Can Information Architects Use DAFT? DAFT Eligible
Yes, information architects can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is a great fit for information architects who want to freelance from the Netherlands. You can offer IA consulting, content strategy, and UX research services to clients worldwide.
Information architecture sits at the intersection of UX, content strategy, and systems thinking. That mix of skills is in demand across Europe, and the Netherlands is a particularly strong market for digital and tech-adjacent consulting.
DAFT Eligibility for Information Architects
Status: DAFT Eligible
Information architecture is well-suited for DAFT. The work is naturally remote-friendly, and you can serve clients across time zones without being physically present.
Key points:
- Highly remote-friendly — can serve clients worldwide
- No special licensing required in the Netherlands
- Dutch market demand: Moderate to High
- Typical income range: €55,000-€100,000/year
Business Structure Options
Recommended: Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship)
Simplest structure. You are personally liable. Most DAFT applicants start here.
Most information architects on DAFT start with this structure. It keeps administrative burden low while you focus on client work.
Other Options
BV (Private Limited Company) Limited liability but requires €0.01 capital and notary. More complex setup. Consider this if you're billing large enterprise clients who may prefer working with a limited company.
Registration process:
- Apply for DAFT residence permit
- Register with KVK (Chamber of Commerce)
- Receive your KVK number and start operating
Setting Up Your Information Architecture Business
Step 1: Define Your Services Clearly define what services you'll offer. For information architects, this typically includes:
- Information architecture audits and redesigns
- Content modeling and taxonomy design
- User research and usability testing
- UX strategy 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
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: Explaining your role to Dutch clients unfamiliar with IA as a discipline Solution: Frame your work in terms of outcomes: "I help companies organize their digital products so users can find what they need." The Netherlands has a mature tech scene, but IA as a standalone service is less common than in the US.
Challenge: Finding clients who value IA as a separate service Solution: Position yourself as a UX strategist with deep IA skills. Many European companies bundle IA under broader UX work. Being flexible with your positioning opens more doors.
Challenge: Time zone management with US clients Solution: The 6-9 hour difference with US time zones works in your favor. You can do focused work in the morning and have overlap calls in the afternoon/evening.
Income & Tax Considerations
Expected income: €55,000-€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 an Information Architect
International clients:
- Maintain existing US client relationships
- Use platforms like Toptal or specialized UX freelance networks
- B2B consulting services to US clients are straightforward to maintain
Dutch and European clients:
- Amsterdam and Rotterdam have active UX communities
- Attend UX meetups and conferences in the Netherlands
- Join Dutch UX professional groups like IxDA Amsterdam
Best practice: Start DAFT with existing clients or committed projects. This provides income stability while you build your European network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I work for US tech companies as an information architect on DAFT? A: Yes, you can work as an independent contractor for US companies. You bill them as a Dutch business. This is one of the most common setups for DAFT information architects.
Q: Is there demand for English-speaking information architects in the Netherlands? A: Yes. Most Dutch tech companies operate in English, especially in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. English-speaking IA consultants are welcomed in the Dutch market.
Related Professions
If information architect 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.