The Netherlands continues to be a magnet for American expats in 2025, offering an ideal mix of professional opportunities and quality living. With its prime European location, the country boasts a strong economy, forward-thinking social policies, and a welcoming atmosphere for international residents. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) makes relocation even easier for U.S. entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals who are looking to move to the Netherlands from the US in 2025.

Want to learn more about the DAFT visa, including its benefits, essential requirements and process? Check out our previous blog here. In this guide, we'll show you how to use DAFT to relocate your business to the Netherlands.

Before relocating your business to the Netherlands, you need to decide on a business structure that suits your current business setup and future business needs.

For example, you can:

• Establish a Dutch entity, such as a private limited company (BV) with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.

• Create a local subsidiary, typically a BV, which allows your main office to remain in in the US while the Dutch operation runs independently and serve European clients locally.

• Register a sole proprietorship as a freelancer (upon your arrival in the Netherlands).

Note that Dutch company law recognises all foreign business structures, except sole proprietorships. (Source: Business.gov.nl)

Considering moving to the Netherlands as a freelancer? Reach out to us for personalized support on applying for the DAFT visa as a self-employed individual.

Opportunities of choosing private limited company (BV) as your business structure

A private limited company (BV) offers several benefits for DAFT applicants, such as limited liability, which protects personal assets from business risks. It also provides scalability by allowing the issuance of shares, making it easier to attract investors and expand the business. Moreover, a BV can benefit from tax efficiency through corporate tax structures and deductions tailored to small businesses. Additionally, entrepreneurs with a BV business structure are eligible for a tax benefit of 30% of their income for a maximum amount of years.

Interested in learning about setting up a BV and applying for the 30% tax ruling? We’re here to help you every step of the way! Reach out to our experts for one-to-one guidance on setting up your BV and unlocking the full benefits of the 30% tax ruling.

Important steps to take before submitting your DAFT visa application to the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND)

1. While getting your personal documents (i.e. passport and birth certificate) ready for the DAFT visa requirements, you can begin setting up your private limited company (BV) at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). This essential step can be completed either during a temporary visit to the Netherlands or remotely via a notary.

2. For a smooth BV registration process, you'll need a specialized Dutch notary to draft and notarize necessary business documentations such as the company's Articles of Association (statuten). Having a notary in place ensures your compliance with Dutch business laws.

3. Once you and your notary have prepared your company's Articles of Association and Deed of Incorporation, you are then ready to complete and sign your KvK registration form, which your notary will submit to the KvK.

4. After receiving your KvK number, you will be able to create a Dutch business account for your BV. Your business bank account in the Netherlands is important as it is often required for tax filing.

5. Once your BV is established, you will need to create an employment contract for yourself as part of you DAFT visa application. An employment contract with certain (salary) conditions between the company and yourself is required for the application of 30% tax ruling.

Looking for expert guidance on registering your business as a private limited company (BV) and preparing your DAFT visa application? We are here to guide you through the process! Contact us here or send us a message at info@expatmanagementgroup.com.