Can Travel Consultants Use the DAFT Visa? Yes — Here's How
Yes, travel consultants can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) lets US citizens start a business in the Netherlands, and travel consulting is a solid freelance business. You can plan trips, advise clients, and manage travel arrangements from the Netherlands.
Living in Europe gives you a genuine edge as a travel consultant. You can personally visit destinations, build relationships with local suppliers, and offer firsthand knowledge that US-based consultants simply can't match.
DAFT Eligibility for Travel Consultants
Status: DAFT Eligible
Travel consulting works under DAFT because you're running a service business. You advise clients, plan itineraries, and manage bookings — all of which can be done independently.
Key points:
- Mostly remote — client communication and planning happen online
- No special licensing required in the Netherlands for travel consulting
- Dutch market demand: Moderate — your primary market will likely be US clients
- Typical income range: €35,000-€75,000/year
Business Structure Options
Recommended: Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship)
Simplest structure. You are personally liable. Most DAFT applicants start here.
For travel consultants, an eenmanszaak is the natural fit. Your overhead is low — you mainly need your industry knowledge, supplier relationships, and a good booking system.
Other Options
BV (Private Limited Company) Limited liability but requires €0.01 capital and notary. More complex setup. Only consider this if you're handling very high-value travel arrangements where liability is a concern.
Registration process:
- Apply for DAFT residence permit
- Register with KVK (Chamber of Commerce)
- Receive your KVK number and start operating
Setting Up Your Travel Consulting Business
Step 1: Define Your Services Clearly define what services you'll offer. For travel consultants, this typically includes:
- Custom European itinerary planning for US travelers
- Luxury and experiential travel curation
- Corporate travel management and consulting
- Destination wedding and group travel coordination
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: Revenue model — commissions vs. fees Solution: Many successful travel consultants charge planning fees rather than relying solely on supplier commissions. A fee-based model gives you predictable income and lets you recommend the best options for clients, not just the ones that pay you commission.
Challenge: Competing with online booking platforms Solution: Don't compete on price — compete on expertise. Your value is in curated experiences, insider knowledge, and handling complications. Focus on high-touch travel (luxury, multi-country trips, special occasions) where clients want a real person managing details.
Challenge: Understanding European travel regulations Solution: Learn the EU Package Travel Directive, which governs travel packages sold to EU consumers. If your clients are primarily in the US, this is less of a concern, but it's good to understand. Many event planners on DAFT deal with similar cross-border service regulations.
Income & Tax Considerations
Expected income: €35,000-€75,000/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 Travel Consultant
International clients:
- US travelers planning European trips are your natural market
- Maintain existing US client relationships
- Build referral networks with wedding planners, corporate offices, and luxury lifestyle brands
Dutch and European clients:
- Expats in the Netherlands planning trips back to the US or elsewhere
- Dutch companies needing corporate travel management
- Network at business and expat events in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague
Best practice: Start DAFT with existing clients or committed projects. Travel consulting can be seasonal, so build a client base before moving. Having a specialty (luxury travel, adventure travel, corporate travel) helps you stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a travel agency license in the Netherlands? A: The Netherlands doesn't require a specific license for travel consulting. However, if you're selling travel packages (bundling flights, hotels, and activities), you may need to comply with the EU Package Travel Directive and carry appropriate insurance. Consulting and planning services alone don't have this requirement.
Q: Can I earn commissions from hotels and airlines as a Dutch business? A: Yes. Your supplier relationships and commission structures work the same way whether you're based in the US or the Netherlands. You may need to update your business details with suppliers and join host agency networks that work internationally.
Q: Is living in Europe really an advantage for a travel consultant? A: Absolutely. You can do site inspections, build in-person relationships with European hotels and tour operators, and offer genuine firsthand recommendations. For clients planning European trips, having an advisor who lives there is a real selling point.
Related Professions
If travel consultant 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 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.