The €4,500 DAFT Deposit: What It Covers and How to Pay

The single biggest question we got before our move: "What's the deal with the 4,500 euro deposit?" It sounds simple on paper, but the details tripped us up more than we expected.

After going through the entire Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) process ourselves, here's the honest breakdown of what this deposit actually means, how to handle it, and the questions nobody seems to answer clearly online.

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What Is the DAFT Deposit?

The DAFT deposit is a requirement set by the IND (Dutch immigration service) to prove you have enough capital to start a business in the Netherlands. As of 2026, the required amount is 4,500 euros.

This money must be held in a Dutch business bank account at the time of your application. It's not a fee you pay to the government. It's not a bond. It's your own money, sitting in your own account.

The purpose is straightforward: the IND wants to see that you have a minimum level of financial resources to operate a business. Think of it as proof that you're serious about establishing yourself.

Reality Check: The 4,500 euros is just the minimum deposit requirement. You'll need additional funds for your move, first months of living expenses, and business startup costs. Don't plan to arrive with exactly 4,500 euros and nothing else.

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Which Banks Accept the DAFT Deposit?

This is where things get tricky. Not every Dutch bank will open an account for a DAFT applicant, and policies change frequently.

Banks That Work for DAFT Applicants

bunq has been the most popular choice among DAFT applicants in recent years. They offer a business account that you can open online, sometimes even before you arrive in the Netherlands. Their app-based banking makes it convenient, and they're used to working with DAFT applicants.

ABN AMRO is one of the larger traditional Dutch banks. They do work with DAFT applicants, though the process typically requires an in-person appointment and takes longer.

ING and Rabobank are possibilities, but many DAFT applicants report difficulties opening accounts without an existing BSN (citizen service number) or Dutch address.

Pro Tip: Start the bank account process early. Some banks take weeks to process applications, and you'll need the account funded before you submit your DAFT paperwork to the IND.

What the IND Actually Needs to See

The IND wants a bank statement or letter from your Dutch bank showing:

• Your name on the account
• A balance of at least 4,500 euros
• The account is a business account (zakelijke rekening)
• The statement date is recent (within the last few months)

Some applicants have asked if personal accounts work. The answer from most immigration lawyers and IND sources is no. It needs to be a business bank account linked to your KVK (Chamber of Commerce) registration.

For a full list of what you need, check out the DAFT requirements checklist.

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How to Transfer Money to a Dutch Bank Account

Getting 4,500 euros (plus your living expenses) from a US bank account to a Dutch one isn't as simple as a domestic transfer. Here are the main options.

Wise (Formerly TransferWise)

This is what we used, and what most DAFT applicants we know prefer. Wise offers real mid-market exchange rates with transparent fees (usually around 0.5-1%). Transfers typically arrive within 1-2 business days.

You can set up a Wise account before leaving the US and initiate the transfer as soon as your Dutch bank account is open.

Traditional Wire Transfer

Your US bank can send an international wire transfer directly. Expect fees of $25-50 from your bank, plus the receiving bank may charge an incoming wire fee. Exchange rates from traditional banks are typically less favorable than Wise.

OFX or Other Currency Exchange Services

Services like OFX can be useful for larger transfers. They sometimes offer better rates for amounts over $5,000-10,000.

What We Wish We Knew: Don't convert all your money at once. Exchange rates fluctuate daily. We transferred in two batches about a week apart, which averaged out our exchange rate. It saved us about 80 euros compared to one lump transfer on a bad rate day.

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Do You Get the Deposit Back?

This is the question everyone asks, and the answer is encouraging: yes, the money is yours.

The 4,500 euros isn't paid to anyone. It sits in your own business bank account. Once your DAFT residence permit is approved, you can use that money for your business expenses, living costs, or whatever you need.

There's no requirement to maintain exactly 4,500 euros in your account after approval. You're free to spend it on business registration fees, office supplies, software subscriptions, or anything related to running your business.

During the Renewal Process

When you renew your DAFT permit (typically after two years), the IND will again want to see that your business is viable. This doesn't necessarily mean you need 4,500 euros in the bank again, but you'll need to show your business is generating income.

The renewal requirements focus more on your business activity and income than on a specific bank balance. For more on what to expect financially, read our guide on how much money you need to start DAFT.

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Common Questions About the DAFT Deposit

Can I use money from a loan or credit card?

The IND wants to see legitimate funds. While they don't typically investigate the source of your 4,500 euros, the money should be genuinely available to you. Borrowing money just to show a balance, then immediately withdrawing it, could create problems if questions arise during your application.

Does cryptocurrency count?

No. The deposit must be in euros in a Dutch business bank account. Crypto holdings, no matter the value, don't satisfy the requirement.

Can my spouse and I share the deposit?

If you're both applying for DAFT permits, you'll each need 4,500 euros in separate business accounts. One deposit of 9,000 euros in a shared account doesn't work. Each applicant needs their own KVK registration and their own business bank account.

What if the exchange rate changes and I end up with less than 4,500 euros?

Transfer a buffer. We recommend sending at least 5,000 euros worth of dollars to account for exchange rate fluctuations and any transfer fees. Better to have a small surplus than to fall short.

Can I open the bank account before arriving?

With bunq, many people have successfully opened accounts remotely. Traditional Dutch banks generally require you to be physically present. Check current policies, as this changes frequently.

For the full process of opening a Dutch bank account, see our guide to banking for DAFT applicants.

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Timeline: When to Handle the Deposit

Here's a rough timeline based on our experience and what we've seen work for others:

1. 2-3 months before your move: Set up a Wise account, research Dutch banks, and decide which bank you'll use.
2. 1-2 months before: If using bunq, start your application. If using a traditional bank, plan to handle this in person after arrival.
3. Upon arrival: Open your bank account (if not done remotely), register with KVK, and transfer funds.
4. Before IND submission: Ensure at least 4,500 euros is in your Dutch business account and request a recent bank statement.

The exact timing depends on your situation. Some people handle everything within a few weeks of arrival. Others prefer to have the bank account sorted before they even land.

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The Bigger Financial Picture

The 4,500-euro deposit is just one piece of the financial puzzle. When budgeting for your DAFT move, keep in mind:

• KVK registration fee: Around 75 euros
• IND application fee: Approximately 350 euros
• Health insurance: 120-180 euros per month (required for your application)
• Housing deposit: Typically 1-2 months rent
• First/last month rent: Varies widely by city
• Living expenses: Plan for at least 3-6 months while establishing your business

The deposit itself is manageable. It's the total cost of relocating that catches people off guard.

Pro Tip: Create a detailed budget spreadsheet before you start the process. Knowing exactly what you need financially removes a lot of stress and helps you set a realistic timeline for your move.

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Wrapping Up

The 4,500-euro DAFT deposit is one of the most straightforward parts of the application, once you understand what it actually is. It's your money, in your business account, proving you have the minimum capital to start a business in the Netherlands.

Don't overthink it. Set up a way to transfer money internationally, choose a bank that works with DAFT applicants, and make sure the funds are there before you submit your application.

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