Is the DAFT Visa Right for Me? A Honest Assessment
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) sounds almost too good to be true. A visa that lets US citizens live in the Netherlands by starting a business with just 4,500 EUR? Where do I sign?
But before you start packing, let's be honest about what DAFT actually requires -- not just on paper, but in real life. This visa is a great fit for some people and a terrible fit for others.
We moved to the Netherlands on DAFT in 2024. Here is the honest self-assessment we wish we had before we started.
Who DAFT Is Built For
DAFT was designed for entrepreneurs. Not people looking for a loophole to live abroad, but people who genuinely want to run a business while living in the Netherlands.
That said, "entrepreneur" is a broad term. You do not need a tech startup or a physical storefront. Many DAFT holders are freelancers, consultants, designers, writers, and other self-employed people who serve clients remotely.
The common thread: you need to be comfortable working for yourself and generating your own income.
The Self-Assessment: 8 Questions to Ask Yourself
1. Can you earn money without an employer?
This is the big one. DAFT is a self-employment visa. If you have never freelanced, consulted, or run any kind of business, you are jumping into two massive life changes at once -- moving abroad and becoming self-employed.
We had freelance income before we applied. That made the transition much smoother.
2. Do you have enough savings?
The deposit is 4,500 EUR, but the real cost of moving is $17,000-28,000 for a single person. Can you cover 3-6 months of living expenses while your business gets established?
Check our full breakdown of how much money you need for DAFT.
3. Are you okay with uncertainty?
The application process takes months. Finding housing is stressful. Dutch bureaucracy moves at its own pace. If you need everything planned and predictable, the first year will be rough.
4. Can you handle being far from family?
This one sneaks up on people. The time difference with the US east coast is 6 hours. You will miss birthdays, holidays, and random Tuesday dinners. We love our life here, but the distance from family is real.
5. Do you have a business idea that works internationally?
Some businesses translate well to the Netherlands. Others do not. If your work is location-independent (consulting, design, writing, software development), you are in a strong position. If your business depends on a US-based customer base and in-person meetings, think carefully.
6. Are you willing to learn the system?
Dutch taxes, health insurance, business registration -- it is all different from the US. Not harder, just different. You need to be willing to learn how Dutch taxes work and deal with some bureaucratic growing pains.
7. Is your partner on board?
If you are moving with a partner, they need to be genuinely excited too. One enthusiastic person dragging a reluctant partner to another country is a recipe for problems. Read about bringing your partner on DAFT.
8. Can you commit to at least 2 years?
Your initial residence permit is 2 years. The logistics of moving -- shipping belongings, finding housing, setting up a business -- only make financial sense if you plan to stay for a while.
Signs DAFT Is a Great Fit
You are likely a good candidate if you already have freelance or self-employment income, you have savings to cover 3-6 months, you are drawn to European life (not just escaping the US), you are adaptable and okay with discomfort, and you have done your research on the full DAFT requirements.
Pro Tip: The best DAFT applicants we have met are people who would be self-employed regardless of where they live. The Netherlands is just where they want to do it.
Signs DAFT May Not Be Right for You
Be cautious if you have never worked for yourself and have no clients lined up, you are moving primarily to escape something rather than toward something, you have less than $15,000 in savings, you need a predictable paycheck to manage anxiety, or your business requires a US-specific license or physical presence.
None of these are automatic disqualifiers. But they make the transition significantly harder.
What We Wish We Had Known
Looking back, here is what surprised us most:
The emotional toll is real. Even with good preparation, the first 3 months were harder than expected. New country, new systems, no local friends yet. It gets better, but expect a rough patch.
Income takes longer than you think. Even with existing clients, our income dipped during the move. Budget for this.
The Netherlands is not just Amsterdam. We looked at multiple cities and found that Rotterdam and other cities offered better value and a different vibe. Keep your options open.
FAQ
Q: I am a W-2 employee, not self-employed. Can I still use DAFT?
A: DAFT is specifically for self-employed entrepreneurs. If you currently work a traditional job, you would need to transition to self-employment. Some people do this by freelancing on the side before applying. But you cannot use DAFT to simply continue working as an employee of a US company.
Q: What if I am not sure my business will work in the Netherlands?
A: That is normal. Most DAFT applicants start with existing US clients and expand from there. The IND does not require you to have Dutch clients. Start with what you know and grow from there.
Q: Is there a minimum income requirement to maintain DAFT?
A: The IND does not set a specific income threshold for DAFT holders, but you need to show your business is active at renewal time. This means having clients, invoices, and tax filings. You do not need to be earning six figures, but your business needs to be real.
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We're not immigration lawyers -- just Americans who did this. Requirements change, so verify with official sources.