🇳🇱 Netherlands · Type D
Netherlands long-stay visa documents — Netherlands residence permit (IND).
The Netherlands issues residence permits through the IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst). The DAFT route is a unique US-citizen-only self-employment path; other applicants use the highly skilled migrant, self-employed (points-based), start-up, or study routes. All routes require BRP registration and Dutch basic health insurance after arrival.
Start your long-stay kit — $49Type D kit · flat fee · monthly stay plan included
Which long-stay category applies to you?
- DAFT (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty)
US citizens starting a KvK-registered Dutch business
Financial means: €4,500 minimum equity on the business balance sheet- Legal basis: 1956 Dutch-American Friendship Treaty.
- Skips the standard IND points-based self-employment test.
- Highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant)
Non-EU professionals with an IND-recognised sponsor employer
Financial means: €5,688/month gross (2026, age 30+) or €4,171/month (under 30)- Employer must be an IND-recognised sponsor.
- Self-employment (points-based)
Non-DAFT self-employed applicants
- Requires ≥ 90/300 on the IND self-employment points test.
- Start-up visa
Founders working with an IND-recognised facilitator
- Student(Studie)
Enrolled in a Dutch higher-education programme
Core requirements at the consulate
The list below is the baseline every Netherlands consulate expects. Sub-types add documents (employment contract, lease, bank statements, etc.).
| Passport validity | ≥ 6 months beyond permit expiry |
|---|---|
| Photos | 2 biometric photos to Dutch standards |
| Insurance | Dutch basisverzekering required within 4 months of BRP registration |
| Accommodation | Dutch address for BRP registration |
| BSN | Citizen service number issued after BRP registration |
After you arrive in Netherlands
- 1Register with the BRP at the municipality within 5 working days of moving in.
- 2Collect the residence-permit card at the IND desk once the decision is issued.
- 3Take out Dutch basisverzekering within 4 months of BRP registration.
Official sources
Netherlands long-stay visa — FAQ
- Who qualifies for the Netherlands DAFT permit?
- Only US citizens. The DAFT is a bilateral treaty right and does not extend to Green Card holders, dual nationals filing on a non-US passport, or other nationalities.
- How much do I need to invest for DAFT?
- €4,500 held as own capital on the balance sheet of a KvK-registered Dutch business, verified by a Dutch accountant. The €4,500 must remain on the balance sheet at renewal audits.
- How long is the DAFT permit?
- The first permit is typically issued for up to 2 years and is renewable in 2-year blocks as long as the €4,500 equity and active business conditions continue. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, holders may apply for permanent residence.
- Can I bring my family on DAFT?
- DAFT itself does not include family members. Dependants must qualify under Dutch family reunification (verblijf bij partner/familielid), which has its own income and relationship requirements.
- Do I need a real flight ticket for the long-stay visa appointment?
- For long-stay applications, consulates focus primarily on your accommodation contract, financial evidence, and purpose documentation. A flight reservation is a supporting document only — a verifiable one-way or onward booking (live PNR) is sufficient; a paid non-refundable ticket is not required. Submitting unverifiable documents can trigger refusal on grounds of false or misleading documentation under the applicable national visa rules of the destination country. Best practice is a hold-the-fare or refundable booking kept live until the decision. The SchengenDoc kit produces the monthly stay plan sample that accompanies your file.