Netherlands DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty)
US citizens can live in the Netherlands as self-employed with just EUR 4,500 in business capital.
Official Germany & Europe pageWho this route is for
American (and Japanese, under a parallel treaty) entrepreneurs and freelancers who want to run their own business from the Netherlands without an employer or points test.
Eligibility requirements
- US citizenship (the treaty is nationality-based)
- Register a Dutch business (eenmanszaak/BV) with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
- Maintain at least EUR 4,500 of business capital in a Dutch business bank account at all times
- Operate a genuine business serving Dutch-US trade interests (no 'added value' or business-plan-scoring test that the ordinary self-employment route requires)
- Valid passport, Dutch health insurance, and not a public-order/security risk
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
By far the most popular route for Americans into the EU — no salary floor, no language requirement, no points test. The same logic applies to Japanese nationals under the Dutch-Japanese trade treaty.
Other Germany & Europe routes
Germany Self-Employment / Freelance Visa (Sec 21)
TemporaryRun a business (Sec 21(1)) or freelance (Sec 21(5)) in Germany.
Netherlands Startup Visa
TemporaryOne year to build an innovative startup with a recognised Dutch facilitator.
Portugal D2 Entrepreneur / Self-Employment Visa
TemporaryStart a business or work as a freelancer in Portugal.
Portugal Golden Visa (Investment Residence)
ProvisionalResidence by investment with minimal stay — funds, culture or research, no longer real estate.