Can Email Marketing Specialists Use DAFT? Eligible
Yes, email marketing specialists can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) allows US citizens to start a business in the Netherlands, and freelance email marketing is a solid fit. You can build campaigns, manage automations, and grow subscriber lists for clients anywhere in the world.
Email marketing is one of those skills that's always in demand. Companies need it, few do it well, and the work is entirely remote.
DAFT Eligibility for Email Marketing Specialists
Status: DAFT Eligible
Email marketing is a service-based profession with no Dutch licensing requirements. You register as a freelance email marketer and can start serving clients immediately.
Key points:
- Fully remote — manage email programs from anywhere
- No Dutch licensing or certification required
- Dutch market demand: Moderate to High
- Typical income range: €40,000–€90,000/year
Business Structure Options
Recommended: Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship)
Simplest structure. You are personally liable. Most DAFT applicants start here because setup is fast and administrative requirements are minimal.
For email marketing freelancers, this is almost always the right starting point.
Other Options
BV (Private Limited Company) Limited liability but requires €0.01 capital and a notary. More complex and usually unnecessary for solo email marketers.
Registration process:
- Apply for DAFT residence permit
- Register with KVK (Chamber of Commerce)
- Receive your KVK number and start operating
Setting Up Your Email Marketing Business
Step 1: Define Your Services Be specific about what you offer. For email marketing specialists, this typically includes:
- Email campaign strategy and execution
- Marketing automation setup (Klaviyo, HubSpot, Mailchimp, etc.)
- List segmentation and management
- A/B testing and performance optimization
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: GDPR and European email regulations Solution: This is actually an opportunity. European email regulations are stricter than US rules (opt-in is required, not opt-out). Understanding both CAN-SPAM and GDPR makes you more valuable to clients on both sides of the Atlantic. Learn GDPR email rules early.
Challenge: Platform access and deliverability testing Solution: All major email platforms are cloud-based and work identically from the Netherlands. Deliverability testing tools are also location-independent. Your IP location doesn't affect email delivery.
Challenge: Proving business viability with variable income Solution: Retainer-based email marketing clients are your best asset for DAFT applications. Show contracts with monthly retainers and a clear pipeline of work.
Income & Tax Considerations
Expected income: €40,000–€90,000/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 Email Marketing Specialist
International clients:
- Keep existing US client relationships — email retainers travel well
- Use platforms like Upwork, Mayple, or MarketerHire
- Specialize in a platform (Klaviyo for e-commerce, HubSpot for B2B) to stand out
Dutch/European clients:
- Dutch e-commerce companies invest heavily in email marketing
- Attend marketing events in Amsterdam or Rotterdam
- Position your GDPR knowledge as a differentiator
- Many Dutch companies need English-language email marketing for international audiences
Best practice: Start DAFT with existing clients. Monthly email marketing retainers provide predictable income, which makes the DAFT application stronger and the transition smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I manage email campaigns for US companies while on DAFT? A: Yes. Email platforms are cloud-based and location-independent. You bill US clients as a Dutch business.
Q: Do European email regulations prevent me from working with US clients? A: No. You follow the regulations that apply to your client's audience. For US audiences, CAN-SPAM applies. For European audiences, GDPR applies. Your physical location doesn't change which rules govern the emails.
Q: How is email marketing different from digital marketing for DAFT? A: For DAFT, there's no difference — both are service-based consulting. Email marketing is simply a specialization within digital marketing. Some people register as digital marketers and include email as one of their services.
Related Professions
If email marketing 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.