Relocate Quest

Self-Employment (DAFT/Japan Treaty)

Residence permit for self-employment under DAFT (US) or Japan-Netherlands Friendship Treaty

📋 21 steps total✅ 5 free pre-arrival steps🔒 16 post-arrival steps

The full Dutch Self-Employment (DAFT/Japan Treaty) process

  1. Obtain or Renew Passport

    Make sure your national passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry into the Netherlands.

  2. Prepare business plan

    Create a detailed business plan for your self-employment activity

    🔗 Official link

  3. Deposit required capital

    Deposit required capital (€4,500 for DAFT, varies for Japan Treaty) into Dutch bank account

    🏦 €4,500 to hold🔗 Official link

  4. Apply for Self-Employment permit (DAFT/Japan Treaty)

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link
    Post-arrival steps are part of the full flow. Start free to track your pre-arrival progress, then unlock the 16 post-arrival steps when you land.
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  5. Secure housing (residential address)

    Find and secure a place to live in the Netherlands.

    🔗 Official link

  6. Travel to the Netherlands

    Travel to NL with MVV/permit documents and enter within visa validity.

  7. Submit biometrics at IND

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  8. Collect residence permit card

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  9. Register at municipality (BRP & BSN)

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  10. Register business with KVK (if applicable)

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  11. Open a business bank account

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

  12. Obtain health insurance

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  13. Apply for DigiD

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  14. Open a bank account

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  15. Set Up Energy & Water Contracts

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

  16. Set Up Internet Contract

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

  17. Set up a Dutch SIM card

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  18. Exchange foreign driver’s license

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  19. Register with a GP (doctor)

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  20. Arrange home & liability insurance

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  21. Activate MijnOverheid account

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

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