Can Accessibility Consultants Use the DAFT Visa? Here's How
Yes, accessibility consultants can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) lets US citizens start a business in the Netherlands, and accessibility consulting is an excellent fit. The work is remote, the demand is growing, and EU regulations are driving even more need for your skills.
Digital accessibility is one of the few fields where demand is outpacing supply. The European Accessibility Act takes full effect in 2025, meaning European businesses need help getting compliant. Being based in the EU while understanding US standards (ADA, Section 508, WCAG) gives you a real edge.
DAFT Eligibility for Accessibility Consultants
Status: DAFT Eligible
Accessibility consulting is fully remote consulting work that requires no Dutch-specific licensing. Your knowledge of both US and EU accessibility standards makes you more marketable, not less.
Key points:
- Fully remote — audit and advise from anywhere
- No Dutch licensing required (certifications like IAAP help but aren't mandatory)
- Dutch market demand: High (driven by EU accessibility regulations)
- Typical income range: €55,000-€100,000/year
Business Structure Options
Recommended: Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship)
Simplest structure. You are personally liable. Most DAFT applicants start here.
For accessibility consultants, the eenmanszaak is a clean starting point. You're selling knowledge and auditing services — the business structure should be simple.
Other Options
BV (Private Limited Company) Limited liability but requires €0.01 capital and notary. More complex setup. Worth considering if you're taking on large enterprise contracts where liability protection matters.
Registration process:
- Apply for DAFT residence permit
- Register with KVK (Chamber of Commerce)
- Receive your KVK number and start operating
Setting Up Your Accessibility Consulting Business
Step 1: Define Your Services Clearly define what services you'll offer. For accessibility consultants, this typically includes:
- WCAG compliance audits and remediation guidance
- Accessibility training for development and design teams
- European Accessibility Act compliance consulting
- Assistive technology testing and user research
Step 2: KVK Registration Register your business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. You'll need:
- Valid residence permit (or proof of DAFT application)
- Proof of address in the Netherlands
- Description of your business activities
- €75 registration fee
Step 3: Tax Registration After KVK registration, you'll automatically be registered with the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax authority) for:
- Income tax
- VAT (BTW) — you may be exempt if under €20,000/year
Common Challenges & Solutions
Challenge: Understanding EU-specific accessibility regulations Solution: You likely already know WCAG, which forms the basis of EU standards too. The European Accessibility Act and EN 301 549 align closely with WCAG 2.1 AA. Invest time learning the EU-specific requirements — this knowledge becomes a major selling point.
Challenge: Building credibility in the European market Solution: Certifications like IAAP's CPAC or CPACC are recognized internationally. Your US experience with ADA and Section 508 is directly relevant. Being based in the EU signals commitment to European clients.
Challenge: Scope creep in accessibility projects Solution: Define clear deliverables in your contracts — number of pages audited, remediation guidance vs. actual development work, training hours included. Accessibility work can expand quickly, so boundaries matter.
Income & Tax Considerations
Expected income: €55,000-€100,000/year
Tax obligations:
- Dutch income tax (progressive rates, 36-49%)
- US tax filing required (as a US citizen)
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion may apply
- Tax treaty between US and Netherlands prevents double taxation
VAT (BTW):
- Services to US/non-EU clients: 0% (reverse charge)
- Services to Dutch clients: 21% VAT
- Small business exemption if under €20,000/year
See our US Taxes While Living in Netherlands guide.
Finding Clients as an Accessibility Consultant
International clients:
- Maintain existing US client relationships
- US companies with European customers need EU accessibility compliance help
- Position yourself as a bridge between ADA and European standards
- Join accessibility communities like A11Y Project, WebAIM, and IAAP
Dutch clients:
- Dutch government websites are required to meet accessibility standards
- The European Accessibility Act is driving demand across private sector companies
- Connect with UX designers and web developers who refer accessibility work
- Attend Dutch tech meetups — accessibility talks are increasingly common
Best practice: Start DAFT with existing clients or committed projects. This provides income stability while you build your Dutch network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is accessibility consulting in demand in the Netherlands specifically? A: Yes. The Netherlands has strong digital inclusion policies, and the European Accessibility Act is pushing private companies to comply. Dutch government sites already have accessibility requirements. Demand is growing fast.
Q: Do I need IAAP certification to work as an accessibility consultant in the Netherlands? A: No certification is legally required. However, IAAP certifications (CPACC, WAS, CPAC) are well-recognized and help build trust with clients, especially in a new market.
Q: Can I combine accessibility consulting with UX design work? A: Absolutely. Many accessibility consultants offer related services like inclusive design consulting, user research with disabled users, or UX audits. Your KVK registration can cover multiple related services.
Related Professions
If accessibility consultant isn't quite right for your situation, consider these related professions that also work with DAFT:
Next Steps
- Evaluate your situation — Do you have clients? Income? A viable business plan?
- Read the complete DAFT guide — Understand all requirements
- Prepare your documents — Start the apostille process early
- Plan your timeline — Most people need 3-6 months to prepare
Digital Guide — $99
We're not immigration lawyers—just Americans who did this. Requirements change, so verify with official sources.