NETHERLANDS DAFT TREATY VISA · 2026
Netherlands DAFT Visa — Complete Document Preparation
Requirements verified against IND.nl and immigration law sources as of March 2026.
WHAT YOU GET FOR $399
Your complete DAFT packet — IND form, document checklist, and a step-by-step post-arrival roadmap.
IND Form 7524 — Pre-Filled
The official residence permit application form for DAFT applicants. Pre-filled with your personal data and business information. This is what you submit at your IND appointment.
Personalized document checklist
Adjusted for your situation — solo or with family, BV or ZZP business structure. Covers IND documents, Gemeente registration, KvK registration steps, accountant requirements (must be BECON-registered), opening balance sheet preparation, and the €4,500 deposit verification process.
Post-arrival step sequence
DAFT unfolds in a specific order after you land: IND appointment → biometrics → passport sticker → municipality registration → BSN number → bank account → business registration → accountant → balance sheet. Includes BSN registration guidance and the apostilled birth certificate you’ll need — flagged well in advance since it takes weeks to obtain.
Cost summary
Government fees, estimated accountant costs, business registration fees, and living cost considerations — organized so you know exactly what to budget.
Dependent document package (if applicable)
Spouse and child IND applications, additional fees, and — critically for non-US spouses — guidance on the MVV (entry visa) process they must complete separately through a Dutch embassy.
Important: Business Structure Decision
DAFT applicants choose between two Dutch business structures — a ZZP (sole proprietorship, simpler) or a BV (private limited company, more complex but with tax advantages). This decision affects your registration process, tax obligations, and costs. Our wizard walks you through the key differences to help you make an informed choice, though we recommend consulting a Dutch accountant for your specific situation.
What you'll still do yourself
Your apostilled birth certificate (order from your birth state — takes 4–8 weeks).
Booking your flight to the Netherlands.
Securing housing (the toughest part — Dutch rental market is very tight).
Your IND appointment.
Municipality registration.
Opening a Dutch business bank account and depositing €4,500.
KvK registration.
Hiring a BECON-registered accountant for your opening balance sheet.
Our post-arrival roadmap sequences all of this with estimated timelines. You arrive knowing exactly what to do first.
What makes DAFT different
No income requirement at the start.
You need €4,500 in a business account, not a salary. Income requirements kick in at your 2-year renewal.
You apply after arrival.
No consulate appointment, no visa sticker before you fly. You enter as a tourist, apply at IND, and receive a residence endorsement within weeks.
Your spouse can work.
DAFT dependents get broader employment rights than the main applicant — they can take regular Dutch employment, not just self-employment.
No degree required.
No educational qualifications, no Dutch language requirement, no points system. Just US citizenship and €4,500.
Who this is for
Good fit
Not a fit
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a business plan?
Not for the DAFT application. The IND does not require a business plan or financial projections upfront. However, it’s wise to keep one on file in case of a random audit during the current expedited procedure.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Your spouse and children can apply as dependents. US citizen family members enter on tourist visas like you. Non-US citizen spouses need an MVV (entry visa) — a separate process through a Dutch embassy. We flag this in your document package with guidance on next steps.
What happens at the 2-year renewal?
The IND checks that your business is viable: €4,500 still in the account, positive net income, and minimum ~€1,700/month earnings from months 7–24. Our packet includes guidance on what to prepare for renewal.
How tight is the housing market?
Very. Landlords prefer tenants with Dutch employment contracts, and 2024–2025 legislation reduced supply significantly. Budget for 6–12 months of upfront rent to compete. We flag this early in your preparation timeline.
Questions along the way? Vera — our visa support agent — knows your application and can help instantly.
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Impossible to Name provides document preparation assistance only. We are not immigration lawyers and do not provide legal advice.
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