Housing guide for entrepreneurs with DAFT Visa in The Netherlands
This article is provided by our partner Homes for Expats.
The Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is a powerful route for US citizens who want to live and work in the Netherlands. But while you are busy gathering paperwork, registering a business and planning your move, one question quickly becomes very real: where are you actually going to live? This housing guide is written especially for US entrepreneurs considering the DAFT Visa in the Netherlands. How does the DAFT affect your housing options, what do landlords often expect, and how to plan your journey from first rental to possibly buying a home later? In this article, Homes for Expats addresses the practical side of finding a home.
What is the DAFT visa in the Netherlands (in short)?
The DAFT visa in the Netherlands is a residence permit based on the Dutch American Friendship Treaty. In simple terms, it allows US citizens to live and work in the Netherlands as self employed entrepreneurs if they meet certain conditions, such as investing a minimum amount in a Dutch business and registering with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). For the most accurate and up to date DAFT rules, always check the Dutch immigration service (IND) and, if needed, speak with an immigration lawyer.
How does the DAFT Visa affects your housing options in the Netherlands
The DAFT Visa opens doors to living and working in the Netherlands, but landlords and rental agencies mainly care about one thing: stability and ability to pay the rent. Because many DAFT entrepreneurs are at the start of their Dutch business journey, you may need to work a little harder to present your situation clearly.
Practical ways the DAFT can affect housing:
• Your income may not be stable yet, especially in the first year of business;
• Landlords may not be familiar with the DAFT visa in the Netherlands and need extra explanation;
• Some properties have strict income rules that are easier for salaried employees;
• Timing can be tricky: you may need an address for registration while your business is still being set up.
None of this makes housing impossible, but it does mean preparation is key. Homes for Expats can help DAFT clients translate their visa and business situation into a clear housing story that landlords can understand and work with.
Documents DAFT Visa searchers often need for housing
Every landlord is different, but there are patterns in what is usually requested from DAFT Visa clients. Preparing these documents in advance can make a big difference when you find a home you like.
Examples of documents landlords may ask for:
• Passport and DAFT related residence documents (or proof of application);
• Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration for your Dutch business;
• Bank statements (Dutch and or US) showing savings or income;
• Business plan or income projections;
• Previous employment or income documents from the US;
• Proof you can register at the address (often confirmed by the landlord or municipality).
Not every landlord will request all of these, but it is helpful to have them ready.
Typical housing challenges for DAFT visa searchers and how to handle them
You might often run into the same types of housing challenges as regular searchers. Knowing these in advance can help you prepare better and stay calm when things get busy. Examples of common challenges:
• Landlords are unsure how to assess income from a new business;
• Agents are not familiar with the DAFT visa and mix it up with other permits;
• Timing between visa approval, arrival and housing availability is tight.
You are trying to manage legal, business and housing tasks all at once. None of this is unusual. The key is to plan, communicate clearly and avoid doing everything alone. Homes for Expats can help you set expectations early, choose a realistic move in date, and focus on properties that match your situation instead of chasing every listing that appears online.
How the housing search works with Homes for Expats
Do you need help with housing on a DAFT Visa in the Netherlands? Working with someone who understands both the visa route and the Dutch housing market can make a big difference in how stressful the process feels.
The basic steps of finding housing are similar for everyone, but for DAFT Visa clients Homes for Expats add extra attention to documents, explanation and timing. This is how a typical process looks:
• Intake: discuss your DAFT status, business plans, budget and preferred areas;
• Preparation: assemble your document package and explanation;
• Search: Homes for Expats shortlists properties that are realistic for your situation;
• Viewings: in person or virtual, depending on where you are;
• Applications: your case will be presented to agents and landlords in a clear manner;
• Contract and check in: Homes for Expats help you understand the contract and the move in process.
Having a clear story and complete documents makes it easier for landlords to say yes. If you are still in the US, it is possible to start with video calls and virtual viewings, then switch to in person viewings once you arrive in the Netherlands.
Homes for Expats supports US entrepreneurs on the DAFT visa in the Netherlands with realistic housing advice, property searches, viewings and contract guidance.