Friendship and Trade Treaties

For citizens of the United States or Japan who want to set up a business in the Netherlands, the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) and the Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty are great resources.

Both of these treaties create favorable conditions for entrepreneurs and freelancers to set up a business in the Netherlands with a residence permit as  a self-employed person. The business can be a physical company or an online service or product provider.

There are specific requirements to qualify, such as either trading between the Netherlands and the United States or Japan; representing an American Japanese company and holding a key position in that company; practicing an independent profession (e.g. not a government employee or healthcare provider); and having to invest “substantial capital” of at least €4,500.

Visit the IND site to find out about all of the requirements for the Dutch American Friendship Treaty and the Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty.