popular ways to move to the Netherlands, but they are designed for very different situations.
The Highly Skilled Migrant route is employer-sponsored. This means a recognized Dutch employer applies for your residence permit so you can work for them.
DAFT is different because you are building your own business. Instead of depending on an employer sponsor, you sponsor yourself through your company.
Category | DAFT Route | Highly Skilled Migrant Route |
|---|---|---|
Best for | US citizens who want to start a business in the Netherlands. | Professionals hired by a recognized Dutch employer. |
Sponsor | You sponsor yourself through your business. | Your employer sponsors your residence permit. |
Work style | Independent, entrepreneurial, flexible. | Employed, salaried, company-based. |
Main requirement | Business registration and minimum business investment. | Job offer from a recognized sponsor and salary threshold. |
Family situation | Family members may join, and partners usually have work rights. | Family members may join, and partners usually have work rights. |
Best fit if you want | Freedom, business ownership, and self-employment. | Stability, employment, and a structured corporate role. |
For people who want the security of employment, a salary, and a corporate environment, the Highly Skilled Migrant route may be the better fit.
For people who want flexibility, independence, and the ability to create their own business model, DAFT can be a more attractive option.
The best route depends on your nationality, business goals, financial situation, family needs, and long-term plans in the Netherlands.
Launch Your Business with Expert Guidance
Setting up a business in a new country can feel overwhelming, especially when the language, tax system, legal structure, and immigration process are unfamiliar.
That is why we offer a Business Launchpad Session specifically for DAFT, ZZP, and entrepreneur applicants.
During this session, we help you understand what needs to happen, in what order, and which documents you may need to prepare.
Support Area | How We Help |
|---|---|
Business plan support | We help you organize your business idea clearly and prepare the right questions for your application process. |
Financial setup | We connect you with specialized accountants who understand DAFT, opening balances, VAT, and Dutch tax registration. |
KVK and IND guidance | We help you understand the order of steps, so you know what to arrange first. |
Partner support | We help your spouse or partner understand their work rights and explore the Dutch job market. |
Local expert network | We connect you with trusted professionals who understand international entrepreneurs. |
Our goal is to give you structure, clarity, and trusted local connections, so you can focus on building your business instead of feeling lost in bureaucracy.
You Are Not Doing This Alone
Starting a business in a new country can feel like a lonely mountain to climb.
But the entrepreneur community in the Netherlands is one of the most vibrant in Europe. Every thriving coffee shop, tech consultancy, creative studio, coaching practice, or design business started somewhere.
Often, it started with one idea, one laptop, one decision, and yes, a bit of paperwork.
You are not the only person choosing freedom over a cubicle. Thousands of entrepreneurs have taken this path before you, and many are building their Dutch chapter right now.
Focus on your vision. We will help you navigate the system.
Your business, your independence, and your new life in the Netherlands can begin with the right foundation.
Ready to Be Your Own Boss in the Netherlands?
Download our DAFT & Entrepreneur Guide 2026 or book a Business Launchpad Session to make sure your application and business setup are strong from day one.
We will help you understand your options, prepare your roadmap, and connect you with the right local experts for your Dutch business journey.
Start Your Entrepreneurial Journey Now