Freelancer Visa (Freiberufler) vs DAFT Self-Employed Permit

Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to your nationality and professional background. The DAFT is exclusive to Americans and requires modest capital investment but minimal credentials. The Freelancer Visa is open to anyone globally but demands a bachelor's degree and two years of work experience. Both offer paths to permanent residence, but the eligibility gates are completely different.

1. 01

   Your nationality

   Pick §21 AufenthG

   Pick Freelancer Visa if you're not American. It's open to all nationalities worldwide.

   Pick Dutch-American Friendship Treaty

   Pick DAFT if you hold a US passport. It's exclusively available to American citizens.

2. 02

   Your education level

   Pick §21 AufenthG

   Pick Freelancer Visa if you hold a bachelor's degree. It's a mandatory requirement.

   Pick Dutch-American Friendship Treaty

   Pick DAFT if you didn't complete a bachelor's degree. No minimum education required.

3. 03

   Your work experience

   Pick §21 AufenthG

   Pick Freelancer Visa if you have two or more years of freelance or self-employed work.

   Pick Dutch-American Friendship Treaty

   Pick DAFT if you have zero years of professional experience. Experience isn't required.

4. 04

   Processing speed preference

   Pick §21 AufenthG

   Pick Freelancer Visa if you can wait. Processing takes 3-8 months.

   Pick Dutch-American Friendship Treaty

   Pick DAFT if you need faster processing. Expect 1-3 months total.

5. 05

   Cost sensitivity

   Pick §21 AufenthG

   Pick Freelancer Visa if you want minimal application fees. It costs only $100.

   Pick Dutch-American Friendship Treaty

   Pick DAFT if cost is secondary. You'll invest €4,500 in a Dutch business plus $1,700 in fees.

Is the Freelancer Visa (Freiberufler) or the DAFT Self-Employed Permit faster to get?

The DAFT Self-Employed Permit (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) is typically faster, around 1–3 months, versus 3–8 months for the Freelancer Visa (Freiberufler). Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.

Which costs more, the §21 AufenthG or the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty?

The DAFT Self-Employed Permit (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) costs more, about $1,700 in official fees, versus $100 for the Freelancer Visa (Freiberufler) (§21 AufenthG). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.

Can I get permanent residency with the Freelancer Visa (Freiberufler) or the DAFT Self-Employed Permit?

The §21 AufenthG leads to permanent residency in roughly 5 years, while the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty leads to permanent residency in roughly 5 years. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.

Do I need a job offer for the §21 AufenthG or the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty?

No. Neither the §21 AufenthG nor the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty requires a job offer to apply. Both assess you on your own profile (points, qualifications, or funds) rather than employer sponsorship.