Can Paid Media Specialists Use DAFT? DAFT Eligible
Yes, paid media specialists can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) allows US citizens to start a business in the Netherlands, and paid media management is an excellent fit. You can run PPC campaigns, social ads, and programmatic media for clients worldwide from your Dutch base.
Paid media is entirely digital. You're working in platforms like Google Ads, Meta Ads Manager, LinkedIn Campaign Manager, and programmatic DSPs — none of which care where you're sitting. That makes this one of the most portable professions for DAFT.
DAFT Eligibility for Paid Media Specialists
Status: DAFT Eligible
Paid media management is a service-based business with no licensing requirements in the Netherlands. You're providing strategy, execution, and optimization — all deliverable remotely.
Key points:
- Fully remote — manage campaigns from any location
- 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 for freelancers. Most DAFT applicants start here. You're personally liable, but the setup is fast and administrative requirements are minimal.
Most paid media freelancers on DAFT use this structure. It keeps things simple while you manage campaigns and grow your client base.
Other Options
BV (Private Limited Company) Limited liability but requires €0.01 capital and a notary. Could make sense if you're managing very large ad budgets or building an agency, but most solo paid media specialists 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 Paid Media Business
Step 1: Define Your Services Be specific about your offerings. For paid media specialists, this typically includes:
- PPC campaign management (Google Ads, Bing Ads)
- Social media advertising (Meta, LinkedIn, TikTok)
- Campaign strategy, audit, and optimization
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: Keeping client ad spend separate from your revenue Solution: Always have clients own their own ad accounts and pay platforms directly. You bill for your management services separately. This keeps your books clean and avoids the appearance of inflated revenue. It also protects you if a client stops paying — their ad spend is their problem.
Challenge: Platform access and regional settings Solution: Google Ads, Meta, and other platforms work globally. You may need to update your business address in account settings. Some features or beta access might differ by region, but core campaign management works the same everywhere.
Challenge: Reporting across time zones Solution: Set up automated reporting through tools like Supermetrics, Looker Studio, or platform-native dashboards. Schedule reports to land in client inboxes at their start of business. Your European morning is prime time for reviewing overnight US campaign performance.
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
Pro Tip: Only your management fees count as revenue — not the ad spend flowing through client accounts. Make this distinction clear in your bookkeeping from day one.
See our US Taxes While Living in Netherlands guide.
Finding Clients as a Paid Media Specialist
International clients:
- Keep existing US client relationships — this is your strongest play
- Use platforms like MarketerHire, Growth Collective, or Mayple
- Build case studies with measurable results (ROAS, CPA, conversion rates)
Dutch clients:
- The Netherlands has a strong e-commerce and SaaS market
- Network at digital marketing events in Amsterdam and Rotterdam
- Join Dutch marketing communities on LinkedIn and Slack
Best practice: Start DAFT with existing clients or committed projects. Paid media clients need ongoing management, which creates recurring revenue. That predictability is valuable when you're settling into a new country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I manage US-targeted ad campaigns from the Netherlands? A: Yes. Ad platforms don't restrict where you manage campaigns from. You can target US audiences, set US-dollar budgets, and optimize for US time zones from anywhere. The platforms don't care about your physical location.
Q: Do my Google or Meta certifications transfer? A: Yes. Google Ads certifications, Meta Blueprint, and similar credentials are global. Your certifications remain valid regardless of where you live. Update your profile information if needed, but you don't need to recertify.
Q: Should I focus on US or Dutch clients? A: Start with US clients for income stability, then expand into the Dutch market. Many paid media specialists on DAFT maintain a mix — US clients for higher rates and Dutch/European clients for local network building.
Related Professions
If paid media specialist 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.