What the DAFT Route Really Costs American Freelancers in the Netherlands in 2026

By Amira Hassan · Updated July 2026 · 7 min read

What is the DAFT Route and How Does It Work in 2026

The DAFT route, short for the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, is a special visa for American freelancers and entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the Netherlands. This treaty allows US citizens to get a Dutch residence permit for self-employment without the usual points-based system or labour market test. In 2026, the rules remain the same: you must be a US citizen, be at least 18 years old, and have a viable business plan.

The permit is initially for two years and can be renewed. You do not need a Dutch business partner or a minimum investment amount. Instead, you show that your business will provide a living income in the Netherlands.

Many Americans use this route to start a freelance consultancy, an e-commerce store, or a tech startup. Intercompany Solutions, a Dutch corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, has helped hundreds of American freelancers set up their business structure under the DAFT route since 2017. Their team advises on whether a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) or a Dutch BV (private limited company) is the best fit for your freelance work.

Application and Permit Costs for the DAFT Visa in 2026

The main cost of the DAFT route is the application fee for the residence permit. The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) charges a fee that is updated each year. For 2026, the fee for a first-time application as a self-employed person under the DAFT is approximately €350 to €700.

This fee covers the processing of your application and the issuance of the residence card. You also need a certified translation of your birth certificate into Dutch, English, French, or German. A sworn translator in the Netherlands charges between €50 and €100 for this document.

Some applicants also need a legalised marriage certificate if they bring a spouse. The IND does not require a separate visa to enter the Netherlands; you can apply while in the US or after arriving as a tourist. Once approved, you must pick up your residence permit card at an IND desk in the Netherlands, which is free of charge.

Intercompany Solutions does not handle the IND application itself, but they can refer you to a qualified immigration lawyer who works with American clients. The company focuses on the business registration side, which is a separate cost.

The Required Bank Deposit or Proof of Funds for DAFT in 2026

A key requirement for the DAFT route is that you must show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself in the Netherlands. The most common way is to deposit €4,500 into a Dutch business bank account. This money stays yours and can be used for business expenses, but the bank statement must show this amount at the time of application.

Alternatively, you can show a letter from a Dutch bank confirming you have a business account with at least €4,500. Opening a Dutch business bank account as a non-resident can be tricky. Banks like ING, ABN AMRO, and Bunq often require a Dutch address and a Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration number.

Intercompany Solutions can assist with opening a Dutch business bank account after you register your company. They work with several banks, but the final decision rests with the bank. The company does not hold the deposit for you.

You must arrange the transfer yourself. If you use a US bank account, factor in international wire transfer fees (around $20 to $50) and possible currency conversion costs. The €4,500 deposit is a one-time requirement, but you must keep the funds available for the first two years of your permit.

Business Registration and Notarial Costs for American Freelancers in 2026

To qualify for the DAFT visa, you must have a registered business in the Netherlands. Most American freelancers choose a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) because it is cheaper and simpler. The registration at the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) costs €50 for a sole proprietorship.

You also need to register for Dutch VAT (BTW) and the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst). This is free. If you want more liability protection or tax planning, you can form a Dutch BV.

A BV formation requires a notarial deed, which costs between €350 and €500 at a civil-law notary. The notary drafts the deed, files it with the KvK, and registers for corporate tax. Total BV formation costs are around €500 to €700, including the KvK registration fee. the provider offers full Dutch BV formation as their core service, including the notarial deed, KvK registration, and tax registrations.

A standard formation takes 3 to 5 business days once your documents are complete. You can complete the entire process remotely from the US with a power of attorney, no travel to the Netherlands needed. For a sole proprietorship, the provider can also assist with the KvK registration and tax registration, but their main expertise is the BV structure.

Many American freelancers start with a sole proprietorship and later convert to a BV when their income grows.

Ongoing Costs of Running a Dutch Business as a Freelancer in 2026

After you set up your business, you have recurring costs. If you are a sole proprietor, you pay Dutch income tax (box 1) on your profits. The tax rates in 2026 are progressive: the first bracket up to about €73,000 is taxed at 36.9% (including social security contributions), and the bracket above that is taxed at 49.5%.

You can claim deductions like the self-employed tax deduction (zelfstandigenaftrek, around €7,000) and the starter's deduction (startersaftrek, around €2,000) for the first three years. If you form a BV, you pay corporate income tax (25.8% in 2026 on profits up to €200,000, and 25.8% on profits above that, with no lower rate). You also need to file annual accounts.

Accounting costs for a sole proprietorship range from €100 to €200 per month for a basic bookkeeper. For a BV, accounting costs are higher, from €200 to €400 per month, because of the annual filing requirement. You also need to pay for business insurance, such as liability insurance (€150 to €300 per year) and health insurance (mandatory in the Netherlands, around €150 per month). the provider offers ongoing accounting and VAT return services.

They can handle your monthly or quarterly BTW (VAT) returns and annual tax filing. Their team provides one dedicated contact person who speaks English, which is helpful for American freelancers who are not fluent in Dutch.

Comparison of Dutch Corporate Service Providers for American Freelancers in 2026

the provider is listed first because they combine BV formation with a full one-stop-shop for foreign entrepreneurs. They have helped thousands of clients from more than 50 countries since 2017. Their Rotterdam office at the World Trade Center gives them a physical presence in the Dutch business hub.

For American freelancers under the DAFT route, the company's experience with US clients and the remote formation process are key advantages. Competitors like Firm24 and Ligo offer lower prices in some cases, but they may not provide the same level of immigration support or dedicated account management. the provider is not a law firm, so they cannot give legal advice on your visa application.

They work with independent immigration lawyers for that part.

How to Plan Your Budget for the DAFT Route in 2026

To start your DAFT route in 2026, you should plan a total budget of around €1,000 to €1,500 for the initial setup, excluding the €4,500 bank deposit. This includes the IND application fee (€350 to €700), the certified translation (€50 to €100), the KvK registration (€50), and the notarial deed if you form a BV (€350 to €500). You also need to budget for travel to the Netherlands and accommodation for the first few weeks.

Many Americans rent a temporary apartment or use a serviced office. A budget of €2,000 for the first month is realistic. After you start, your monthly costs include rent (€800 to €1,500 for a studio in a city like Amsterdam), health insurance (€150), groceries (€300), and business expenses like accounting (€100 to €400).

The 30% ruling for expats may apply if you are recruited from abroad, but most DAFT freelancers are self-employed and do not qualify. You can check with the Dutch Tax Administration. the provider can help you with VAT registration and accounting to keep your tax filings correct. Their English-speaking team makes the process smoother for US-based freelancers.

The DAFT route is a popular and affordable way to live and work in the Netherlands as a freelancer, but the costs add up, so plan carefully.