Glossary
The treaty route comes with its own vocabulary, mostly Dutch. Short definitions here; the full detail lives in each linked guide.
- DJFT
Short for the Dutch-Japanese Friendship (or Trade) Treaty route: the Dutch residence permit for Japanese nationals who run their own business, based on the 1912 Treaty of Commerce and Navigation.
Read more →- DAFT
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty: the American counterpart of the DJFT, based on a 1956 treaty. The IND applies the same conditions to both.
Read more →- IND
Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst: the Dutch immigration and naturalisation service that decides on your residence permit.
Read more →- KVK
Kamer van Koophandel: the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, where you register your business in the trade register.
Read more →- MVV
Machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf: a provisional residence permit many non-EU nationals need before applying. Japanese nationals are exempt.
Read more →- BSN
Burgerservicenummer: your Dutch citizen service number, issued when you register with your municipality. You need it for a bank account and the KVK.
Read more →- Eenmanszaak
A sole proprietorship. You and the business are legally the same person.
Read more →- BV
Besloten vennootschap: a private limited company, roughly comparable to a Japanese kabushiki kaisha.
Read more →- NV
Naamloze vennootschap: a public limited company. The treaty route requires a minimum investment of €11,250 for an NV.
Read more →- TWV
Tewerkstellingsvergunning: a work permit that an employer gets from the UWV. You need one to work as an employee on the treaty permit.
Read more →- UWV
The Dutch employee insurance agency, which issues work permits (TWV).
Read more →- BECON
A registration number for bookkeeping and tax firms that file with the Dutch tax authorities. Our partner's balance sheets are signed by a BECON-registered bookkeeper.
Read more →- Opening balance sheet
A snapshot of your business on its first day, showing the €4,500 as equity. The clearest proof of your investment.
Read more →- Purpose 510
The IND's code for residence under the Dutch-Japanese trade treaty. The American treaty is purpose 453.
Read more →
This page provides general information only. It is not legal or tax advice. Rules change and individual circumstances vary. Always verify details with the IND or a qualified adviser before acting.