Your Complete Guide to Relocating with Confidence
DAFT Visa Netherlands
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) allows American citizens to relocate to the Netherlands by establishing a business. It provides a straightforward pathway to live, work, and thrive in the Netherlands. Once you are here, see how we help with housing for DAFT visa holders.
U.S. citizens who are entrepreneurs or freelancers planning to establish their own business in the Netherlands. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, or limited companies.
Deposit at least €4,500 into a Dutch business bank account, maintaining this amount throughout your residence period as proof of sufficient capital.
Initially valid for two years with the possibility of renewal. After five continuous years of residency, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency or even citizenship, subject to meeting additional requirements like Dutch language proficiency.
Immediate family members, including spouses and children under 18, can join the primary visa holder. Family members have full rights to live, study, and work freely in the Netherlands.
There is no initial requirement for Dutch language proficiency for obtaining the DAFT visa. However, language proficiency becomes important when applying for permanent residency or citizenship.
Follow these detailed steps to secure your DAFT visa:
Arrive on your U.S. passport under the 90-day visa-free travel arrangement.
Begin the DAFT application promptly to ensure you complete all steps within your permitted stay.
Obtain temporary accommodation immediately upon arrival to register at your local municipality (gemeente).
Municipal registration grants you a Citizen Service Number (BSN), essential for all formalities including business registration and banking.
Register your business at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK).
Provide a clear business plan and any required identification documents during registration.
Open a Dutch business bank account using your KvK registration.
Deposit and maintain the required minimum amount of €4,500.
Schedule and attend an appointment with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) to submit your DAFT visa application.
Prepare necessary documentation, including proof of municipal registration, business registration, bank statement showing deposit, and passport.
Apply
Quick access to short-term accommodations suitable for municipal registration, along with longer-term rental or purchase options.
Tailored searches designed specifically around your individual or family requirements, considering location, proximity to business hubs, schools, and lifestyle preferences.
Comprehensive support with Dutch housing contracts, landlord negotiations, registration processes, and understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or homeowner.
Deep local knowledge of popular expat-friendly cities including Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Haarlem, and surrounding towns.
Established relationships with trusted immigration lawyers, accountants, notaries, banks, and business consultants, ensuring a smooth transition in all aspects of your move.
Why choose us?
Homes for Expats is more than just a makelaar service, we’re your dedicated partner in making your move smooth, enjoyable, and successful:
As expats ourselves, we intimately understand the nuances and challenges associated with relocating internationally.
Benefit from our insider knowledge about the best neighbourhoods, investment opportunities, and tips to avoid common housing market pitfalls.
From your initial consultation through to key handover, we provide unwavering, personalised support, ensuring a stress-free relocation.
Homes for Expats was invaluable in helping us settle quickly. They found our dream home and handled all the paperwork, allowing us to focus fully on launching our business. Highly recommended!
Thanks to Homes for Expats, our transition to living in the Netherlands was seamless. Their support with finding a home and negotiating with landlords saved us significant time and stress. We’re now happily settled and thriving!
The HFE team provided incredible service, finding us the perfect rental quickly, handling documentation flawlessly, and offering expert advice throughout the process. We couldn’t imagine relocating without their assistance.
Buying our first home abroad seemed daunting, but Homes for Expats made it simple and stress-free. Their knowledge of the local market and expert guidance through every stage was truly invaluable.
We applied for the DAFT visa because we wanted to move from the UK, where we had been living for three years, and start building our life in the Netherlands. One of the biggest challenges was finding a home within the right timeframe so we didn’t end up paying double rent in the UK and NL.
Ryan and Kaley
Reach out to Homes for Expats and let us guide you through a smoother start to life and business in the Netherlands.
Ryan and Kaley Story
We applied for the DAFT visa because we wanted to move from the UK, where we had been living for three years, and start building our life in the Netherlands. One of the biggest challenges was finding a home within the right timeframe so we didn’t end up paying double rent in the UK and NL. We tried searching on Funda and other rental sites, but most of the time we never got replies, and we quickly realized that in order to secure a place you had to view it within a couple of days of it being posted. Flying back and forth for every viewing wasn’t realistic, so that’s where Homes for Expats made the process seamless.
Lauren, our agent, viewed properties on our behalf, FaceTimed us during tours, and was completely honest about the condition of each place, even pointing out the minor faults. She helped us secure a home that was not only a perfect fit but also within the exact timeframe we needed. The rental agency even reached out to her before the property was listed, which meant we had access to opportunities we never would have had on our own.
Lauren also went above and beyond once we had secured the home. She took detailed photos, answered every question quickly, and shared a super helpful guide with practical info for starting out in the Netherlands. When we finally moved in, the house was exactly what we expected thanks to the thorough virtual tour she gave us.
Looking back, working with Lauren and Homes for Expats was one of the best decisions we made during the DAFT visa process. It turned what could have been an overwhelming step into something smooth and stress-free.
The Dekker Family
Relocating from the United States to the Netherlands under the DAFT visa is a major life transition, filled with many uncertainties. One of the most daunting challenges we faced early on was finding a home in the Dutch rental market. With no local rental history or Dutch income, we knew the process would be difficult We knew that we needed the right guidance from a professional.
I came across Homes for Expats after researching extensively through expat and DAFT-focused Facebook groups. I compiled a list of recommended agencies and contacted them all. What immediately stood out about Homes for Expats and in particular Nicky, was her responsiveness, honesty, and willingness to listen.
Unlike other agencies that simply dismissed or ignored my questions, Nicky took the time to explain things clearly and respectfully. From our first conversation, I felt both informed and supported.
For instance, I had asked about possibly purchasing a home instead of renting. Other agents advised against it without explanation. Nicky, however, walked me through the process in detail outlining costs, legal requirements, and realistic expectations. This allowed me to fully understand the situation and confidently decide what was best for our family.
Throughout our search, Nicky demonstrated remarkable professionalism, integrity, and empathy. She worked with us across multiple time zones (as my husband works nights in the U.S.) and was always patient, flexible, and understanding.
From the time we began working with her in late April, to signing our lease just a few weeks later, Nicky guided us through the entire process with care and confidence. She helped us stay within our budget and ultimately found us a home that we believe will be a wonderful fit for our family.
Every step of the way, Nicky combined the professionalism of a seasoned expert with the kindness and support of someone who truly understands what it means to start over in a new country. She made a very complex process feel manageable and, most of all, human.
If you are relocating to the Netherlands, particularly under the DAFT visa, I cannot recommend Homes for Expats highly enough. Their insight, integrity, and personal approach truly set them apart.
— Sonja Dekker