Can Instructional Designers Use DAFT? DAFT Eligible
Yes, instructional designers can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is a solid fit for instructional designers who want to freelance from the Netherlands. You can create training programs, e-learning courses, and educational content for clients anywhere in the world.
The Netherlands has a strong education sector and a growing corporate training market. Companies across Europe invest heavily in employee development, and English-language training content is in high demand.
DAFT Eligibility for Instructional Designers
Status: DAFT Eligible
Instructional design work is naturally remote-friendly. You can build courses, develop training materials, and consult on learning strategy without being in the same room as your clients.
Key points:
- Highly remote-friendly — design and deliver from anywhere
- No special licensing required in the Netherlands
- Dutch market demand: Moderate
- Typical income range: €45,000-€85,000/year
Business Structure Options
Recommended: Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship)
Simplest structure. You are personally liable. Most DAFT applicants start here.
Most instructional designers on DAFT choose this structure. The administrative simplicity lets you focus on creating great learning experiences.
Other Options
BV (Private Limited Company) Limited liability but requires €0.01 capital and notary. More complex setup. Consider this if you're building a team or taking on large corporate training contracts.
Registration process:
- Apply for DAFT residence permit
- Register with KVK (Chamber of Commerce)
- Receive your KVK number and start operating
Setting Up Your Instructional Design Business
Step 1: Define Your Services Clearly define what services you'll offer. For instructional designers, this typically includes:
- E-learning course development
- Corporate training program design
- Learning management system (LMS) consulting
- Curriculum mapping and assessment design
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: Corporate clients wanting on-site workshops Solution: Offer a hybrid model. Design the content remotely, then travel for key delivery sessions. Being in the Netherlands gives you easy access to clients across Europe by train or short flights.
Challenge: Competing with lower-cost instructional designers from other countries Solution: Emphasize your US perspective, English-language skills, and understanding of both American and European business culture. That cross-cultural awareness is valuable for multinational companies.
Challenge: Keeping up with authoring tools and LMS platforms Solution: Many authoring tools (Articulate, Adobe Captivate, etc.) are subscription-based and work the same from anywhere. Expense them through your Dutch business.
Income & Tax Considerations
Expected income: €45,000-€85,000/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 Instructional Designer
International clients:
- Maintain existing US client relationships
- Use platforms like Upwork, LinkedIn, or specialized e-learning job boards
- Target multinational companies that need training content in English
Dutch and European clients:
- The Netherlands has many multinational headquarters (Unilever, Philips, ING)
- Corporate training is a growing market across Europe
- Network at learning and development conferences
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 corporate training companies as an instructional designer on DAFT? A: Yes, you can work as an independent contractor for US companies. You bill them as a Dutch business. Time zone overlap in the afternoon/evening makes this practical.
Q: Do I need any Dutch certifications to do instructional design work? A: No. The Netherlands does not require specific certifications for instructional designers. Your existing qualifications and portfolio are what matter to clients.
Q: Is there demand for English-language e-learning in the Netherlands? A: Yes. Most large Dutch companies operate in English internally. Corporate training, especially for multinational teams, is frequently developed in English first.
Related Professions
If instructional designer 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.