Can Digital Strategists Use the DAFT Visa? Yes — Here's How
Yes, digital strategists can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) allows US citizens to start a business in the Netherlands, and freelance digital strategy consulting is a strong fit. You can advise clients on digital transformation, channel strategy, and technology adoption from anywhere in the Netherlands.
Digital strategy sits at the intersection of business and technology — a combination that's in demand across markets. The Netherlands, with its digitally mature economy, is a natural home for this kind of work.
DAFT Eligibility for Digital Strategists
Status: DAFT Eligible
Digital strategy consulting requires no Dutch licensing. You register as a freelance consultant and can serve clients globally from day one.
Key points:
- Remote-friendly — strategy work translates well to virtual delivery
- No Dutch licensing or certification required
- Dutch market demand: Moderate to High
- Typical income range: €55,000–€120,000/year
Business Structure Options
Recommended: Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship)
Simplest structure. You are personally liable. Most DAFT applicants start here because it's fast and has minimal overhead.
For freelance digital strategists, this gives you everything you need to invoice clients and operate legally.
Other Options
BV (Private Limited Company) Limited liability but requires €0.01 capital and a notary. More complex to manage. Consider this if you're taking on large enterprise contracts or plan to hire subcontractors.
Registration process:
- Apply for DAFT residence permit
- Register with KVK (Chamber of Commerce)
- Receive your KVK number and start operating
Setting Up Your Digital Strategy Business
Step 1: Define Your Services Be clear about your offering. For digital strategists, this typically includes:
- Digital transformation roadmapping
- Channel strategy and optimization
- Technology evaluation and selection
- Digital maturity assessments
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: Delivering strategy remotely without in-person workshops Solution: Virtual strategy sessions work well with the right tools. Use Miro or FigJam for collaborative frameworks, and schedule sessions that respect time zones. For European clients, in-person is always an easy train ride away.
Challenge: Pricing strategy work across markets Solution: US-level rates often work for Dutch enterprise clients, but smaller European companies may have different budget expectations. Research local day rates (€800–€1,500/day for senior strategists is common in the Netherlands).
Challenge: Standing out in a broad field Solution: Niche down. Focus on a specific industry (fintech, e-commerce, healthcare) or a specific type of strategy (MarTech stack optimization, data strategy). Specialists command higher rates and are easier to find through referrals.
Income & Tax Considerations
Expected income: €55,000–€120,000/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 a Digital Strategist
International clients:
- Maintain existing US client relationships
- Your US market perspective is valuable to European companies expanding stateside
- Use LinkedIn thought leadership and industry conferences to build visibility
Dutch/European clients:
- The Netherlands is home to many international companies that need digital strategy
- Attend events like TNW Conference, EMERCE, or Digital Dutch
- Connect with Dutch agencies and consultancies who need freelance strategic support
- Cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague all have active digital communities
Best practice: Start DAFT with existing clients or committed projects. Strategy engagements tend to be multi-month, so even one or two ongoing clients provide solid financial stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I advise US companies on digital strategy while living in the Netherlands? A: Yes. You invoice them as a Dutch business. Strategy consulting is inherently remote-friendly, and many digital strategists on DAFT work primarily with US clients.
Q: How does digital strategy differ from digital marketing for DAFT? A: For DAFT purposes, there's no difference — both are service-based consulting. The distinction matters for your positioning: strategists typically work at a higher level (roadmaps, frameworks, business cases) while marketers often handle execution.
Q: Do I need to adapt my frameworks for European clients? A: Some adaptation helps — European businesses often have different organizational structures and decision-making processes. Privacy-first strategy (GDPR) is also more central in European digital work. But your core strategic skills transfer directly.
Related Professions
If digital strategy 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.