The Full Document Checklist for Your DAFT Application
Gathering documents for the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) application is the most time-consuming part of the process. It took us about three months and roughly $1,500 in fees, apostilles, and shipping costs.
The good news: once you know exactly what you need, the process is predictable. Here's every document on the list, where to get it, and how long each one takes.
The Core Documents
1. Valid US Passport
What you need: A passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned residence permit period.
Where to get it: US State Department, any post office that processes passports, or a passport agency for expedited processing.
Timeline: Routine processing is 6-8 weeks. Expedited is 2-3 weeks. If yours is expiring soon, renew it before you start anything else.
2. Birth Certificate with Apostille
What you need: A certified copy of your birth certificate, plus an apostille from the state that issued it.
Where to get it: Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born. Then get the apostille from that state's Secretary of State office.
Timeline: Birth certificate: 1-4 weeks. Apostille: 1-4 weeks on top of that. Total: 2-8 weeks.
Our apostille process guide covers this step by step.
3. FBI Background Check with Apostille
What you need: An Identity History Summary from the FBI, apostilled by the US Department of State (not a state office---this is a federal document).
Where to get it: Submit your fingerprints to the FBI using an FD-258 card or through an approved channeler. Once you receive the results, send them to the US Department of State for apostille.
Timeline: FBI processing: 8-12 weeks (or 3-4 weeks through a channeler). State Department apostille: 2-4 weeks. Total: 10-16 weeks.
This is the longest item on the list. Start it first. See our FBI background check guide for the full process.
Pro Tip: An FBI-approved channeler can cut the FBI processing time significantly. It costs more ($50-100 extra) but can save you two months of waiting.
4. Proof of 4,500 Euro Deposit
What you need: A bank statement from a Dutch business bank account showing a balance of at least 4,500 euros.
Where to get it: You'll need to open a Dutch business bank account. This can be done in person or sometimes remotely, depending on the bank.
Timeline: Opening an account: 1-4 weeks. Transferring funds: a few days.
Read more about the 4,500 euro deposit requirement.
Business Documents
5. Business Plan
What you need: A business plan that explains what your business does, how you'll earn income, who your clients are, and why the Netherlands is your base.
Where to get it: You write it. It doesn't need to be long---5-10 pages is typical. The IND is checking that your business is genuine, not evaluating your MBA skills.
Timeline: A few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how much you overthink it.
Our DAFT business plan template gives you a structure that works.
6. KVK Registration
What you need: Proof of registration with the Kamer van Koophandel (KVK), the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. This confirms your business is officially registered in the Netherlands.
Where to get it: Register at a KVK office in person. You'll need your passport and business details.
Timeline: Same-day registration in most cases. You walk out with your KVK number.
What We Wish We Knew: You can register with the KVK before your DAFT application is approved. In fact, you'll need the KVK number for your application. The registration doesn't depend on having a residence permit yet.
Health and Insurance Documents
7. Health Insurance Policy
What you need: Proof of health insurance that's valid in the Netherlands. Travel insurance and US-based plans don't qualify.
Where to get it: A Dutch health insurer or an international policy that meets Dutch requirements. You'll switch to mandatory Dutch basic insurance (basisverzekering) once you have your BSN number and residence permit.
Timeline: You can usually get a policy within a few days.
Read our health insurance for DAFT guide for which policies actually work.
Additional Documents
8. Passport Photos
What you need: Biometric passport photos that meet Dutch/EU specifications (35mm x 45mm, neutral expression, white background).
Where to get it: Most photo shops in the Netherlands can take them. Some drug stores have photo booths that work.
Timeline: Same day.
9. Proof of Address in the Netherlands
What you need: A rental agreement or proof of housing in the Netherlands.
Where to get it: Your landlord or housing provider.
Timeline: Depends on your housing situation. Have this sorted before you apply.
10. Application Forms
What you need: The completed IND application forms for a DAFT residence permit.
Where to get it: Download from the IND website. Fill them out carefully---mistakes here cause delays.
Timeline: An hour or two if you have all your information ready.
The Checklist at a Glance
Use this to track your progress:
- Valid US passport (6+ months validity)
- Birth certificate (certified copy)
- Birth certificate apostille
- FBI background check
- FBI background check apostille (US Department of State)
- Dutch business bank account opened
- 4,500 euro deposit confirmed
- Business plan written
- KVK registration completed
- Health insurance policy secured
- Passport photos taken
- Proof of address/housing
- IND application forms completed
- Copies of everything (digital and physical)
Reality Check: This list looks long, but most items can be worked on in parallel. The FBI background check is the bottleneck. Start that immediately and work on everything else while you wait.
Recommended Order of Operations
Based on processing times, here's the most efficient order:
- Month 1: Start FBI background check. Renew passport if needed. Order birth certificate.
- Month 2: Get birth certificate apostilled. Start business plan. Research health insurance.
- Month 3: Open Dutch bank account. Register with KVK. Finalize business plan.
- Month 4: Receive FBI results, send for apostille. Get health insurance. Find housing.
- Month 5: Receive FBI apostille. Complete application forms. Submit everything.
For a week-by-week breakdown, see our DAFT application timeline.
FAQ
Q: Do all documents need to be translated into Dutch?
A: Most English-language documents are accepted by the IND without translation. However, if any document is in a language other than English or Dutch, you'll need a certified translation. When in doubt, check the IND's current requirements.
Q: How recent do documents need to be?
A: The FBI background check and bank statements should be as recent as possible---generally issued within the last 3-6 months. Birth certificates don't expire. Check each document's validity period before submitting.
Q: What if I'm missing a document at my IND appointment?
A: The IND officer will note what's missing and give you instructions on how to submit it. Your application won't be denied on the spot, but the missing item will need to be provided before processing can continue. Avoid this by using the checklist above.
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We're not immigration lawyers---just Americans who did this. Requirements change, so verify with official sources.