Can Media Buyers Use the DAFT Visa? Yes — Here's How
Yes, media buyers can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) lets US citizens start a business in the Netherlands, and media buying is a strong fit. You can manage ad budgets and campaigns for clients anywhere in the world from your Dutch base.
Media buying is fully remote work. You're placing ads on platforms, negotiating rates, and optimizing spend — none of that requires you to be in a specific country. That makes it a natural match for DAFT.
DAFT Eligibility for Media Buyers
Status: DAFT Eligible
Media buying is a service-based business with no Dutch licensing requirements. You can serve clients globally from the Netherlands without any special permits beyond your DAFT residence permit.
Key points:
- Fully remote — manage campaigns from anywhere
- No special licensing required in the Netherlands
- Dutch market demand: Moderate to High
- Typical income range: €50,000–€100,000/year
Business Structure Options
Recommended: Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship)
The simplest structure and where most DAFT applicants start. You're personally liable, but setup is fast and administrative overhead is low.
Most freelance media buyers on DAFT choose this route. It keeps things simple while you build your client base in the Netherlands.
Other Options
BV (Private Limited Company) Limited liability but requires €0.01 capital and a notary. Consider this if you're managing large ad budgets and want liability protection, but it's not necessary to start.
Registration process:
- Apply for DAFT residence permit
- Register with KVK (Chamber of Commerce)
- Receive your KVK number and start operating
Setting Up Your Media Buying Business
Step 1: Define Your Services Get specific about what you offer. For media buyers, this typically includes:
- Paid media strategy and campaign management
- Ad spend optimization and reporting
- Media planning across platforms (Google Ads, Meta, programmatic)
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: Clients worry about time zone differences for campaign management Solution: Most ad platforms run 24/7 anyway. Set up automated rules and alerts, and schedule overlap hours with US clients in the afternoon (their morning). Many media buyers find the time zone actually helps — you can review overnight performance before your US clients wake up.
Challenge: Handling client ad spend through your accounts Solution: Keep client ad spend separate from your service fees. Clients should own their own ad accounts when possible. This simplifies your bookkeeping and avoids inflating your revenue numbers with pass-through spend.
Challenge: Platform certifications and partnerships Solution: Google, Meta, and other platform certifications are global. Your existing certifications transfer. Some agency partner programs may need your Dutch business details updated.
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 Media Buyer
International clients:
- Keep existing US client relationships — this is your biggest advantage
- Use platforms like MarketerHire or freelance ad networks
- Build case studies showing measurable ROI from past campaigns
Dutch clients:
- The Netherlands has a strong digital advertising market
- Network at events in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht
- Join Dutch marketing communities and LinkedIn groups
Best practice: Start DAFT with existing clients or committed projects. Media buying clients tend to be sticky — once you're managing their spend well, they rarely switch. That stability is exactly what you want while settling in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I manage US ad accounts while living in the Netherlands? A: Yes. Ad platforms like Google Ads and Meta are global. You can manage accounts targeting any market from anywhere. Just make sure your billing and invoicing reflect your Dutch business.
Q: Do I need to charge VAT on media buying services for US clients? A: No. B2B services to clients outside the EU use the reverse charge mechanism, meaning 0% Dutch VAT. Keep records of your client's business details to support this.
Q: Will my existing platform certifications still be valid? A: Yes. Google Partner status, Meta Blueprint certifications, and similar credentials are not country-specific. You may need to update your business details in partner portals.
Related Professions
If media buyer 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 DAFT requirements — 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.