DAFT Visa Requirements & Timeline (2026)

This is the bird’s-eye view of what the DAFT move actually involves and roughly when each piece happens. It’s the overview — the Kit is where every step is ordered, dated, and spelled out (including Form 7524 line by line). But this will give you the shape of it.

What DAFT actually requires (the short version)

·        You’re a US citizen — DAFT is a friendship treaty between the US and the Netherlands

·        You register as self-employed — a business with the KvK (Chamber of Commerce), usually a ZZP/eenmanszaak

·        You put at least €4,500 into a Dutch business bank account and keep it there

·        You file the residence-permit application (Form 7524) with the IND

·        You register your address with your local gemeente and get your BSN

·        You take out Dutch health insurance within four months

Before you fly

·        Research and plan; pick a city that fits your budget (Amsterdam is priciest; Eindhoven, Rotterdam, and smaller cities stretch your money further)

·        Gather documents: passport, birth certificate, and anything that needs an apostille

·        Set up international banking so moving money is cheap

·        Line up temporary housing for your first month or two

Your first weeks in the Netherlands

·        Register with the gemeente and get your BSN (needed for almost everything)

·        Open your Dutch bank accounts — personal and business

·        Register your business with the KvK

·        Fund and maintain the €4,500 business buffer

·        Arrange your health insurance

Settling in

·        Find longer-term housing (Funda, Pararius) — never pay before you’ve viewed a place

·        Sort utilities and internet if they’re not included

·        Learn some basic Dutch — it smooths daily life and helps with integration