Can Medical Writers Use the DAFT Visa? Yes — Here's How
Yes, medical writers can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) allows US citizens to start a business in the Netherlands, and medical writing is a great fit. You can create regulatory documents, clinical study reports, and medical content for clients worldwide from your Dutch base.
The Netherlands is home to a large pharmaceutical and life sciences industry, with major hubs in Amsterdam, Leiden, and Oss. That means local opportunities in addition to your existing US client relationships.
DAFT Eligibility for Medical Writers
Status: DAFT Eligible
Medical writing is a knowledge-based service business. No Dutch medical license is required — you're writing about medicine, not practicing it. You can serve clients globally without restrictions.
Key points:
- Fully remote — deliver documents and content digitally
- No special licensing required in the Netherlands
- Dutch market demand: High (strong pharma/biotech sector)
- Typical income range: €55,000–€110,000/year
Business Structure Options
Recommended: Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship)
The simplest way to get started. Most DAFT applicants begin here. You're personally liable, but setup is fast and compliance is straightforward.
Medical writers dealing primarily in document creation and consulting work rarely need the liability protection of a more complex structure.
Other Options
BV (Private Limited Company) Limited liability but requires €0.01 capital and a notary. Could make sense if you're working on high-stakes regulatory submissions and want extra protection, but most freelance medical writers don't need this initially.
Registration process:
- Apply for DAFT residence permit
- Register with KVK (Chamber of Commerce)
- Receive your KVK number and start operating
Setting Up Your Medical Writing Business
Step 1: Define Your Services Be specific about your niche. For medical writers, this typically includes:
- Regulatory writing (clinical study reports, IND/NDA submissions)
- Medical communications (journal articles, congress materials)
- Medical education content and continuing education materials
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 need you to follow US FDA or EMA regulatory standards Solution: Regulatory writing standards are international. Your FDA experience is valuable, and being in Europe actually gives you an edge for EMA submissions too. Many pharma companies need writers who understand both regulatory frameworks.
Challenge: Maintaining confidentiality with sensitive clinical data Solution: Use secure file sharing and ensure your data handling complies with both GDPR (required in the Netherlands) and any US regulations. Most clients will have their own secure platforms for document collaboration.
Challenge: Building credibility in the European market Solution: Join the European Medical Writers Association (EMWA), which is headquartered in Europe. Your AMWA membership and US pharma experience are valued by European clients who need FDA-experienced writers.
Income & Tax Considerations
Expected income: €55,000–€110,000/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 Medical Writer
International clients:
- Maintain existing US pharma and biotech relationships
- Register with medical writing staffing agencies (many work internationally)
- Build a portfolio highlighting therapeutic areas and document types
Dutch clients:
- The Netherlands has major pharma companies and CROs
- Network at EMWA conferences and local life sciences events
- Connect with Dutch CROs and medical communications agencies in Leiden and Amsterdam
Best practice: Start DAFT with existing clients or committed projects. Medical writing projects tend to be lengthy (weeks to months), which provides income stability during your transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a medical degree to be a medical writer in the Netherlands? A: No. Medical writing in the Netherlands, like in the US, doesn't require a medical license. Your scientific background and writing experience are what matter. A life sciences degree is common but not legally required.
Q: Can I work on FDA submissions while living in the Netherlands? A: Yes. FDA submissions are document-based and can be prepared from anywhere. Many medical writers work across both FDA and EMA submissions, and your US-based regulatory knowledge is a real asset for European clients too.
Related Professions
If medical writer 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.