Can Grant Writers Use the DAFT Visa? Yes — Here's How
Yes, grant writers can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) allows US citizens to start a business in the Netherlands, and grant writing is a viable option. You can write grants for US nonprofits, international organizations, and European clients from your Dutch base.
Grant writing is inherently remote work. Your clients send you the project details, you research funders and write proposals, and you deliver electronically. Geography matters very little, which makes it a smooth fit for DAFT.
DAFT Eligibility for Grant Writers
Status: DAFT Eligible
Grant writing works under DAFT because you operate as a self-employed consultant. You provide a specialized writing service to organizations, billing them as a Dutch business.
Key points:
- Fully remote — can serve clients worldwide
- No special licensing required in the Netherlands
- Dutch market demand: Low to Moderate (higher for EU funding expertise)
- 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 grant writers on DAFT start with an eenmanszaak. It keeps administrative overhead low while you focus on your writing business.
Other Options
BV (Private Limited Company) Limited liability but requires €0.01 capital and notary. More complex setup. Generally unnecessary for a solo grant writing practice.
Registration process:
- Apply for DAFT residence permit
- Register with KVK (Chamber of Commerce)
- Receive your KVK number and start operating
Setting Up Your Grant Writing Business
Step 1: Define Your Services Clearly define what services you'll offer. For grant writers, this typically includes:
- Grant proposal writing and editing
- Grant research and funder identification
- Grant management and reporting
- Fundraising strategy consulting
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: Maintaining US nonprofit clients from abroad Solution: Grant writing is almost entirely done remotely already. Most nonprofit clients won't notice or care about your location, as long as you deliver quality proposals on time. The time zone difference can work in your favor — you can have a polished draft ready by their morning.
Challenge: Breaking into the European grant market Solution: EU funding (Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, structural funds) is a massive market, and organizations across Europe need help writing proposals. Learning the EU grant landscape is an investment, but it opens up a large and underserved market. Start by partnering with Dutch nonprofits or universities that apply for EU grants.
Challenge: Proving business viability for DAFT Solution: Document your existing client contracts, invoices, and track record. A portfolio of successful grant proposals (with win rates, if possible) demonstrates that this is a real business. Include letters of intent from clients if you have them.
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):
- 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 Grant Writer
International clients:
- Maintain existing US nonprofit relationships — most won't need you to be local
- Use platforms like Upwork or specialized nonprofit job boards
- Network in grant writing associations like the Grant Professionals Association
Dutch and European clients:
- Dutch universities, research institutions, and NGOs regularly apply for EU funding
- International organizations based in The Hague (home to many NGOs and international courts) need grant writing support
- Position yourself as someone who understands both US and EU funding landscapes — a rare and valuable skill set
Best practice: Start DAFT with existing clients or committed projects. This provides income stability while you build your Dutch network. The combination of US grant writing experience and EU market access is a genuinely useful differentiator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I write grants for US nonprofits while living in the Netherlands on DAFT? A: Yes. You bill them as a Dutch business. Grant writing for US organizations is completely location-independent, and most funders don't require the grant writer to be US-based.
Q: Is there demand for grant writers in the Netherlands? A: The Dutch market for traditional US-style grant writing is smaller. However, EU funding is a massive area, and many Dutch and European organizations need help writing proposals for Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and other EU programs. If you build expertise in EU grants, the demand is real.
Q: Should I specialize in a specific type of grant writing? A: Specialization helps. If you focus on a sector (health, education, arts, technology), you can build deeper knowledge and stronger client relationships. The Netherlands has particularly active funding in sustainability, innovation, and social impact.
Related Professions
If grant writer 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.