Netherlands DAFT self-employed

Treaty-based residence permit for US nationals (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) and Japanese nationals (Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty) who trade, run or represent a business, practise an independent profession or invest minimum capital in a Dutch business. ^{1 2 3 4}

What you must show and pay

• An investment of at least EUR 4,500 (≈ $5,030) · Minimum capital invested for a sole proprietorship, general partnership (VOF), limited partnership (CV) or private limited company (BV). ^{1 4}
• An investment of at least EUR 11,250 (≈ $12,600) · Capital investment for a public limited company (NV). ¹
• Income of at least EUR 1,766.77 a month (≈ $1,970) · Required gross profit per month including holiday allowance for a self-employed person, valid 1 July to 31 December 2026. ²
• A fee of EUR 423 (≈ $470) · IND application fee for a first application or change of purpose as a self-employed person, including under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty or Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty; an extension also costs EUR 423 (≈ $470). ³

Requirements

• The applicant is a US national (DAFT) or a Japanese national (Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty). ⁴
• The applicant trades between the Netherlands and the US or Japan, or develops and leads a Dutch business. ⁴
• Alternatively the applicant holds a key position at a US or Japanese business or practises an independent profession. ⁴
• Alternatively the applicant invests substantial capital in the business. ⁴
• Minimum capital is EUR 4,500 (≈ $5,030) for a sole proprietorship, VOF, CV or BV. ^{1 4}
• Capital of EUR 11,250 (≈ $12,600) applies for a public limited company (NV). ¹
• Required gross profit is EUR 1,766.77 (≈ $1,970) per month including holiday allowance, 1 July to 31 December 2026. ²
• The application fee is EUR 423 (≈ $470). ^{3 4}
• The English-language application form lists the documents; foreign documents are legalised and translated. ⁴
• The applicant applies for the MVV and residence permit together at the Dutch embassy or consulate. ⁴
• A first-time treaty applicant registers with the Chamber of Commerce and makes the investment within 6 months of the decision letter. ⁴
• An extension needs annual accounts and a balance sheet or income statement showing the capital stayed in the business. ⁴

Stay

• Residence permit valid for a maximum of 2 years; it can be extended.
• First stay: up to 24 months, decided case by case.
• Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.

Nationality

US and Japanese nationals Open to: Japan, United States.

Work

Self-employed work is allowed; work as an employee needs a work permit (TWV), which is no longer required after 5 years of work in the Netherlands.

Family

Family members receive residence permits allowing self-employed work and free work without a work permit.

Checked 2026-10-11

Official sources

1. Income requirements: independent, sustainable and sufficient income (DAFT capital) · IND · checked 2026-10-10
2. Required amounts: income requirements (valid 2026) · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) · checked 2026-10-10
3. Immigration and Naturalisation Service: fees for residence permit applications · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) · checked 2026-10-11
4. Residence permit self-employed person · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) · checked 2026-10-11