Can Performance Marketers Use the DAFT Visa? Here's How
Yes, performance marketers can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) allows US citizens to start a business in the Netherlands, and performance marketing is a great fit. You can optimize campaigns, drive conversions, and grow revenue for clients worldwide — all from your Dutch base.
Performance marketing is data-driven and platform-agnostic. Whether you're running paid search, social ads, affiliate programs, or CRO experiments, the work is done through digital tools that work the same everywhere. That makes it one of the most DAFT-friendly professions out there.
DAFT Eligibility for Performance Marketers
Status: DAFT Eligible
Performance marketing is a service-based business with no licensing requirements in the Netherlands. You're providing measurable, results-oriented marketing services — exactly the kind of knowledge work that thrives under DAFT.
Key points:
- Fully remote — manage campaigns and analytics from anywhere
- No special licensing required in the Netherlands
- Dutch market demand: High (strong digital economy)
- Typical income range: €55,000–€110,000/year
Business Structure Options
Recommended: Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship)
The simplest structure. Most DAFT applicants start here. You're personally liable, but setup is quick and administration is light.
Most performance marketers on DAFT use this structure. It's the fastest path to getting your business running and your first invoices sent.
Other Options
BV (Private Limited Company) Limited liability but requires €0.01 capital and a notary. Could make sense if you're managing large budgets or building a team, but most solo performance marketers don't need this 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 Performance Marketing Business
Step 1: Define Your Services Get specific about your value proposition. For performance marketers, this typically includes:
- Paid acquisition strategy and campaign management
- Conversion rate optimization and landing page testing
- Marketing analytics, attribution, and reporting
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: Performance-based compensation models across currencies Solution: If your fee structure includes performance bonuses or revenue share, invoice in the agreed currency (usually USD for US clients). Open a multi-currency business bank account — several Dutch banks and fintech providers offer this. Track exchange rates for your bookkeeping.
Challenge: Data privacy differences (GDPR) Solution: The Netherlands follows GDPR, which is stricter than most US privacy laws. This actually makes you more valuable — you can help US clients prepare for international compliance. Learn GDPR basics for marketing (consent, data processing, cookie requirements) and build it into your service offering.
Challenge: Attribution and tracking differences in the EU Solution: Cookie consent requirements in the EU affect tracking. Familiarize yourself with server-side tracking, consent management platforms, and privacy-friendly analytics alternatives. This knowledge becomes a selling point for clients targeting European markets.
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 Performance Marketer
International clients:
- Maintain existing US client relationships — results speak for themselves
- Use platforms like Growth Collective, MarketerHire, or Toptal for Marketing
- Build case studies with concrete metrics (ROAS, CPA, LTV improvements)
Dutch clients:
- The Netherlands has a strong e-commerce and SaaS ecosystem
- Network at growth marketing events in Amsterdam and Rotterdam
- Join communities like Growth Tribe or Dutch Startup Association events
Best practice: Start DAFT with existing clients or committed projects. Performance marketing clients care about one thing — results. If you're delivering those, your location is irrelevant to them. Use that to your advantage during the transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I run performance campaigns targeting the US market from the Netherlands? A: Yes. Ad platforms, analytics tools, and marketing automation platforms are all global. You can target any market from anywhere. Many performance marketers already work remotely across the US — working from the Netherlands is the same experience.
Q: Do performance-based fees (revenue share, bonuses) complicate DAFT? A: Not significantly. DAFT cares that you have a legitimate business generating income. Whether that income comes from flat fees, hourly rates, or performance bonuses doesn't matter. Just keep clear records and invoice properly from your Dutch business.
Q: How do I handle the GDPR impact on campaign tracking? A: Learn GDPR compliance basics — consent management, data processing agreements, and privacy-friendly tracking methods. This knowledge actually makes you more marketable, as many US companies need help with EU compliance when expanding internationally.
Related Professions
If performance marketer isn't quite right for your situation, consider these related professions that also work with DAFT:
- Can Paid Media Specialist Use DAFT?
- Can Growth Marketer Use DAFT?
- Can Conversion Rate Optimizer Use 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.