Netherlands Golden Visa & Residence Permit

At a glance

Golden visa

Abolished (2022)

Startup Visa

Innovative business (1 year)

DAFT (US citizens)

~EUR 4,500 capital

Self-employment

Business-plan based

Outcome

Residence (EU)

Benefits

• Residence in the EU and high quality of life.
• Entrepreneur and self-employment routes.
• Accessible DAFT route for US citizens.
• Family members can be included.

Requirements

• Innovative business and approved facilitator for Startup.
• US citizenship and ~EUR 4,500 capital for DAFT.
• Clean criminal record.

Costs

DAFT (US citizens)

~EUR 4,500 capital

Startup Visa

Depends on business plan

Golden visa

No longer available (2022)

Process

1. 01

   Eligibility and program selection

   Since the golden visa closed in 2022, choose the route that fits you: Startup Visa, DAFT (US citizens), or self-employment.

2. 02

   Investment and document preparation

   Prepare your business plan, an approved facilitator agreement (Startup), or roughly EUR 4,500 in capital (DAFT), plus a clean criminal record certificate.

3. 03

   Application and due diligence

   Submit your application to the Dutch immigration service (IND) along with your business plan or DAFT declaration.

4. 04

   Approval and residence card

   Once approved, collect your residence permit and register with your local municipality.

5. 05

   Renewal / permanent residence

   Renew your permit as your business develops, working toward permanent residence after the required period of legal residence.

FAQ

Does the Netherlands still have a golden visa?

No, the investor residence program was abolished in 2022.

Who is DAFT for?

DAFT is a low-capital route for US citizens wanting to live in the Netherlands as self-employed entrepreneurs.

How does the Startup Visa work?

You build your business within a year alongside an approved facilitator; transition to self-employed residence is then possible.

Can I include my family?

Yes. Spouse and dependent children can be included in the residence.

When can I apply for citizenship?

Generally after 5 years of uninterrupted legal residence and integration requirements; since the Netherlands restricts dual citizenship, your situation should be assessed separately.