Can Recruiters Use the DAFT Visa? Yes — Here's How
Yes, recruiters can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) allows US citizens to start a business in the Netherlands, and recruiting is a great fit. You can source candidates, fill roles, and provide talent advisory services for clients across the US and Europe.
Recruiters work well under DAFT because the work is relationship-based and largely digital. You're connecting people — and you can do that from Amsterdam just as well as from Austin.
DAFT Eligibility for Recruiters
Status: DAFT Eligible
Recruiting is a service-based business that fits naturally under DAFT. The Netherlands has a strong international hiring market, and many companies need help finding talent across borders.
Key points:
- Remote work friendly — sourcing, screening, and client management are all digital
- No special licensing required in the Netherlands for contingency recruiting
- Dutch market demand: High (tight labor market, especially in tech)
- Typical income range: €50,000–€120,000/year (commission-based income varies significantly)
Business Structure Options
Recommended: Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship)
Simplest structure. You are personally liable. Most DAFT applicants start here.
Solo recruiters have low overhead — you need a phone, a LinkedIn Recruiter subscription, and a good ATS. An eenmanszaak keeps startup costs minimal.
Other Options
BV (Private Limited Company) Limited liability but requires €0.01 capital and a notary. Consider this if you plan to build a recruiting agency with employees or handle payrolling.
Registration process:
- Apply for DAFT residence permit
- Register with KVK (Chamber of Commerce)
- Receive your KVK number and start operating
Setting Up Your Recruiting Business
Step 1: Define Your Services Clarify your niche. For recruiters, this typically includes:
- Contingency or retained search for specific roles
- Talent sourcing and pipeline development
- HR consulting and hiring process advisory
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: Income is commission-based and unpredictable Solution: Diversify your revenue. Combine contingency placements with retained searches, RPO (recruitment process outsourcing) contracts, or talent advisory work. Retainer-based models provide steadier income.
Challenge: Understanding Dutch employment law Solution: Dutch labor law is more employee-friendly than US law. Learn the basics — notice periods, collective labor agreements (CAOs), and the 30% ruling for international hires. This knowledge makes you more valuable to clients hiring in the Netherlands.
Challenge: Competing with established Dutch recruitment agencies Solution: Your advantage is bridging the US and Dutch markets. You understand American work culture, can source US talent for Dutch companies, and can help Dutch candidates understand US company expectations. That cross-cultural knowledge is hard to replicate.
Income & Tax Considerations
Expected income: €50,000–€120,000/year (highly variable based on placements)
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 Recruiter
International clients:
- Maintain existing US client relationships — companies still need to hire whether you're in Dallas or Den Haag
- Target US companies expanding into Europe who need local hiring help
- Focus on a niche (tech, finance, healthcare) to differentiate yourself
Dutch and European clients:
- The Dutch tech sector actively recruits international talent — your network is valuable
- Companies like Booking.com, Adyen, and many startups use external recruiters
- Attend industry events and join recruiting communities
Best practice: Start DAFT with active client relationships or committed searches. Recruiting income is lumpy — having a pipeline of searches before you move reduces financial stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I recruit for US companies while living in the Netherlands on DAFT? A: Yes. You invoice US companies as a Dutch business. Most of your sourcing and screening work is done digitally anyway. Candidates don't need to know where you're sitting.
Q: Do I need a license to operate a recruitment agency in the Netherlands? A: For standard contingency or retained search, no license is required. If you plan to provide temporary staffing (uitzendbureau) or payrolling services, there are additional regulations and you may need NEN certification. Stick to search and advisory to keep things simple.
Q: Is there good demand for recruiters in the Netherlands? A: Yes. The Dutch labor market has been tight for years, especially in tech, engineering, and healthcare. Companies struggle to fill roles and actively use external recruiters. English-speaking recruiters who can source international talent are particularly valued.
Related Professions
If recruiter 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? Active searches? 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.