What is the DAFT visa and who is it for?

The DAFT visa is a Dutch residence permit for U.S. citizens who want to live in the Netherlands as self-employed entrepreneurs. It is based on the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty.

Can moving to the Netherlands on a DAFT visa help me qualify for the 30% ruling?

In some situations, yes—DAFT can be used in a way that may allow you to qualify for the 30% ruling, but it depends on how your situation is structured from the start.

Can you help me set up my business structure (sole trader or BV) when I move to the Netherlands?

Yes. You can be supported with setting up a sole trader business, or with incorporating a BV via a recommended notary, and with business registration as part of an all-in-one approach.

Do you also handle ongoing tax compliance after I have moved?

Yes. Support can include payroll setup with monthly wage tax returns and payslips, quarterly VAT returns and accounting, annual accounts (including Chamber of Commerce accounts), and preparation of private and—if applicable—corporate income tax returns.

How do fees work for U.S. expats moving to the Netherlands?

Fees depend on your situation. You share an overview via a contact form, then you receive a fixed-fee offer. This typically covers an approximately one-hour video call and follow-up questions about your immigration, with the option to continue with a complete tax package for you (and your partner).

Moving to Netherlands from US

Suurmond Tax Consultants

Moving to NL on a DAFT visa

The Dutch American Friendship Treaty or DAFT makes it attractive for US expats to launch a business in the Netherlands and can even be used, in some situations to qualify for the 30%-ruling. DAFT makes it easy for a person with US passport to secure a Dutch residence permit.

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Moving to the Netherlands from the US

The DAFT visa is a special residence permit for U.S. citizens who want to live and work as self-employed entrepreneurs in the Netherlands. It is based on a treaty between the U.S. and the Netherlands that was established in 1956.

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Client case

My husband Fred and I just moved to the Netherlands on the DAFT Visa: Fred is the one on the DAFT who has started a sole trader company here and I am the spouse who will be working in the Netherlands with the spousal work visa. Will Fred be able to get the 30%-ruling? And what about myself, I still have employment in the US could I apply for the ruling too?

Find the answer and other client cases in this article.

Our fees

Our fee for this depends on your situation. You can send us a contact form with an overview of your situation. Once your situation is clear to us, we will let you know what the possibilities are, what we can do for you and provide you with a fixed fee offer.

This covers a video call of approx. one hour and also deals with follow up questions regarding your immigration. After this we can provide a complete package looking after all of your tax needs of yourself (and your partner).

Contact us about your migration

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Word from the specialist

All-in-one solution

Hans Suurmond

— founder

Once the plan of action is clear we can provide an all in one solution. Part of this package is working together with a recommended immigration advisor. We can help you with setting up your sole trader or work with a recommended notary public to set up your company BV structure and register this.

Once the company is set up we can provide a full service looking after the payroll set up with monthly wages tax returns and pay slips as well as the quarterly VAT returns and accounting. In addition we draft annual accounts and Chamber of Commerce accounts and prepare your private and – if applicable – corporate income tax return.

Furthermore, we will provide you with tax advice, for example, regarding prevention of double taxation, box 3 taxation and alternatives etc.

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