Can You Start Your DAFT Visa Application From the US?
"Can I apply for DAFT without leaving the US?"
The answer: partially. The DAFT application is a two-phase process—you start in the US, then complete it in the Netherlands.
What You Can Do From the US
| What | Where |
|---|---|
| Document gathering | US |
| Apostilles | US |
| MVV application (entry visa) | US (at Dutch embassy) |
| MVV approval waiting | US |
| Everything else | Netherlands |
You'll spend 2-4 months preparing from the US, then need to be in the Netherlands for the remaining steps.
Phase 1: From the US
Document Gathering (4-8 weeks): FBI background check, birth certificate, apostilles, passport photos, business plan.
MVV Appointment: In person at Dutch embassy/consulate. Submit documents, pay €210 fee.
Wait for MVV (4-8 weeks): Processing happens in background. You can continue working your US job.
Once approved, you'll get your MVV—a sticker in your passport allowing you to enter Netherlands for the purpose of applying for your DAFT residence permit.
What Requires Being in Netherlands
Register Address (Gemeente): Must be done in person. Requires Dutch address. See Getting Your BSN Number.
Register Business (KVK): In person. Requires BSN number from gemeente.
Open Dutch Bank Account: Most banks require in-person visit.
Submit IND Application: After you have BSN, KVK, and €4,500 in Dutch bank.
Biometrics Appointment: Photo and fingerprints at IND office.
Timeline Overview
| Phase | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Document gathering | 4-8 weeks | US |
| MVV application & processing | 4-8 weeks | US |
| Find housing | 1-4 weeks | NL |
| Gemeente + KVK + bank | 2-3 weeks | NL |
| IND processing | 2-4 weeks | NL |
| Total | 3-6 months | — |
When to Quit Your US Job
Option A: Work until MVV approved. Give notice after approval. Maximizes US income.
Option B: Quit when you schedule MVV appointment. Use processing time for move prep. More breathing room.
We did Option A—worked until MVV approved, gave two weeks notice, flew out.
Planning Your DAFT Timeline?
Go at Your Own Pace
Templates, checklists, and a step-by-step timeline for your entire DAFT move—the practical toolkit we built from our own experience.
- Week-by-week application timeline
- Complete document checklist
- Or book a consultation for personalized planning
Talk Through Your Situation
Have specific questions? Unusual circumstances? Or just want to hear from someone who did this? Let's get on a call.
- Week-by-week application timeline
- Complete document checklist
- Or book a consultation for personalized planning
Financial Preparation From the US
- Set up Wise (TransferWise) for transfers
- Get no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card
- Notify US banks you'll be accessing from abroad
- Have multiple payment methods ready
Housing: The Challenge
Most landlords want in-person viewings. Scams are common in online listings.
Our solution: Book Airbnb for 3 weeks, search for permanent housing after arriving. More expensive but less risky.
For the complete US-to-Netherlands checklist with exact steps, see our guide.
Digital Guide — $199
We're not immigration lawyers—just Americans who did this. Requirements change, so verify with official sources.