DAFT visa & Expat Scheme for US nationals

The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) provides a straightforward pathway for US nationals and their family members to obtain a Dutch work and residence permit. All that is required is an investment of € 4,500 in a Dutch business by a US national. By choosing a Dutch limited liability company as the type of business, US entrepreneurs migrating to the Netherlands can also benefit from the Expat Scheme.

The DAFT visa

The DAFT visa provides a straightforward pathway for US nationals and their family members to obtain a Dutch work and residence permit. All that is required is an investment of € 4,500 in a Dutch business by a US national. Family members of the DAFT visa holder are also allowed to live and work in the Netherlands.

For US nationals residing outside the Netherlands, the DAFT visa approval is issued without first providing documents. Instead the applicant can get a residence endorsement sticker within 4-6 weeks of filing the application. They then need to make sure their business is established and the required documents are provided to the IND within six months. In the meantime they can already legally live and work in the Netherlands.

A Dutch B.V. with Expat Scheme

For US nationals that are new to the Netherlands, the DAFT visa can be combined with the Dutch Expat Scheme provided they run their Dutch business via a limited liability company (a “B.V.”). This has multiple benefits:

1. Expensing transport of household effects to the Netherlands plus an additional amount of € 7,750 (2025) as business costs in your B.V.;
2. Receiving 30% of your salary as a tax free allowance, which means only the remaining 70% is subject to tax. The tax free allowance is capped at € 73,800 per year (2025).
3. Expensing of schooling costs for your children on an international school in the Netherlands as business costs in your B.V.;
4. Swapping your foreign driver’s license for a Dutch driver’s license without additional requirements.

To qualify for the Expat Scheme, timing is important because the individual must be employed with the Dutch B.V. before the migration to the Netherlands. We have a step by step plan for this purpose to ensure a smooth process.

Is DAFT the right visa for you?

Are you a US national wanting to move to the Netherlands and invest in a Dutch business? Our experts can help you get started quickly, compliantly and tax efficiently. Reach out to us today to find the best approach for your situation.