Netherlands DAFT Visa 2026: The Guide for American Remote Workers

The Dutch American Friendship Treaty, known as DAFT, is one of the best kept secrets in remote work. It lets United States citizens live in the Netherlands as self employed entrepreneurs with a low capital requirement and a straightforward two year permit. If you are American and want a legal European base with a real path to renewal, this is the route to understand. Here is how it works in 2026.

Quick facts

• Best for: US citizens who freelance or run their own one person business
• Capital requirement: 4,500 EUR held in a Dutch business bank account
• Permit length: two years, renewable if the business stays active
• Business ownership: you must own at least 25 percent and be genuinely self employed
• Fees: around 423 EUR for the main applicant in 2026
• Registration: you register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce

Who can use the DAFT visa?

DAFT is only open to United States citizens, thanks to a treaty between the two countries. You must intend to run a genuine self employed business in the Netherlands, own at least 25 percent of it and work for yourself rather than as an employee of another Dutch company. That makes it a perfect fit for freelancers, consultants and solo founders who already invoice their own clients.

The 4,500 EUR capital rule

The financial test is refreshingly light. You place 4,500 EUR of business capital into a Dutch business bank account and prove it with an opening balance sheet and a bank statement, usually certified by a Dutch accountant or bookkeeper. This is not a fee paid to the government and it is not locked away forever, but it is equity that must remain available in the business for as long as you hold the permit. You can use it for genuine business costs over time.

How to apply step by step

The path is well trodden. Register your business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, open a business bank account and deposit the 4,500 EUR, then work with an accountant to prepare the balance sheet. You submit the DAFT application to the Dutch immigration service, pay the fee of around 423 EUR for the main applicant, with lower fees for a spouse and children. The first permit is granted for two years and can be renewed as long as the business is active and the capital remains in place.

Living in the Netherlands

The Netherlands offers excellent English, world class internet, easy travel across Europe and a business friendly culture. Amsterdam grabs the headlines, but Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague and Eindhoven all offer strong coworking and lower rents. Because you become tax resident, plan your bookkeeping and take advice on how your US and Dutch tax obligations fit together.

Not American, or comparing Europe? Read our Spain and Portugal D8 visa guides, or browse the full visa and residency library.