The Netherlands New Immigration Pilot

DAFT Visa Pilot Program

The Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa offers U.S. and Japanese entrepreneurs a streamlined path to reside and work in the Netherlands. As of April 1, 2024, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has introduced a temporary pilot program to expedite the DAFT visa application process.

Key Features:

• Upfront Approval: Applicants can now receive visa approval without first providing documents such as Chamber of Commerce registration, a business bank account with a €4,500 investment, or an accountant's balance sheet.
• Reduced Processing Time: This change can shorten the approval process from up to six months to approximately one to two months
• Eligibility: This pilot program applies only to DAFT visa applicants currently residing outside of the Netherlands and already registered.

This change makes the Netherlands an even more attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in Europe.

Dive in: The DAFT visa and the new IND pilot