Your IND Appointment for DAFT: What You Should Expect
When we got the letter scheduling our IND appointment, we panicked a little.
Turns out, the appointment was straightforward and mostly administrative. Here's what to actually expect.
What Is the IND Appointment?
What it is: Final step in your DAFT process—biometric data collection (photo, fingerprints) and document verification.
What it's NOT: An interview about your business, a test of your Dutch skills, or stressful.
By the time you get to this appointment, your DAFT has already been approved. This is mostly paperwork.
How to Book
Most common: Your BSN registration triggers IND notification. They send you a letter with appointment date/time, usually 2-4 weeks after BSN registration.
If no letter after 4 weeks: Call IND at 088-043 0430 and request appointment scheduling.
What Documents to Bring
Required:
- Valid passport with DAFT sticker
- IND appointment letter
- Recent passport photo (biometric, white background)
- Proof of address (rental contract)
- KVK registration certificate
Optional but helpful:
- Proof of health insurance
- Bank account information
You DON'T need: Business plan, financial statements, client contracts, or proof of income.
What Happens at the Appointment
Our experience at IND Amsterdam:
Arrival: Security check, check-in at reception, wait 10-30 minutes.
The Appointment (20-30 minutes):
- Document verification (5 min)
- Biometric data—photo and fingerprints (5 min)
- Information confirmation (5 min)
- Brief questions (5-10 min)
- Next steps explanation (5 min)
Questions They Asked Us
- "Can you confirm your full name and date of birth?"
- "What is your current address in the Netherlands?"
- "What type of business did you register?"
- "What services do you provide?"
- "How long do you plan to stay in the Netherlands?"
What they DIDN'T ask: Detailed business questions, financial information, income amounts, Dutch language ability.
We'd prepared elaborate answers. They asked none of that.
Preparing for Your IND Appointment?
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.
- Complete document checklist
- What to expect step-by-step
- Or book a consultation for guidance
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.
- Complete document checklist
- What to expect step-by-step
- Or book a consultation for guidance
After the Appointment
Residence card timeline: 2-6 weeks from appointment.
Our timeline: Appointment March 15, card arrived April 3 (19 days).
What the card allows: Legal residence, ability to work (self-employed), travel within Schengen, proof of legal status.
Common Issues
Can't make scheduled appointment: Call IND immediately at 088-043 0430 to reschedule.
Missing documents: Ask exactly what they need. Most officers are reasonable about follow-up submissions.
Business isn't making money yet: This is normal and expected. "I'm in the startup phase" is a perfectly acceptable answer.
Tips
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Answer questions directly and honestly
- Don't volunteer extra information
- Stay calm—it's not an interrogation
We stressed about this appointment for weeks. The whole thing was quick, straightforward, and painless.
Related Resources:
- Getting Your BSN Number - First step before IND appointment
- What Happens After DAFT Approval - Full timeline of next steps
- DAFT Permit Renewal Process - When you need to renew
- Complete DAFT Guide - Full application walkthrough
Digital Guide — $199
We're not immigration lawyers—just Americans who did this. Requirements change, so verify with official sources.