Residence permit under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT)
For US nationals starting or running their own business in the Netherlands under a favourable bilateral treaty.
The Residence permit under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is a Dutch business, talent & investor visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€405 (2025) IND fee; plus €4,500 maintained business investment) and processing time (~90 days (legal maximum); often faster), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Residence permit under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is for
For US nationals starting or running their own business in the Netherlands under a favourable bilateral treaty.
Continuous DAFT residence counts toward permanent residence after 5 years.
Residence permit under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) - eligibility criteria
- US citizenship
- Register a business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK)
- Invest and maintain at least €4,500 of equity in the business
- Own at least 25% of the business (for a BV)
- The business is genuine and active
Residence permit under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Residence permit under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) (Netherlands) is ~€405 (2025) IND fee; plus €4,500 maintained business investment, with an indicative processing time of ~90 days (legal maximum); often faster. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IND (Netherlands).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Filed with the IND |
| Length of stay | 2 years (renewable, typically up to 5) |
| Work rights | Self-employment in your own registered Dutch business |
| Study rights | Study allowed |
| Government fee | ~€405 (2025) IND fee; plus €4,500 maintained business investment |
| Processing time | ~90 days (legal maximum); often faster |
| Route to PR | Continuous DAFT residence counts toward permanent residence after 5 years. |
Pathway & next steps
Continuous DAFT residence counts toward permanent residence after 5 years.
Many applicants also compare Self-employed · Residence permit for self-employed person / freelancer (zelfstandig ondernemer), Start-up · Residence permit for start-up (innovative entrepreneur), Permanent · Permanent residence permit (national, type II). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Dutch route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Residence permit under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) pitfalls we fix
Residence permit under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Residence permit under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) cost?
The Residence permit under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) government fee is ~€405 (2025) IND fee; plus €4,500 maintained business investment. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at IND (Netherlands) before applying.
How long does the Residence permit under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~90 days (legal maximum); often faster. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Residence permit under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) lead to permanent residence?
Continuous DAFT residence counts toward permanent residence after 5 years.
Can I work on the Residence permit under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT)?
Work rights: Self-employment in your own registered Dutch business.
Who can apply for the Residence permit under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT)?
For US nationals starting or running their own business in the Netherlands under a favourable bilateral treaty.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Netherlands government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IND (Netherlands) - official Netherlands immigration authority