Can Acupuncturists Use the DAFT Visa? Yes — Here's How
Yes, acupuncturists can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) allows US citizens to start a business in the Netherlands, and acupuncture practices are a valid business type. You will need to meet Dutch healthcare regulations, but the path is straightforward.
Acupuncture is recognized in the Netherlands as a complementary therapy, and there is steady demand for qualified practitioners across the country.
DAFT Eligibility for Acupuncturists
Status: DAFT Eligible
Acupuncture falls under complementary/alternative medicine in the Netherlands. You can operate your own practice as a self-employed practitioner.
Key points:
- In-person practice requires a physical location in the Netherlands
- Dutch registration with a professional body (like the NVA or ZHONG) is strongly recommended
- Dutch market demand: Moderate
- Typical income range: €35,000-€70,000/year
Business Structure Options
Recommended: Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship)
Simplest structure. You are personally liable. Most DAFT applicants start here.
Most acupuncturists on DAFT choose this structure. It keeps overhead low while you build your client base in a new country.
Other Options
BV (Private Limited Company) Limited liability but requires €0.01 capital and notary. More complex setup. Generally not necessary for a solo acupuncture practice unless you plan to hire staff.
Registration process:
- Apply for DAFT residence permit
- Register with KVK (Chamber of Commerce)
- Receive your KVK number and start operating
Setting Up Your Acupuncture Business
Step 1: Verify Your Credentials Before moving, gather all your US credentials and certifications. In the Netherlands, acupuncture is not regulated under the BIG Act (the main healthcare professions law), but professional association membership matters for credibility and insurance. Bring your NCCAOM certification, school transcripts, and any state licenses.
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: Getting recognized by Dutch health insurers Solution: Join a recognized professional body like the NVA (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Acupunctuur) or ZHONG. Many Dutch health insurance plans cover acupuncture from registered practitioners, which helps attract clients.
Challenge: Building a local client base from scratch Solution: The Netherlands has an active wellness community. Network with other health practitioners, join local business groups, and list yourself on platforms like ZorgkaartNederland. Many expats in the Netherlands also seek acupuncture, giving you an English-speaking client base to start with.
Challenge: Finding a suitable practice space Solution: Consider subletting space in an existing wellness center or physiotherapy practice. This is common in the Netherlands and reduces your startup costs significantly.
Income & Tax Considerations
Expected income: €35,000-€70,000/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):
- Medical and healthcare services may qualify for VAT exemption
- Check with a Dutch tax advisor whether your specific services qualify
- Small business exemption if under €20,000/year
See our US Taxes While Living in Netherlands guide.
Finding Clients as an Acupuncturist
Local clients:
- Join a Dutch professional acupuncture association for referral networks
- Partner with physiotherapists, midwives, and GPs who refer patients
- List your practice on ZorgkaartNederland and Google Business
- The Netherlands has a strong culture of complementary medicine
Expat clients:
- Many English-speaking expats in cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam seek acupuncture
- List on expat-focused directories and Facebook groups
- Word-of-mouth in expat communities spreads quickly
Best practice: Start DAFT with savings to cover 6-12 months while you build your local practice. Unlike remote workers, acupuncturists need time to establish a physical client base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to speak Dutch to practice acupuncture in the Netherlands? A: Not strictly, especially if you focus on expat clients. But learning Dutch will significantly expand your potential client base and help you work with insurance companies. Many practitioners start in English and add Dutch over time.
Q: Can I use my US acupuncture license in the Netherlands? A: Your US license does not directly transfer. However, since acupuncture is not a BIG-regulated profession in the Netherlands, you can practice after registering with a professional body and meeting their requirements. Your NCCAOM certification and training hours will help with this process.
Q: Is acupuncture covered by Dutch health insurance? A: Many Dutch supplementary health insurance plans cover acupuncture, typically 50-100% up to a set number of sessions per year. Coverage depends on the patient's specific plan and whether you are registered with a recognized professional body.
Related Professions
If acupuncturist isn't quite right for your situation, consider these related professions that also work with DAFT:
Next Steps
- Research Dutch acupuncture associations - Look into NVA and ZHONG membership requirements
- Gather your credentials - NCCAOM certification, training records, state licenses
- Read the complete DAFT guide - Understand all requirements for your DAFT application
- 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.