Residence as an entrepreneur based on the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) and Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty
Under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) of 1956, Americans can easily qualify for a residence permit to work as a self-employed person without their intended business having to serve a substantial Dutch interest and without the entrepreneur having to earn a minimum income. However, they must invest ‘significant capital’ from their own assets in their business (at least €4,500) and must intend to engage in actual business activities. The spouse and children of the American entrepreneur, regardless of their nationality, are also eligible for dependent residence permits.
Under the Dutch-Japanese Trade Agreement of 1912, Japanese nationals are also eligible for a residence permit for self-employment under the same flexible conditions as Americans.
Franssen Advocaten specializes in the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty and the Trade Agreement and has already guided many Americans and their family members through these procedures. We can advise them on the practical steps they need to take to obtain legal residence in the Netherlands.
Artists
Artists do not need to serve an economic interest in the Netherlands to be eligible for a residence permit for self-employed work, but they do need to serve a cultural interest. This cultural interest, which is assessed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, is demonstrated by the fact that an important cultural institution in the Netherlands needs the artist’s presence for a future activity. Franssen Advocaten can advise you further on how an artist’s cultural interest is assessed.
