Can Influencers Use the DAFT Visa? Yes — Here's How
Yes, influencers can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) works well for influencers and content creators who run their own business. Whether you make money through brand deals, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or digital products, you can operate from the Netherlands.
The key is framing your work as a real business, not just a hobby. You need to show the IND (Dutch immigration service) that you're running a legitimate operation with revenue and a plan.
DAFT Eligibility for Influencers
Status: DAFT Eligible
Influencer businesses are eligible for DAFT as long as you can demonstrate a real business with income. Brand partnerships, sponsored content, affiliate revenue, and digital product sales all count.
Key points:
- Location-independent work — create content from anywhere
- No special licensing required in the Netherlands
- Dutch market demand: Growing (especially English-language creators in Europe)
- Typical income range: €30,000-€150,000+/year (varies widely)
Business Structure Options
Recommended: Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship)
Simplest structure. You are personally liable. Most DAFT applicants start here.
For most influencers, this is the right call. It keeps overhead low and paperwork minimal while you focus on creating content.
Other Options
BV (Private Limited Company) Limited liability but requires €0.01 capital and notary. More complex setup. Worth considering if your revenue is above €100,000/year or you want to bring on team members.
Registration process:
- Apply for DAFT residence permit
- Register with KVK (Chamber of Commerce)
- Receive your KVK number and start operating
Setting Up Your Influencer Business
Step 1: Define Your Services Clearly define what services you'll offer. For influencers, this typically includes:
- Sponsored content creation and brand partnerships
- Affiliate marketing and product promotion
- Digital product sales (courses, presets, templates)
- Speaking engagements and 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
Pro Tip: Register your KVK business activity as "content creation and digital marketing" rather than just "influencer." It sounds more professional and covers a wider range of services.
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: Proving to the IND that influencing is a real business Solution: Prepare a clear business plan with revenue history, contracts with brands, and income projections. Screenshots of analytics and signed partnership agreements help.
Challenge: Inconsistent income from month to month Solution: Diversify revenue streams. Combine brand deals with affiliate income, digital products, and consulting. Retainer-based brand partnerships provide more stability than one-off posts.
Challenge: Navigating EU advertising disclosure rules Solution: The Netherlands has strict rules about sponsored content disclosure. Research the Stichting Reclame Code guidelines. When in doubt, label everything clearly as sponsored.
Income & Tax Considerations
Expected income: €30,000-€150,000+/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
One thing to watch: affiliate income and ad revenue (like YouTube AdSense) can have tricky VAT implications depending on where the platform is based. A good Dutch accountant who understands digital businesses is worth the investment.
See our US Taxes While Living in Netherlands guide.
Finding Clients as an Influencer
International brands:
- Maintain existing US brand relationships
- European brands are often eager to work with English-speaking creators who have a US audience
- Platforms like AspireIQ, Grin, and Creator.co connect creators with brands
Dutch and European brands:
- The Netherlands has a strong startup scene with brands looking for influencer partnerships
- Attend marketing events in Amsterdam and Rotterdam
- Position yourself as a bridge between US and European markets
Best practice: Start DAFT with existing brand partnerships or revenue streams. This provides income stability while you build your European presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a minimum follower count to qualify for DAFT as an influencer? A: No. DAFT doesn't care about follower counts. What matters is that you can demonstrate a viable business with income. A creator with 10,000 engaged followers and consistent brand deals is in a stronger position than someone with a million followers and no revenue.
Q: Can I still post content about the US while living in the Netherlands? A: Absolutely. DAFT has no restrictions on who your audience is or what topics you cover. Many creators find that living in Europe actually expands their content possibilities.
Q: How do I handle gifts and PR products for tax purposes? A: Products received for review or promotion may be considered taxable income in the Netherlands. Keep records of everything you receive and discuss with your accountant how to handle product-based compensation.
Related Professions
If influencer isn't quite right for your situation, consider these related professions that also work with DAFT:
Next Steps
- Evaluate your situation - Do you have brand deals? Revenue? 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.