Two treaties, one route
The Netherlands offers the same treaty route for self-employed founders to two nationalities: Japanese nationals, under the 1912 Dutch-Japanese treaty (often called DJFT, or DJTT), and US citizens, under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT). The IND lists one set of conditions for applicants with “the nationality of United States of America (US) or Japan,” so on the Dutch side the two routes work the same way.
What differs is the treaty behind each route and the paperwork you leave behind at home.
Side by side
| DJFT (Japanese nationals) | DAFT (US citizens) | |
|---|---|---|
| Treaty | Treaty of Commerce and Navigation, signed July 6, 1912, in force October 9, 1913 | Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation, signed March 27, 1956, in force December 5, 1957 |
| Where the investor route comes from | The treaty has no capital clause; Dutch policy applies the same route, usually explained through the most-favoured-nation clause (Article 17) | Article II(1) of the treaty mentions investing a substantial amount of capital |
| IND purpose on the application form | 510 | 453 |
| Minimum capital | €4,500 of equity (€11,250 for an NV) | Same |
| IND fee | €423 | Same |
| Entry visa (MVV) | Not needed | Not needed |
| KVK registration and investment | Within 6 months of the decision | Same |
| First permit | Up to 2 years, then renewal with your annual figures | Same |
| Partner and children | Can join you and may work without a work permit | Same |
| Paperwork at home | Overseas residence registration, a tax representative, pension choices | US tax filing continues after you move |
The MVV exemption for both nationalities is on the IND’s list of MVV exemptions. The treaty texts are on wetten.overheid.nl: the Japanese treaty and the US treaty.
The same document for both
On either route, the €4,500 has to be equity, not just a bank balance, and you prove it with an opening balance sheet. The calculation is the same, and so are the common mistakes: a loan doesn’t count, and equipment bought right after the deposit can push you under the line. Try the capital calculator to check your own figures.
Where to read more
- Japanese nationals: start with What is DJFT? and Moving from Japan.
- US citizens: our sister site DAFT Guide covers the American route in English.