How Much Money Do You Really Need to Start Your DAFT?

The number one question we get from people considering the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT): "How much money do I actually need?"

The official answer is simple: 4,500 EUR in a Dutch business bank account.

The real answer is more complicated. That deposit is just one piece. Here is the full picture.

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The Official Costs

The IND (Dutch immigration service) requires proof that you have at least 4,500 EUR deposited in a Dutch business bank account. But there are other official fees too:

Expense	Amount
Business investment deposit	4,500 EUR
IND residence permit fee	210 EUR
MVV visa fee	210 EUR
KVK registration	75 EUR
Subtotal	~5,000 EUR

Important details:

• The deposit must be in a Dutch bank account at the time of your application
• It is your money -- you can use it for business expenses after approval
• You need to maintain a reasonable balance going forward
• Exchange rate matters: at current rates, 4,500 EUR is roughly $4,850-5,000 USD

For a detailed breakdown of the deposit itself, see the DAFT deposit explained.

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The Real Budget: What You Actually Need

Here is what we recommend having available, based on our experience and conversations with dozens of DAFT movers:

Minimum Budget (Single Person, Tight)

Category	Amount (USD)
DAFT deposit (4,500 EUR)	5,000
Application fees and documents	500
Flights	600
Temporary housing (3-4 weeks)	2,000
First month rent + deposit	3,500
Apartment setup	1,500
Living expenses buffer (2 months)	4,000
Total	17,100

Comfortable Budget (Single Person)

Category	Amount (USD)
DAFT deposit (4,500 EUR)	5,000
Application fees and documents	500
Flights	800
Temporary housing (4-6 weeks)	3,500
First month rent + deposit	4,500
Apartment setup	2,500
Shipping belongings	1,500
Living expenses buffer (3 months)	7,500
Emergency fund	2,000
Total	27,800

Couple Budget (Comfortable)

Category	Amount (USD)
DAFT deposit (4,500 EUR)	5,000
Application fees and documents	700
Flights (2 people)	1,400
Temporary housing (4-6 weeks)	4,000
First month rent + deposit	5,500
Apartment setup	3,000
Shipping belongings	2,000
Living expenses buffer (3 months)	10,000
Emergency fund	3,000
Total	34,600

Reality Check: These numbers look scary. But remember: the DAFT deposit is your business capital (you will use it), the rent deposit is refundable, and the living expenses buffer is just your normal spending. You are not "spending" $27,000 -- you are funding your first few months of life.

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FAQ: Money Questions We Get Asked Most

"Can I start with just the 4,500 EUR deposit?"

Technically, the IND only requires the deposit. But we strongly recommend against arriving with only that amount. You need somewhere to live, food to eat, and time to get your business earning income.

We have seen people try to do this. It is stressful, and some ended up going home because they ran out of money before their business got off the ground.

"Do I need to show income or savings to the IND?"

The IND does not require proof of savings beyond the 4,500 EUR deposit for the initial DAFT application. They are more concerned with your business plan and the deposit.

But landlords in the Netherlands often want to see 3x monthly rent in income. If your business is new, having savings statements can help secure housing.

"How much should I have saved before I quit my job?"

This depends on your situation. Our recommendation:

• If your business is already earning: DAFT deposit + 3 months expenses + moving costs
• If starting a new business: DAFT deposit + 6 months expenses + moving costs
• If you have a safety net (family, savings): DAFT deposit + 3 months + moving costs

We had about 8 months of runway when we moved. It felt tight at times but worked out. We know people who came with 4 months and wished they had more.

"Can I work a US remote job while on DAFT?"

The DAFT visa is specifically for self-employed entrepreneurs. Having one US client as a freelancer is common and generally accepted. Being a W-2 employee of a US company is a gray area that could cause problems.

This matters for your budget because it affects how quickly you will have income. For complete DAFT requirements, see our DAFT requirements guide.

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Where the Money Goes: Timeline

3-6 Months Before Moving

• FBI background check + apostille
• Birth certificate + apostille
• Document translations: $120
• Notarizations: $27
• Expedited shipping for documents: $45
• Passport renewal (if needed): $130-200
• One-way flights (book early): $400-800

Month of Arrival

• Temporary housing: $1,500-4,000
• DAFT deposit transfer: $5,000
• SIM card, transit card, basics: $150
• Groceries and eating out: $400-600

First Month in Permanent Housing

• First month rent: $1,500-2,500
• Security deposit (usually 1-2 months): $1,500-5,000
• IKEA and apartment setup: $1,500-3,000
• Health insurance (back-dated): $300-500
• KVK registration costs: $50-150

Months 2-3

• Normal monthly expenses: $2,500-3,500
• Business setup costs: $200-500
• Remaining setup purchases: $300-500

Pro Tip: Front-load your spending on Wise transfers when the exchange rate is favorable. We set up rate alerts and transferred larger amounts on good days rather than converting small amounts at bad rates.

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What About Income While Waiting?

During the MVV period, you do not have work authorization in the Netherlands. But your US-based business can continue generating revenue -- client payments to US accounts, passive income, and existing contracts all continue.

Most DAFT applicants have existing freelance clients, remote work income, savings to cover 6-12 months, or a business that can scale. Factor this into your budget: if you already have steady freelance income, you may need less of a buffer.

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How to Get There Faster

If the numbers above feel out of reach, here are practical ways to build your DAFT fund:

Reduce moving costs: Ship less. Sell furniture. Choose a cheaper city than Amsterdam (Rotterdam, The Hague, and Eindhoven are significantly less expensive).

Start earning before you arrive: Build your freelance client base while still in the US. Having income from day one changes everything.

Choose a cheaper landing zone: Start in Rotterdam or The Hague. You can always move to Amsterdam later when your business is more established.

Cut temporary housing costs: Stay in a hostel, house-sit, or find a room in a shared apartment for your first few weeks.

For the ongoing costs you should expect, read our hidden costs of moving to the Netherlands.

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The Honest Answer

You need the 4,500 EUR deposit plus enough to live for 3-6 months while you get settled and your business starts generating income.

For a single person, we recommend $20,000-28,000 total. For a couple, $30,000-35,000.

Is it possible with less? Yes. Is it comfortable with less? No.

The peace of mind that comes from having a financial buffer is worth more than almost anything else when you are building a new life in a new country. Do not put yourself in a position where money stress ruins what should be an exciting chapter.

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We're not immigration lawyers -- just Americans who did this. Requirements change, so verify with official sources.