Can Growth Marketers Use the DAFT Visa? Yes — Here's How
Yes, growth marketers can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) allows US citizens to start a business in the Netherlands, and growth marketing is an excellent fit. You can consult for startups and established companies from your Dutch base, serving clients in the Netherlands, across Europe, and in the US.
The Netherlands has one of Europe's most active startup ecosystems. Amsterdam is a recognized tech hub, and companies across the country are looking for growth marketers who understand user acquisition, conversion optimization, and data-driven marketing. Your US experience is a genuine advantage here.
DAFT Eligibility for Growth Marketers
Status: DAFT Eligible
Growth marketing works well under DAFT because the work is project-based, consultative, and remote-friendly. You run your own marketing consultancy and bill clients directly.
Key points:
- Can serve clients remotely or on-site
- No special licensing required in the Netherlands
- Dutch market demand: High
- Typical income range: €50,000-€100,000/year
Business Structure Options
Recommended: Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship)
Simplest structure. You are personally liable. Most DAFT applicants start here.
Most growth marketers on DAFT start with an eenmanszaak. It keeps things lean, which fits the growth marketing mindset.
Other Options
BV (Private Limited Company) Limited liability but requires €0.01 capital and notary. More complex setup. Could make sense later if you scale to an agency model with subcontractors or employees.
Registration process:
- Apply for DAFT residence permit
- Register with KVK (Chamber of Commerce)
- Receive your KVK number and start operating
Setting Up Your Growth Marketing Business
Step 1: Define Your Services Clearly define what services you'll offer. For growth marketers, this typically includes:
- Growth strategy and roadmap development
- Paid acquisition management (Google Ads, Meta, LinkedIn)
- Conversion rate optimization and A/B testing
- Analytics setup and data-driven decision making
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: Adjusting to European marketing norms and GDPR Solution: GDPR is stricter than US data privacy laws, and it affects how you run campaigns, collect data, and track users. Learn the requirements early. This is actually an opportunity — many US companies entering the EU market need growth marketers who understand both US and EU approaches.
Challenge: Proving ROI to new clients without local case studies Solution: Your US results transfer. Growth principles are universal — CAC, LTV, conversion funnels, and retention metrics work the same everywhere. Lead with your data and results, not your location. Once you land your first few Dutch clients, local case studies will follow.
Challenge: Adapting paid acquisition to European markets Solution: CPCs and user behavior differ across European markets. The Netherlands specifically has high digital literacy and high internet penetration, but lower tolerance for aggressive marketing tactics. Test and learn, as you would in any new market.
Income & Tax Considerations
Expected income: €50,000-€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 a Growth Marketer
International clients:
- Maintain existing US client relationships
- Position yourself as a growth marketer who understands both US and European markets
- Use LinkedIn and Twitter to build your personal brand — growth marketing content performs well
Dutch clients:
- Network at startup events in Amsterdam (The Next Web, Startup Amsterdam) and Rotterdam
- Join coworking spaces like B.Amsterdam, WeWork, or Spaces — these are full of startups needing growth help
- The Dutch startup ecosystem actively seeks growth marketers with US experience and English-language skills
Best practice: Start DAFT with existing clients or committed projects. This provides income stability while you build your Dutch network. Growth marketers who can demonstrate results have no trouble finding work in the Dutch startup scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I manage ad campaigns for US companies while on DAFT? A: Yes. Managing ad accounts and marketing campaigns remotely is standard in this field. You bill US clients as a Dutch business. The platforms (Google, Meta, LinkedIn) don't care where you are physically located.
Q: Is the Dutch startup scene large enough to support freelance growth marketers? A: Yes. Amsterdam alone has hundreds of startups and scale-ups, many backed by international VCs. Companies like Booking.com, Adyen, and Messagebird started here. The ecosystem is large enough and international enough that English-speaking growth marketers are in demand.
Q: Do I need to adjust my approach for GDPR? A: Yes. GDPR limits how you collect, store, and use personal data. Cookie consent, email marketing opt-ins, and data tracking all work differently in the EU. Learn the requirements — it is part of operating in this market and will make you more valuable to clients.
Related Professions
If growth marketer 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.