Business Ideas
A quick note: some links below are referral links. If you use one, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — I only mention tools I’d actually use.
To get the DAFT visa you need a genuine, viable self-employed business. The IND isn’t looking for a big company — it’s looking for a real one: a clear service, real or likely clients, and income you can sustain. Here are nine ideas that work well for DAFT, and why each one reads as credible to the IND.
Freelance Writing
Why the IND finds it credible: Clear deliverables and invoiceable clients make this easy to document — keep your contracts and invoices. Find work on Upwork or Fiverr.
Consulting
Why the IND finds it credible: You’re selling expertise you already have; a defined niche plus a couple of client agreements shows real demand. Tools like QuickBooks keep your books clean.
Translation Services
Why the IND finds it credible: A concrete, in-demand service with obvious clients (expats and businesses) — easy to show a pipeline of work.
Graphic Design
Why the IND finds it credible: A portfolio plus recurring clients demonstrates an ongoing business, not a one-off gig. Canva and Envato help you produce and deliver.
Online Coaching
Why the IND finds it credible: Recurring clients and a clear offer show sustainable income — document your booking and payment platform (Teachable, Kajabi).
Photography
Why the IND finds it credible: Bookings, a rate card, and a portfolio make this a tangible service business. Stock platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock add a second income stream.
Digital Marketing
Why the IND finds it credible: Retainer clients are exactly the kind of recurring revenue the IND likes to see. Tools like SEMrush show you’re running a real operation.
E-Commerce
Why the IND finds it credible: Real sales data plus supplier and platform records back up a functioning business — show your store and revenue. Etsy, Amazon, or Shopify make it easy to start.
Web Development
Why the IND finds it credible: Project contracts and client invoices clearly evidence self-employment. Build on Squarespace, find clients on Fiverr, host with Bluehost.
Whatever you choose, keep it honest and simple. A clear, believable business plan beats an ambitious vague one every time — the IND wants to see that you’ll genuinely support yourself.