DAFT vs. Spain's Digital Nomad Visa: Full Breakdown
If you're a US citizen weighing your options for living in Europe, the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) and Spain's Digital Nomad Visa are two of the most popular paths. Both let you live and work legally in the EU, but they target different types of people and come with very different rules.
We chose DAFT. But Spain's visa was on our shortlist. Here's the honest breakdown.
How They Work
DAFT is a treaty-based residence permit exclusively for US citizens who want to run their own business in the Netherlands. You register a business, deposit 4,500 euros, and operate as a self-employed entrepreneur.
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (Ley de Startups, launched in 2023) is open to non-EU nationals who work remotely for employers or clients outside of Spain. You don't need to start a Spanish business — you just need to prove you earn income from foreign sources.
The core difference: DAFT requires you to build a business in the Netherlands. Spain's visa lets you keep doing what you're already doing, just from a sunnier location.
Requirements Comparison
| Requirement | DAFT | Spain Digital Nomad Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | US citizens only | Any non-EU nationality |
| Capital deposit | 4,500 euros in Dutch business account | None |
| Income requirement | None (but must be self-employed) | ~200% of Spain's minimum wage (~2,520 euros/month) |
| Business registration | Required (Dutch KVK) | Not required |
| Remote work allowed | Only for your own business | Yes — that's the whole point |
| Employment allowed | No (self-employed only) | Yes, for foreign employers |
| Health insurance | Required | Required |
| Criminal background check | FBI check with apostille | Yes |
The Big Differences
Income vs. capital: Spain wants to see steady income from foreign clients or employers. DAFT wants a 4,500-euro deposit and a business plan. If you're already earning well as a remote worker, Spain's requirement may feel easier to meet.
Business registration: DAFT requires you to register a Dutch business (eenmanszaak or BV). Spain doesn't require a Spanish business — you can keep working for your existing US clients or employer. This is a meaningful difference if you don't want the overhead of running a foreign business.
Who you can work for: Under DAFT, you must work for yourself. Under Spain's visa, you can technically remain employed by a foreign company. If you're a W-2 employee who wants to work from Europe, Spain is one of the few options that allows this.
Cost Comparison
| Expense | DAFT | Spain Digital Nomad Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | ~350 euros | ~80 euros |
| Required deposit | 4,500 euros | None |
| Business registration | ~75 euros (KVK) | N/A |
| Health insurance | 120-180 euros/month | 50-200 euros/month |
| Background check | $50-275 (FBI + apostille) | Varies |
| Legal/processing fees | Optional | Often recommended (~500-1,500 euros) |
Spain's visa is cheaper upfront. No deposit, lower application fee, and no business registration costs. But the income requirement means you need to be earning consistently before you apply.
Timeline Comparison
| Step | DAFT | Spain Digital Nomad Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Document prep | 4-8 weeks | 4-6 weeks |
| Application submission | US consulate | Spanish consulate or in-country |
| Processing time | 2-4 months | 1-3 months (20 business days target) |
| Total | 4-7 months | 2-5 months |
Spain's processing is generally faster. The Spanish government set a 20-business-day target, though in practice it sometimes takes longer. DAFT's timeline is slower but predictable.
Duration and Renewal
DAFT gives you a 2-year initial permit, renewable indefinitely. After 5 years you can apply for permanent residency or Dutch citizenship.
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa starts with a 1-year permit (or up to 3 years if applied from within Spain). It's renewable for up to 5 years total. After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency.
Honest Downsides of DAFT
DAFT isn't perfect, and Spain's visa avoids some of its pain points:
- You must be self-employed. If you love being an employee, DAFT doesn't work. Spain lets you stay employed.
- The 4,500-euro deposit ties up cash. It sits in a Dutch business account. You can use it for business expenses, but it's still money you need upfront.
- Dutch business administration is real. VAT filings, bookkeeping, tax obligations — running a Dutch business has overhead. Spain's visa doesn't require any of that.
- The Netherlands is expensive. Housing in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht is pricey. Spain generally offers a lower cost of living, especially outside Madrid and Barcelona.
For more on what running a DAFT business actually involves, check our annual requirements guide.
Why We Still Chose DAFT
Spain was tempting. The weather alone almost won us over. But a few things tipped us toward the Netherlands:
- Long-term stability. DAFT's 2-year permit and clear renewal path felt more solid. We wanted to build a life somewhere, not just pass through.
- Business infrastructure. The Netherlands has world-class business support, English is widely spoken, and the startup ecosystem is strong.
- We wanted to build something. We didn't just want to work remotely from a cafe. We wanted to start a real business in Europe, and DAFT gave us that framework.
- Quality of life. The Netherlands' healthcare system, public transit, biking culture, and work-life balance won us over.
If you're leaning toward remote work without the business-building side, Spain might genuinely be the better fit. But if you want to put down roots and build something, DAFT is hard to beat.
Check the full DAFT requirements checklist to see if you qualify, and read our guide to DAFT business types for ideas.
FAQ
Q: Can I use Spain's Digital Nomad Visa and then switch to DAFT later?
A: They're in different countries, so this isn't a switch — it's a fresh application. You could live in Spain on their visa and later apply for DAFT in the Netherlands, but you'd be starting the process from scratch. There's no transfer mechanism between countries.
Q: Which country has lower taxes for freelancers?
A: Spain offers a special 15% flat tax rate for digital nomad visa holders during the first 4 years (the Beckham Law). The Netherlands has its own deductions for self-employed entrepreneurs. The answer depends on your income level and business structure. Read our Dutch tax overview for DAFT business owners for the Netherlands side.
Q: Can I bring my family on either visa?
A: Yes. Both visas allow you to bring a spouse/partner and dependent children. DAFT family members get dependent residence permits. Spain's visa allows family reunification as well. Our post on bringing a partner on DAFT covers the Dutch side in detail.
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We're not immigration lawyers — just Americans who did this. Requirements change, so verify with official sources.