Can User Researchers Use the DAFT Visa? Yes — Here's How
Yes, user researchers can use DAFT. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) lets US citizens start a business in the Netherlands, and user research consulting is a great fit for freelance work. You can conduct research studies, usability testing, and provide insights for clients worldwide.
The Netherlands has a mature tech scene with companies that value research-driven product development. Dutch companies are generally more design-aware than many European markets, which means they understand why user research matters — and they'll pay for it.
DAFT Eligibility for User Researchers
Status: DAFT Eligible
User research consulting works under DAFT because you're providing a professional advisory service. You help companies understand their users through structured research methods.
Key points:
- Mostly remote — moderated research sessions, surveys, and analysis happen online
- No special licensing required in the Netherlands
- Dutch market demand: Moderate to High — growing as Dutch companies mature their product practices
- Typical income range: €50,000-€95,000/year
Business Structure Options
Recommended: Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship)
Simplest structure. You are personally liable. Most DAFT applicants start here.
For user researchers, an eenmanszaak is the right starting point. Your costs are mainly research tool subscriptions and participant incentives, which you can pass through to clients.
Other Options
BV (Private Limited Company) Limited liability but requires €0.01 capital and notary. More complex setup. Consider this if you're handling sensitive research data for large enterprise clients.
Registration process:
- Apply for DAFT residence permit
- Register with KVK (Chamber of Commerce)
- Receive your KVK number and start operating
Setting Up Your User Research Business
Step 1: Define Your Services Clearly define what services you'll offer. For user researchers, this typically includes:
- Usability testing (moderated and unmoderated)
- User interviews and ethnographic research
- Survey design and quantitative analysis
- Research strategy and operationalization consulting
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: Conducting research across languages and cultures Solution: This is actually an opportunity. Companies expanding internationally need researchers who understand cross-cultural research design. Your American perspective combined with European living experience makes you uniquely qualified. Start with English-language research and expand as you learn.
Challenge: Recruiting research participants in the Netherlands Solution: Participant recruitment platforms like UserTesting and Respondent work in the Netherlands. For local studies, Dutch research panels exist, and the expat community is often eager to participate. Many UX designers on DAFT face similar challenges and can share resources.
Challenge: GDPR compliance for research data Solution: Take GDPR seriously — it directly affects how you collect, store, and process participant data. Create proper consent forms, data processing agreements, and data retention policies. This is non-negotiable in the EU and actually makes your research practice more rigorous.
Income & Tax Considerations
Expected income: €50,000-€95,000/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 User Researcher
International clients:
- Maintain existing US client relationships — remote research is standard
- Join research-focused platforms and professional communities
- B2B services to US clients are often easiest to maintain
Dutch clients:
- Tech companies in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven need research support
- Startups and scale-ups often hire freelance researchers before building internal teams
- Network at product management and design meetups across the Netherlands
Best practice: Start DAFT with existing clients or committed projects. Research projects can be episodic, so having a mix of ongoing retainer work and project-based engagements provides more stable income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I conduct user research for US companies while living in the Netherlands? A: Yes. Remote moderated research sessions, survey analysis, and research strategy work are all location-independent. You bill US clients from your Dutch business, which is the standard DAFT setup.
Q: Do I need specific research certifications to work in the Netherlands? A: No. There are no certification requirements for user research in the Netherlands. Your experience, portfolio of research projects, and methodology knowledge are what clients evaluate.
Q: How does GDPR affect my research practice? A: GDPR requires informed consent, clear data handling processes, and participant rights (like the right to withdraw). Create standardized consent forms, define data retention periods, and document how you handle participant information. It's more structured than US practices, but it makes your research more professional.
Related Professions
If user researcher 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.