Netherlands: US treaty self-employment preparation
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty is a self-employment residence path for US nationals meeting the treaty and general conditions. IND distinguishes it from ordinary points-tested self-employment and start-up permission. Ownership of a company alone does not establish residence or unrestricted employment rights.
Guide checked 2026-10-29 · review due 2026-11-05
Documents by person · 3 items
Primary applicant: Identity and general-condition evidence
Use the IND written application’s current document list and the general requirements. Check which foreign official records need legalisation and a permitted translation.
- Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) ↗Visible American (USA) branch: Requirements of DAFT; first-time/extension process; Process and costs expanded; The residence permit, work conditions and validity
Primary applicant: Treaty business and investment evidence
Prepare the actual business basis, capital evidence and Chamber of Commerce records. For most business forms IND lists EUR 4,500, which remains invested capital rather than a government fee.
- Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) ↗Visible American (USA) branch: Requirements of DAFT; first-time/extension process; Process and costs expanded; The residence permit, work conditions and validity
Primary applicant: Accounts for a future extension
Keep annual accounts and the balance sheet/income statement needed to demonstrate activity and continued invested capital.
- Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) ↗Visible American (USA) branch: Requirements of DAFT; first-time/extension process; Process and costs expanded; The residence permit, work conditions and validity
Before choosing · 1 steps
Confirm the treaty nationality and business basis
The American treaty branch is for US nationals who meet the treaty and general conditions. Living in the US is insufficient. Distinguish this route from an ordinary points-tested or start-up application.
- Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) ↗Visible American (USA) branch: Requirements of DAFT; first-time/extension process; Process and costs expanded; The residence permit, work conditions and validity
Application · 1 steps
Follow the American branch’s written filing instructions
IND’s displayed American branch describes a postal application within three months after arrival. Confirm your lawful-entry and individual filing position before travel. The current branch shows EUR 423 and a separate payment letter.
- Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) ↗Visible American (USA) branch: Requirements of DAFT; first-time/extension process; Process and costs expanded; The residence permit, work conditions and validity
After arrival · 2 steps
Collect the permit and complete the business evidence
Follow IND’s appointment/biometrics and document-collection instructions. A first treaty applicant without an existing Dutch permit must register the business and invest within the specified decision-letter period.
Timing: IND states six months from the date on the first treaty decision letter for Chamber registration and investment.
- Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) ↗Visible American (USA) branch: Requirements of DAFT; first-time/extension process; Process and costs expanded; The residence permit, work conditions and validity
Use the work conditions on the actual permit
The self-employed permit allows self-employed activity. Employment for an employer requires a work permit under the stated conditions. Check family permits separately and notify relevant changes.
- Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) ↗Visible American (USA) branch: Requirements of DAFT; first-time/extension process; Process and costs expanded; The residence permit, work conditions and validity
Renewals · 1 steps
Keep the business active and capital invested
IND lists validity up to two years. Prepare the required annual accounts and evidence the invested capital remained in the business for extension; confirm the current filing window before expiry.
- Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) ↗Visible American (USA) branch: Requirements of DAFT; first-time/extension process; Process and costs expanded; The residence permit, work conditions and validity
Longer term · 1 steps
Research any later residence application separately
A temporary permit is not permanent residence or citizenship. Check the then-current continuous residence, activity, integration and other conditions before relying on a later status.
- Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) ↗Visible American (USA) branch: Requirements of DAFT; first-time/extension process; Process and costs expanded; The residence permit, work conditions and validity
Confirm before acting
- The guide records the publicly selected American branch of IND’s guidance, not an assessment of a particular applicant or business.
- Municipal registration, tax, insurance, professional licensing and individual family requirements need their own checks and budget.