In 2025, the Netherlands will continue to attract American expats seeking a blend of professional opportunities and high quality of life. Renowned for its strategic location within Europe, the Netherlands offers a robust economy, progressive social policies, and a welcoming environment for internationals. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) further facilitates the relocation process for U.S. entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals, making the Netherlands an appealing destination for those looking to move to the Netherlands from the US in 2025.

To learn more about the DAFT visa, including its benefits, essential requirements and process, check out our previous blog here. In this guide, we will take you through the steps to leverage DAFT for moving 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) or a public limited company (NV) after deregistering your business in the US.

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

• Upgrade your existing distributor to manage a branch of your company.

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 break of 30% of their income.

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. Besides getting your personal documents (i.e. passport and birth certificate) ready based on the DAFT visa requirements, you can get started on setting up your private limited company (BV) at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). This is an essential step that can be done while you’re visiting the Netherlands on a temporary visa or remotely.

2. To facilitate a smooth BV registration process for your DAFT visa application, you would need a specialized Dutch notary to help you draft and notarize necessary business documentations such as the company's Articles of Association (statuten).

3. After 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.

4. With your KvK number, you will be able to create a Dutch business account for your BV.

5. When your BV is setup, you will need to create an employment contract for yourself as part of you DAFT visa application. Also, it is a vital step 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.