Can Learning Experience Designers Use DAFT? Eligible
Yes, learning experience designers can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is a natural fit for learning experience designers (LXDs) who want to freelance from the Netherlands. You can design learning programs, build educational products, and consult on training strategy for clients worldwide.
Here's something you might not know: the term "learning experience design" was actually coined in the Netherlands. The LXD community has strong roots here, which means you'll find a welcoming professional network.
DAFT Eligibility for Learning Experience Designers
Status: DAFT Eligible
Learning experience design is entirely remote-friendly. You can research, design, prototype, and test learning experiences from anywhere with an internet connection.
Key points:
- Highly remote-friendly — design and deliver from anywhere
- No special licensing required in the Netherlands
- Dutch market demand: Moderate to High
- Typical income range: €50,000-€95,000/year
Business Structure Options
Recommended: Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship)
Simplest structure. You are personally liable. Most DAFT applicants start here.
Most LXDs on DAFT start with this structure. It keeps things simple while you build your European client base.
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 learning design studio with multiple 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 Learning Experience Design Business
Step 1: Define Your Services Clearly define what services you'll offer. For learning experience designers, this typically includes:
- Learning experience strategy and consulting
- Educational product design and prototyping
- Workshop facilitation and training design
- Learning platform evaluation and implementation
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: Distinguishing LXD from instructional design in the market Solution: Lead with outcomes. Instead of debating terminology, show clients how your approach produces better learner engagement and retention. The Netherlands is more familiar with LXD than most countries, but corporate clients still care more about results than labels.
Challenge: Finding clients who budget for LXD specifically Solution: Target companies investing in digital transformation, employee onboarding, or product education. Frame your services as solving business problems through better learning experiences rather than selling "LXD" as a service category.
Challenge: Building a portfolio that works across cultures Solution: Create case studies that highlight measurable outcomes. European clients respond well to data-driven examples that show how your designs improved completion rates, knowledge retention, or employee performance.
Income & Tax Considerations
Expected income: €50,000-€95,000/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 Learning Experience Designer
International clients:
- Maintain existing US client relationships
- Target tech companies building educational products
- SaaS companies increasingly invest in customer education and onboarding
Dutch and European clients:
- The Netherlands has a strong corporate learning culture
- Dutch universities and educational institutions are often open to working with freelance LXDs
- Network at learning and development events in Amsterdam and Utrecht
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 edtech companies as an LXD on DAFT? A: Yes. You can work as an independent contractor for US companies, billing them as a Dutch business. Many edtech companies are already set up to work with remote contractors.
Q: Is the Dutch learning design market different from the US? A: Somewhat. The Netherlands places a strong emphasis on self-directed learning and practical application. Dutch organizations tend to favor blended approaches over purely digital solutions. Understanding these preferences helps when pitching to local clients.
Q: What's the difference between this and instructional design for DAFT purposes? A: For DAFT purposes, there's no difference. Both are eligible freelance services. The distinction matters more for your marketing and client positioning than for your visa application.
Related Professions
If learning experience 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.