What Does the IND Check When You Renew Your DAFT Visa?

Your initial DAFT permit lasts two years. When renewal time comes, the IND looks at things they didn't ask for during your first application — specifically, whether your business actually did anything. Here's what they check, what the thresholds are, and how to make sure renewal is a formality rather than a surprise.

The Initial Application vs. Renewal: What Changes

When you first applied for DAFT, the requirements were minimal: US citizenship, a registered business (KvK), €4,500 in a business bank account, and a clean record. The IND didn't ask for revenue numbers, a business plan, or proof of clients. Under the current pilot program, you didn't even need to provide KvK registration or the bank statement upfront — you had six months after approval to get those in order.

At renewal, that changes. You now have two years of financial history, and the IND wants to see it.

What the IND Actually Checks

1. The €4,500 Capital Requirement

The €4,500 must remain in your business bank account throughout the entire permit period. If it dropped below that threshold at any point during your two years, that's a problem. The IND checks your bank statements for this.

This doesn't mean the money has to sit untouched — you can use it for business expenses as long as the balance stays at or above €4,500. Think of it less as a deposit and more as a minimum balance requirement.

2. Business Activity

The IND needs to see that your business is real and active. "Active" doesn't mean wildly profitable — it means the business actually operates. Evidence includes invoices, client contracts, a functioning website, project deliverables, or any other documentation showing the business does what it says it does.

A dormant KvK registration with no activity is a red flag. You don't need to be earning a fortune, but you need to demonstrate that this is a genuine business, not just a vehicle for residency.

3. Income

This is the number people worry about most. According to Cardon & Company, one of the most established DAFT advisory firms in the Netherlands, the IND generally wants to see that you earned at least approximately €1,700 per month from months 7 through 24 of your permit. Note: the IND does not publish an official income threshold specific to DAFT — this figure is based on practitioner experience across many renewal cases.

The first six months are essentially a grace period — the IND understands you're setting up. But from month seven onward, they expect to see income flowing through the business.

If your income fell short in some months but was strong in others, the overall trajectory matters. The IND looks at the picture holistically, not as a rigid month-by-month pass/fail. Consistent growth and a clear upward trend work in your favor, even if individual months dipped.

4. An Opening Balance and Annual Accounts

You'll need to provide financial statements prepared or verified by a Dutch accountant with a BECON number. This typically includes an opening balance sheet and annual accounts showing revenue, expenses, and the €4,500 capital maintenance.

If you've been keeping clean books throughout your two years, this is straightforward. If you haven't — start now. Retroactively reconstructing two years of accounting is expensive and stressful.

What Happens If You Fall Short

If your business isn't generating sufficient income or the IND has concerns, they don't necessarily reject you on the spot. Several things can happen:

• Request for additional information. The IND may ask for more documentation explaining your business situation, upcoming contracts, or a business plan showing how you intend to become sustainable.
• Shorter renewal. Instead of the standard five-year renewal, you might receive a shorter extension with another check-in.
• Denial with appeal rights. If the IND does deny renewal, you have the right to appeal. The process is slow, but appeals are not uncommon and sometimes succeed.

If your business genuinely isn't working out, you may be able to switch to a different residence permit type — for example, a highly skilled migrant permit if you find employment, or a partner permit if your spouse has independent residency. The key is addressing the situation before your permit expires, not after.

The Renewal Timeline

Start your renewal application before your current permit expires. The IND recommends applying at least two months before the expiration date. During the processing period, your current permit remains valid — you won't suddenly become illegal while waiting for a decision.

The IND aims to process renewal applications within 90 days, though processing times vary. All official IND communications arrive by post, not email. Check your mailbox regularly and respond to any requests for additional information promptly.

What You Get After Renewal

If approved, your renewed DAFT permit is valid for five years. After that five-year renewal period (seven years total in the Netherlands), you can apply again or — if you've reached five years of continuous legal residence — apply for permanent residency.

Permanent residency means no more renewals, no more IND check-ins on your business activity. You keep your US passport and live in the Netherlands indefinitely. The trade-off: you'll need to pass the Dutch civic integration exam (inburgeringsexamen), which includes a Dutch language component.

Most Americans on DAFT aim for permanent residency at the five-year mark. Once you have it, your DAFT business can evolve, pivot, or even wind down without affecting your right to stay.

How to Make Renewal Easy

The people who breeze through renewal are the ones who treated the DAFT like a real business from day one:

• Keep clean books from month one. A Dutch accountant with a BECON number should prepare or review your annual accounts. Budget €1,000-2,000 per year for accounting, depending on complexity.
• Invoice consistently. Even if your income is modest, regular invoicing shows a pattern of genuine business activity.
• Maintain the €4,500 balance. Set up a low-balance alert on your business account so you never accidentally dip below.
• File your tax returns on time. The IND can see whether you've been filing with the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax authority). Late or missing filings raise questions.
• Keep a paper trail of business activity. Client emails, project files, contracts, a live website — anything that demonstrates your business exists beyond a KvK number.

The renewal meeting itself is not an interrogation. The IND reviews your documents, confirms everything is in order, and processes the extension. Most people describe it as brief and procedural — fifteen minutes, maybe twenty. The preparation is what matters, not the meeting itself.

FAQ

Does the IND require a specific amount of revenue?

The IND doesn't publish an official minimum revenue threshold for DAFT renewal. Practitioners report that approximately €1,700 per month from month 7 onward is the general expectation. The first six months are treated as a startup period. The IND evaluates your overall business viability, not just a single number.

What if my business is profitable but I reinvested everything?

The IND looks at revenue, not just what you took home as personal income. If your business generated revenue and you reinvested it — that's fine, as long as the financial statements show genuine business activity and the €4,500 capital was maintained.

Can I change my business type before renewal?

Yes. You can pivot your business, change what you offer, or take on new clients. The IND cares that your business is active, not that it's identical to what you described two years ago. If you've made a major change, having documentation of the new direction (updated KvK registration, new contracts) helps.

What happens to my family's permits if mine isn't renewed?

Your spouse and children's residence permits are tied to your DAFT permit. If yours isn't renewed, theirs are affected too. However, your spouse's work rights in the Netherlands may allow them to secure an independent basis for residence — something worth exploring before renewal if your business situation is uncertain.

Should I get a lawyer for renewal?

For straightforward renewals where your business has been active and profitable, most people handle it themselves or with their accountant's help. If your income was inconsistent, your business was largely inactive, or you have any concerns about the IND's assessment, consulting an immigration lawyer before filing is worth the cost.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. IND requirements and interpretations can change. Always verify current renewal requirements with the IND directly or consult a qualified immigration lawyer. Last verified: March 28, 2026.