Digital Nomad Visa 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 citizenship and whether you want to work remotely or start a business. Spain's Digital Nomad Visa is open to anyone globally, while the DAFT permit is exclusively for US citizens. One funds remote work; the other requires you to invest in and operate a Dutch business.

1. 01

   Your citizenship

   Pick Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78)

   Pick Spain if you're not a US citizen, as the Digital Nomad Visa accepts applicants from any country.

   Pick Dutch-American Friendship Treaty

   Pick Netherlands only if you hold a US passport, since DAFT is restricted to American citizens.

2. 02

   Work structure

   Pick Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78)

   Pick Spain if you're a remote employee or freelancer working for non-Spanish companies from abroad.

   Pick Dutch-American Friendship Treaty

   Pick Netherlands if you want to start and operate your own Dutch business as self-employed founder.

3. 03

   Upfront investment

   Pick Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78)

   Pick Spain if you want minimal costs; the visa costs only $80 USD to apply for.

   Pick Dutch-American Friendship Treaty

   Pick Netherlands if you can invest €4,500 in a business and the $1,700 application fee fits your budget.

4. 04

   Education requirements

   Pick Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78)

   Pick Spain if you have a bachelor's degree and 3+ years of work experience.

   Pick Dutch-American Friendship Treaty

   Pick Netherlands if you have a high school diploma and no prior work experience requirement.

5. 05

   Visa validity

   Pick Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78)

   Pick Spain for a longer initial permit valid for 3 years before renewal.

   Pick Dutch-American Friendship Treaty

   Pick Netherlands if you prefer a shorter 2-year cycle and more frequent renewal checkpoints.

Is the Digital Nomad Visa or the DAFT Self-Employed Permit faster to get?

They are similar: the Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78) takes about 1–2 months and the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty about 1–3 months. Neither has a decisive speed advantage, the completeness of your application matters more than the visa you pick.

Which costs more, the Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78) or the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty?

The DAFT Self-Employed Permit (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) costs more, about $1,700 in official fees, versus $80 for the Digital Nomad Visa (Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78)). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.

Can I get permanent residency with the Digital Nomad Visa or the DAFT Self-Employed Permit?

The Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78) 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 Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78) or the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty?

No. Neither the Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78) 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.