Dutch, American Friendship Treaty (DAFT)
If you are an American looking at moving to the Netherlands, the DAFT treaty offers a simplified immigration process for (prospective) business owners. An initial DAFT Visa is for two years and can be renewed for a further five years. After five years’ residence in the Netherlands you are entitled to apply for permanent residency, although this requires minimum Dutch language knowledge.
What you need to know:
- You can be an established business owner looking to set up in the Netherlands or be looking at setting up your own business for the first time.
- Your business must be expected to generate enough money to support you whilst you are living in the Netherlands. A business plan is often required by the IND at your initial meeting.
- An investment of €4,500 is needed for unincorporated businesses or B.V. companies. This investment must be maintained throughout the time you are working under the DAFT Visa.
- Your business must be correctly registered with the KvK (Dutch Chamber of commerce).
- You must set up a Dutch business bank account and be registered for Dutch Health Insurance.
- Once up and running you/your business will be subject to Dutch BTW and Income tax. As an American abroad you must also file your US tax returns.
How can we help you?
We can help as much or as little as you would like, from advising your tax requirements to helping complete the IND forms on your behalf. This flexibility allows you to decide whether you want to learn and acclimatize as you go through the DAFT process, or if you are busy, to allow us to take more of the process off your shoulders.
Once you are up and running, we can continue to support your business with bookkeeping, tax compliance and advice.