Do You Need a Business Before Applying for DAFT Visa?

This myth almost stopped us from applying. We kept reading forum posts saying you needed a registered business before you could apply for the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT). Some people claimed you needed revenue. Others said you needed clients lined up.

None of that is true.

Let's clear up the biggest misconception about DAFT and explain exactly when your business comes into the picture.

---

The Myth: "You Need a Business First"

Somewhere along the way, the idea spread that you must have an established, revenue-generating business before you can apply for DAFT. We've seen this repeated on Reddit, in expat Facebook groups, and even on some immigration websites that should know better.

The confusion probably comes from the fact that DAFT is a self-employment visa. People hear "business" and assume you need one up and running. But that's not how it works.

Reality Check: You do not need a registered business, existing clients, or any revenue to apply for DAFT. What you need is a plan to start a business in the Netherlands.

---

What Actually Happens: The Real Timeline

Here's the order things actually go in, based on our experience and the experiences of dozens of DAFT applicants we've talked to.

Step 1: Apply at the Dutch Embassy or Consulate (From the US)

You submit your DAFT application at a Dutch embassy or consulate while still in the United States. At this point, you need:

• A valid US passport
• Your application forms
• A business plan
• Proof of 4,500 euros (this can be shown later, depending on your consulate)
• A clean criminal background check

Notice what's not on that list? A registered business.

Step 2: Arrive in the Netherlands

After your application is processed and you receive your MVV (entry visa), you travel to the Netherlands.

Step 3: Register with the Gemeente

You register at your local municipality (gemeente) to get your BSN (citizen service number). This is your official Dutch ID number, and you need it for almost everything.

Step 4: Register Your Business at KVK

Now—after arrival—you go to the KVK (Kamer van Koophandel, the Dutch Chamber of Commerce) and register your business. This is when your business officially exists.

The most common structure for DAFT applicants is an eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship). It costs about 75 euros to register and can be done in a single appointment.

Pro Tip: You can book your KVK appointment online before you arrive. Slots fill up quickly in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, so schedule it as soon as you have your arrival date.

---

What You DO Need: A Business Plan

While you don't need a registered business, you do need a business plan. This is part of your DAFT application, and the IND uses it to assess whether your proposed business has a reasonable chance of contributing to the Dutch economy.

Your business plan doesn't need to be a 50-page MBA thesis. It should cover:

• What your business will do
• Who your target customers are
• How you'll generate revenue
• A basic financial projection
• Why you're doing this in the Netherlands

The IND is looking for a reasonable, thought-out plan—not perfection. Many DAFT applicants run freelance businesses in fields like web development, design, consulting, writing, photography, or marketing.

For detailed guidance on writing a plan that works, check out our post on writing a DAFT business plan that gets approved.

---

Common Scenarios That Confuse People

"I'm a freelancer with existing clients"

Great. You can absolutely apply for DAFT as a freelancer. Your existing client relationships actually strengthen your business plan because you can show there's already demand for your services. But you still don't need to have a Dutch-registered business before applying.

"I want to start something completely new"

Also fine. Plenty of DAFT applicants use the move as an opportunity to launch a new business idea. Your business plan will need to be more detailed about market research and projected revenue since you won't have existing income to reference.

"I run an LLC in the US"

Your US LLC doesn't transfer to the Netherlands. You'll register a new Dutch business entity (usually an eenmanszaak) at KVK. You can continue serving the same clients and doing the same work—the legal structure just changes.

What We Wish We Knew: We spent weeks agonizing over our business plan, thinking it needed to be perfect. Our immigration lawyer told us the IND cares more about whether the plan is realistic and thought-out than whether it's polished. Keep it honest and practical.

---

What About the Business Types You Can Start?

DAFT gives you significant flexibility in what kind of business you can run. The main requirement is that it genuinely contributes to the Dutch economy.

Some common DAFT businesses include:

• Freelance consulting or coaching
• Web development and software engineering
• Graphic design and creative services
• Online marketing and content creation
• Translation services
• Photography and videography
• E-commerce

There are some restrictions. You generally can't use DAFT to work as an employee for a Dutch company (that's what the Skilled Worker visa is for). The business should be genuinely self-employed work.

For a deeper look at what businesses work well, see our guide on what business you can start with DAFT.

---

Why This Myth Matters

We've talked to people who delayed their DAFT applications by months or even years because they thought they needed to build a business first. Some were waiting until they had enough clients. Others were trying to register a business in the Netherlands remotely (which is extremely difficult without a BSN).

The truth is much more encouraging. DAFT is designed to let you come to the Netherlands and build your business there. The Dutch government recognizes that you need to be in the country to properly set things up.

So if you've been holding off because you think you're not "ready" from a business perspective—you might be more ready than you think.

Check the full DAFT requirements checklist to see if you qualify.

---

The Bottom Line

You don't need a business before applying for DAFT. You need a plan for a business. The actual business registration happens after you arrive in the Netherlands.

Stop waiting for the "perfect" moment when your business is big enough or established enough. If you have a viable business idea, a clean background, and 4,500 euros, you have what you need to start.

---

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