By Ryan Mellon, Host of Digital Nomad Nation

"The DAFT visa, the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, which is a special visa for American citizens who want to move to the Netherlands." - Cepee Tabibian,

What is the DAFT Visa?

I was amazed to learn about this unique opportunity during my recent conversation with Cepee on the Digital Nomad Nation podcast. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa opens doors for Americans wanting to live and work in the Netherlands. In my years of travel, I've rarely seen such an accessible path to living in Europe.

How to Qualify
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"It's pretty easy to qualify for. You need to register a business there, and it does not have to be an existing business." - Cepee Tabibian,

The process is pretty straightforward. You'll need to be a U.S. citizen and register a business in the Netherlands. The most significant requirement is depositing €4,500 in a Dutch bank account. According to Cepee, you don't lose this money. It simply needs to stay in the account while your visa is active.

Perfect for Digital Nomads and Freelancers

"If you want to start a business, or if you're a freelancer, you're transitioning into freelancing, you could start your freelance business there." - Cepee Tabibian

What makes this visa especially exciting is its flexibility. Whether you're a freelance writer, online coach, or running an e-commerce business, the DAFT visa could be your ticket to European living. You don't need an established business - you can start fresh once you arrive.

Path to Permanent Residency

"The DAFT visa, those years on the DAFT visa do count towards residency, so permanent residency, which you get in five years after living in the Netherlands." - Cepee Tabibian

The long-term potential of this visa really caught my attention. Your time on the DAFT visa counts toward permanent residency, which you can get after five years. There's even a path to citizenship after ten years, though it's worth noting that the Netherlands doesn't recognize dual citizenship with the U.S.

Making the Move

Before you start packing your bags, take some time to plan. You'll want to research the Dutch market for your business and understand the tax implications. While many Dutch people speak excellent English, learning some Dutch will help you integrate into the community. Healthcare and housing will also need consideration, but these are manageable challenges with proper planning.

My Take

As someone who just received my own digital nomad visa for Bali, I understand the excitement of finding the right path to living abroad. The DAFT visa represents an incredible opportunity for Americans dreaming of a European lifestyle. Whether you're 30, 40, or 50+, it's never too late to start your international journey.

The beauty of this visa is its accessibility. You don't need a job offer, a marriage proposal, or proof of ancestry. All you need is an entrepreneurial spirit and a modest savings account. During my conversation with Cepee, it became clear that opportunities like this are making international living more achievable than ever.

​Want to learn more about visa options and living abroad?