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About the DAFT Self-Employed Permit
The DAFT Self-Employed Permit is Netherlands's entrepreneur / investor visa programme and one of the most direct routes to permanent residence, typically achievable within 5 years. Available exclusively to US citizens. €4,500 invested capital in a Dutch business buys a 2-year self-employment residence permit, renewable. One of the lowest-friction founder routes in the EU.
Applications are processed in 1–3 months on average. Government fees start at $1,700, and the visa is valid for 2 years.
To qualify, applicants generally need at least a High school diploma.
The DAFT Self-Employed Permit is suited to start a company.
Weighing Netherlands against another destination? See how it stacks up on visa speed, cost, and permanent residency:
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Eligibility requirements
Key facts
Best for
Path to permanent residence
Can lead to PR in approximately 5 years.
Validity period
2 years
How to apply for the DAFT Self-Employed Permit
- 01
Gather your supporting documents
Compile educational credentials (minimum High school diploma), employment history, passport, and any certificates. Have foreign documents officially translated.
- 02
Prepare your business plan
Draft a detailed business plan covering market analysis, financials, and job creation projections. Many applicants engage an immigration specialist at this stage.
- 03
Submit your Dutch-American Friendship Treaty application
File online through the official Netherlands immigration portal and pay the government fee of $1,700. Double-check all forms for errors before submission. Mistakes cause delays.
- 04
Attend biometrics and medical (if required)
You may be asked to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at an approved centre. Some visa categories also require a medical examination by an approved physician.
- 05
Receive decision (1–3 months)
Standard processing takes 1–3 months. Premium or expedited processing may be available for an additional fee. Avoid booking travel until you have a confirmed outcome.
Setting up a company for this visa
The following entity types are commonly used by applicants pursuing this visa in Netherlands. Costs and timelines are estimates. Confirm with a local formation agent or lawyer before proceeding.
BV
Besloten Vennootschap
€0.01 (nominal; practically €1–€100 is common)
€50–€150
€1,000–€2,500
1–3 weeks
Dutch private limited company. Required for the DAFT (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) visa and commonly used by startup founders applying through the NFIA Startup Residence programme.
Eenmanszaak
Eenmanszaak: sole proprietorship
None
€51.95 (KvK registration fee, 2026)
€150–€500
< 1 week
Simplest structure. No liability separation. Often used by freelancers entering the Netherlands on a HSM permit who later register a business. Not suitable for DAFT (requires BV) or formal Startup visa.
Formation costs, timelines, and capital requirements change frequently. Always verify with an official source or a licensed practitioner in Netherlands before making financial commitments.
What it costs
Attorney fees and document costs not included. Total spend is typically 2–5x the government fee.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main requirements for the DAFT Self-Employed Permit?
A minimum High school diploma
How long does the DAFT Self-Employed Permit take to process?
Processing time for the DAFT Self-Employed Permit is typically 1–3 months from the date a complete application is received. Timelines vary depending on application volume, the completeness of your documents, and whether additional checks are requested. Check the official Netherlands immigration website for current processing times before applying.
How much does the DAFT Self-Employed Permit cost?
The government application fee for the DAFT Self-Employed Permit is $1,700 USD. Total costs (including legal fees, document translations, medical exams, and biometrics) typically run 2–5x the base government fee. Budget accordingly before starting your application.
Does the DAFT Self-Employed Permit lead to permanent residence?
Yes. The DAFT Self-Employed Permit is one of the pathways to permanent residence in Netherlands. Eligible holders can generally apply for PR after approximately 5 years of qualifying residence. Conditions apply, so consult a licensed immigration adviser for your specific situation.
Do I need a job offer for the DAFT Self-Employed Permit?
No. The DAFT Self-Employed Permit does not require a prior job offer. You can apply based on your qualifications, work history. This makes it particularly attractive for applicants who want to move first and job-search on arrival.