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DAFT Visa Pilot Ending Soon: Apply Now to Secure Your Fast-Track Residency in the Netherlands

  • Feb 17
  • 2 min read
Ready for Takeoff: DAFT Visa Family Heads to New Life in the Netherlands
Ready for Takeoff: DAFT Visa Family Heads to New Life in the Netherlands

The DAFT visa (Dutch American Friendship Treaty) brings an opportunity for US entrepreneurs to reside and work in the Netherlands.  Right now, the DAFT pilot is your fast-track to the process. The pilot ends April 1, 2026 and an extension is not confirmed. 


Key Requirements for the DAFT Visa



  1. Valid US Passport

  2. No Criminal record 

  3. Start a business either as a freelancer or by incorporating a company

  4. Chamber of commerce registration 

  5. Deed of incorporation (if incorporating)

  6. Minimum capital investment of 4,500 euro deposited in a Dutch bank account

  7. Certified balance sheet of the deposit from an accountant


DAFT Pilot magic (April 2024–April 2026):


In April 2024 the Immigration & Naturalisation Service of the Netherlands (IND) launched the pilot to ease the requirements and expedite the DAFT process, reducing the approval from 6 months to 6 to 8 weeks. 


The Pilot gives applicants approval upfront and allows a 6 month period to register their company, make the deposit of 4,500 euro and obtain the certified balance sheet.


The pilot is exclusive to DAFT applicants residing and registered outside the Netherlands. It provides the opportunity to start the DAFT process before arrival, giving the DAFT applicants and their family a head start in administrative processes needed to begin your Dutch life. 


What happens after the Pilot (After April 1, 2026):


The pilot runs until 1st of April 2026. As of now, there is no public confirmation that the DAFT pilot will be extended, the IND can stop it or change it. There is no certainty of extension. 


New applications if pilot ends would go back to the normal DAFT process:


  • Set up the business and bank account, deposit €4,500 and certified balance sheet before applying.

  • Submitting full documentation upfront.

  • Longer processing times 


How to Secure the DAFT Pilot Now


You are still in time for the DAFT pilot, to take advantage of it, you must prepare and submit your application before April 1, 2026 securing fast-track approval.


Global Leap Group supports your complete DAFT visa process: immigration, business incorporation, Dutch banking, tax planning, housing, family/school integration. Connecting all the dots for US expats relocating to the  Netherlands.


Book your free consultation now – start remotely, land ready.



 
 
 

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