Moving to the Netherlands on a DAFT Visa: The ZZP Checklist

Starting fresh in the Netherlands under the DAFT visa as a ZZP’er (zelfstandige zonder personeel/sole proprietor) is exciting — new opportunities, a new market, potential for growth. But there are several moving parts to get right. This checklist helps you plan, avoid surprises, and hit the ground running. And yes! Xolo is here to help you smooth many of these steps.

What is the DAFT Visa & Why It’s Useful for ZZP’ers

The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) offers U.S. citizens a pathway to live and work in the Netherlands by starting a business or becoming self-employed. Key benefits include:

• Lower capital requirement than other visas: deposit €4,500 into your Dutch business bank account.
• Flexibility: work as a sole proprietor (ZZP) or form a BV (private limited company).
• Family-friendly: your spouse and dependents can move with you.
• Two-year initial permit, renewable for long-term residence.

Pre-Move ZZP Checklist

Arriving & Setting Up: The Essentials

1. Secure a local address — vital for BSN registration and opening accounts.

2. Register with the municipality (Gemeente) — get your BSN.

3. Open a business bank account — deposit your €4,500.

4. Register with KvK — the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.

5. Submit DAFT visa application to IND — ensure you have all required paperwork.

Relocation & Housing: Key Considerations

One of the biggest challenges for new arrivals is finding housing. The Dutch housing market is competitive, particularly in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague. Good rentals can be snapped up within hours.

Here’s how to make the process smoother:

• Start your housing search early — demand is high, especially in the Randstad area.
• Understand the rental types: furnished, unfurnished, and social housing have different rules and costs.
• Check that your lease allows registration with the municipality, as this is required for getting your BSN and completing your DAFT application.
• Budget realistically for deposits (often 1–2 months' rent), utilities, and potential furniture purchases.
• Consider commute and neighborhood vibe — proximity to coworking spaces, clients, or expat hubs can make a huge difference.

💡 Pro Tip: Work with a trusted relocation partner
Xolo has partnered for the Rotterdam area with Rotterdam Relocation Rental, a specialist service that helps expats and freelancers find housing that meets all municipal registration requirements.

They understand the unique needs of DAFT visa holders and can handle the legwork, making it much easier to secure a suitable apartment or house, especially if you're still abroad or navigating the Dutch housing market for the first time.

Whether you need temporary accommodation or a long-term lease, Rotterdam Relocation Rental can help you avoid scams, streamline viewings, and ensure your new home is DAFT-compliant from day one.

Housing Cost Snapshot by City (2025)

Tip: Moving outside the Randstad can dramatically lower housing costs.

*1 m² ≈ 10.76 ft²

Ongoing Considerations After Moving

• Taxes & bookkeeping: stay compliant with VAT, income tax, and invoicing. Xolo can automate this.
• Visa renewals: track your two-year DAFT expiration and extension deadlines.
• Insurance: health insurance is mandatory, plus business liability coverage.
• Networking: join local expat and freelancer groups.
• Scaling your business: consider switching to a BV or using the 30% ruling as your income grows. For those looking to go beyond setup and start strategizing for long-term growth, our partner TZ Strategies offers tailored business consulting for new ZZP’ers navigating Dutch market entry.

Quick DAFT-ZZP Checklist

• Choose ZZP or BV structure.
• Gather all U.S. documents and apostilles.
• Budget for move, €4,500 deposit, and living expenses.
• Secure housing and register with the municipality.
• Open Dutch bank account and deposit capital.
• Register with KvK.
• Apply for DAFT visa with IND.
• Get health insurance and utilities sorted.
• Set up bookkeeping and compliance systems.

Final Thoughts

Relocating to the Netherlands under DAFT as a ZZP’er offers incredible freedom, but bureaucracy and logistics can be overwhelming. By planning ahead,  especially around housing, finances, and registrations - you’ll set yourself up for a smooth landing.

Xolo is here to handle the admin, so you can focus on what matters most: building your business and living your Dutch dream.

Join Xolo Netherlands and let us handle VAT, invoicing, and compliance for you.