Can Strategy Consultants Use the DAFT Visa? Yes — Here's How
Yes, strategy consultants can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) allows US citizens to start a business in the Netherlands, and strategy consulting is one of the strongest fits. You can advise companies on market entry, growth strategy, competitive positioning, and organizational transformation from the Netherlands.
Strategy consulting translates well to independent work. Many former Big 4 and MBB consultants go independent and earn more while working fewer hours. The Netherlands is a gateway to the European market, which makes it a smart base for advising companies on cross-border strategy.
DAFT Eligibility for Strategy Consultants
Status: DAFT Eligible
Strategy consulting is well-suited for DAFT. You're delivering advisory services as an independent business, which is exactly what the treaty was designed for.
Key points:
- Remote and on-site options depending on engagement type
- No special licensing required in the Netherlands
- Dutch market demand: High
- Typical income range: €60,000-€150,000/year
Business Structure Options
Recommended: Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship)
Simplest structure. You are personally liable. Most DAFT applicants start here.
Most strategy consultants on DAFT start with an Eenmanszaak. It's fast to set up and has minimal requirements.
Other Options
BV (Private Limited Company) Limited liability but requires €0.01 capital and notary. More complex setup. Worth considering if you're billing large engagements — some enterprise clients prefer working with a limited company, and it adds credibility.
Registration process:
- Apply for DAFT residence permit
- Register with KVK (Chamber of Commerce)
- Receive your KVK number and start operating
Setting Up Your Strategy Consulting Business
Step 1: Define Your Services Clearly define what services you'll offer. For strategy consultants, this typically includes:
- Market entry and expansion strategy
- Competitive analysis and positioning
- Growth strategy and business model innovation
- Due diligence and strategic assessments
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: Competing with established European consulting firms Solution: Don't try to be McKinsey. Focus on your niche — US market expertise, specific industry knowledge, or a methodology you've refined. Independent strategy consultants win on specialization and personal relationships, not brand name.
Challenge: Building trust with European clients Solution: European business culture values relationships and track record. Start with warm introductions through your existing network. Offer smaller diagnostic engagements before pitching large strategy projects. Many Dutch companies value the American perspective on innovation and market dynamics.
Challenge: VAT for international clients Solution: B2B services to non-EU clients are zero-rated for Dutch VAT. Keep good records.
Income & Tax Considerations
Expected income: €60,000-€150,000/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 Strategy Consultant
International clients:
- Maintain existing US client relationships
- Join independent consulting networks like Catalant, GLG, or Business Talent Group
- Build thought leadership through articles and speaking at industry events
- Offer fractional Chief Strategy Officer services to mid-market companies
Dutch clients:
- The Netherlands is home to many multinational headquarters (Shell, Unilever, Philips, ASML)
- Dutch companies expanding into the US market value American strategic perspectives
- Amsterdam's startup scene needs growth strategy support
- Private equity firms in the Netherlands hire independent consultants for due diligence
Best practice: Start DAFT with existing clients or committed projects. This provides income stability while you build your European network. Your biggest advantage as an American strategy consultant in Europe is your understanding of the US market — use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I work for US companies as a strategy consultant on DAFT? A: Yes, you can work as an independent contractor for US companies. You bill them as a Dutch business, which is a common setup for DAFT consultants.
Q: Do I need Dutch clients to qualify for DAFT as a strategy consultant? A: No, DAFT does not require Dutch clients. Many strategy consultants on DAFT work primarily with US or international clients.
Q: Is strategy consulting too similar to employment if I have one main client? A: It can look that way if you're exclusively dedicated to one company. Best practice is to maintain multiple clients or clearly structure engagements as time-limited projects with defined deliverables. This keeps your DAFT business clearly independent.
Related Professions
If strategy consultant isn't quite right for your situation, consider these related professions that also work with DAFT:
- Can Management Consultant Use DAFT?
- Can Business Consultant Use DAFT?
- Can Digital Strategist Use DAFT?
Next Steps
- Evaluate your situation - Do you have clients? Income? 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.