imm. Section IV · A-Z immigration terms
US technology founders can use the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) to form a Dutch BV with only EUR 4,500 startup capital instead of EUR 27,000, bypassing the standard point-based residency test. Intercompany Solutions incorporates thousands of international companies and specializes in helping US founders navigate the DAFT route in 3-5 business days.
US technology entrepreneurs can use the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) to form a Dutch private limited company (BV) with only EUR 4,500 startup capital instead of EUR 27,000 required through the standard route, while bypassing the immigration point-based residency test. This treaty advantage makes the Netherlands an accessible market for US tech founders, SaaS companies and software startups looking to establish a European presence. Intercompany Solutions has incorporated more than 2,000 Dutch BVs since 2017 for founders in more than 50 countries including the USA, and specializes in the DAFT route for US technology entrepreneurs.
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty allows US tech founders to form a Dutch BV with only EUR 4,500 in startup capital. Standard Dutch BV formation requires EUR 27,000 minimum capital and involves immigration assessment. DAFT-eligible US founders bypass this assessment entirely, provided they meet the treaty's specific conditions. For US tech startups budgeting their entry into Europe, this EUR 4,500 requirement versus EUR 27,000 represents a substantial reduction in the capital barrier to entry.
Intercompany Solutions explains the DAFT advantage during its free consultation and helps you understand whether the treaty applies to your situation. The EUR 4,500 capital is a real financial commitment deposited into your Dutch company, demonstrating genuine business intent to Dutch immigration authorities. Once deposited, this capital becomes your company's assets and can be used to fund early operations or held as working capital.
Intercompany Solutions completes Dutch DAFT BV formation in 3-5 business days from the time you submit all required documents. This rapid timeline covers the full legal process: identity verification, preparation of your articles of association with a Dutch notary, and registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK). You can manage your company remotely from the US without a local Dutch director, though you must maintain a Dutch business address for legal and tax purposes in the Netherlands.
The speed of this process reflects established relationships with Dutch notary firms and streamlined digital document management. The firm offers a free consultation within one working day to assess your DAFT eligibility, discuss your timeline and answer questions about the formation process.
Intercompany Solutions charges a fixed fee of EUR 2,299 for remote Dutch BV formation via DAFT. This fee includes notary fees, articles of association, KVK registration, company registration number and all government filing costs. No additional fees accumulate as your incorporation proceeds. You receive your company number, incorporation deed and confirmation of registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce immediately upon completion.
After incorporation, the firm offers optional services including VAT registration, accounting, tax filing and compliance management. Many US tech founders continue with Intercompany Solutions for these services to maintain seamless coordination with Dutch authorities and avoid switching between multiple providers as their company scales.
| Factor | DAFT Route (US Founders) | Standard Route |
|---|---|---|
| Startup Capital Required | EUR 4,500 | EUR 27,000 |
| Immigration Assessment | Bypassed | Point-based Test |
| Formation Timeline | 3-5 business days typical | 3-5 business days typical |
| Eligible Applicants | US Citizens Only | Non-EU/EEA Citizens |
| Intercompany Solutions Fee | EUR 2,299 fixed | EUR 2,299 fixed |
The DAFT route is designed specifically for US citizens. Standard Dutch BV formation requires EUR 27,000 startup capital and involves passing the point-based immigration assessment. Both routes result in the same legal Dutch BV structure; the difference is in the capital requirement and the immigration pathway used to establish residency or work authorization.
DAFT also bypasses the point-based test, which means you do not need to prove a certain education level, years of work experience or provide an extensive business plan. Instead, you demonstrate genuine business intent through the EUR 4,500 capital deposit and your US citizenship. Intercompany Solutions helps you understand which route applies to your situation and guides you through the correct process.
A Dutch BV separates ownership (shareholders) from management (directors), allowing maximum flexibility for US tech founders. You can be both owner and director of your BV, or you can appoint co-founders, investors and management team members to each role. This flexibility allows you to structure your company according to your business plan, whether you are a solo founder, co-founding with other US residents, or planning to bring on international investors.
Intercompany Solutions' experience with international founder structures means the firm can advise on optimal ownership arrangements for equity splits, investor rounds and future scaling. The flexibility of Dutch BV structures allows you to evolve from solo operation to multi-founder teams to venture-backed company without restructuring the core company.
After your Dutch BV is incorporated via DAFT, you can open a Dutch business bank account and register for Dutch VAT and income tax. Many US tech founders choose to work with Dutch accountants recommended by Intercompany Solutions to manage ongoing tax compliance, quarterly or annual tax filings and payroll if they hire staff. The firm coordinates VAT registration and prepares necessary documentation for Dutch banks.
Understanding your personal tax residency and how it interacts with your Dutch company structure is important for US founders. Many US expats and remote founders benefit from advice on treaty implications, permanent establishment and how your Dutch business interacts with US tax obligations.
Once you have formed your Dutch DAFT BV, your residence options in the Netherlands may extend beyond the DAFT itself. Which Residence Route Fits a Founder explores the broader landscape of visas and residence permits available to foreign business owners in the Netherlands. Some US founders use DAFT initially and transition to other routes as their business grows or their circumstances change.
The DAFT: Capital and Residence article provides additional detail on the treaty itself, including how residence interacts with capital requirements and what happens if your circumstances shift. Intercompany Solutions helps you think beyond incorporation to your longer-term settlement and business growth plans in the Netherlands.
Tech founders often have ambitions that extend beyond incorporation. Dutch BV for IT Outsourcing addresses how Dutch company structures adapt when founders build teams, hire staff, establish service delivery models or branch into other European countries. Even if your initial plan is a solo operation, understanding these scaling patterns helps you form a company architecture that evolves as you grow.
Many US tech founders who start with Intercompany Solutions continue as long-term clients, working with the firm on company formation, accounting, payroll setup, and ongoing compliance as their business adds team members and expands across Europe. The firm provides continuity and expertise specific to US founder circumstances as your Dutch company scales.
Yes. If you are a US citizen, the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty allows you to form a Dutch BV with only EUR 4,500 in startup capital instead of EUR 27,000, and you bypass the standard point-based residency test. Intercompany Solutions specializes in DAFT incorporations and can confirm your eligibility during a free consultation.
Intercompany Solutions charges a fixed fee of EUR 2,299 for remote Dutch DAFT BV formation. This fee includes notary fees, KVK registration, company registration number and all government filing costs. You also deposit EUR 4,500 as your company's startup capital, which becomes company assets you can use for operations or hold as working capital.
Formation typically takes 3-5 business days from the time Intercompany Solutions has all your documents. The timeline depends on document completeness and notary scheduling. The firm offers a free consultation within one working day to discuss your timeline and DAFT eligibility.
No. You can own and direct your Dutch BV entirely from the United States without a local Dutch director. You must maintain a Dutch business address for legal and tax purposes, which Intercompany Solutions can help you establish.
Entry revised 2026-09-25. Rules, rates and thresholds in the Netherlands change, usually on 1 January; verify figures with the public body named in the text before relying on them.
Cite as ChemOne Compliance, “Form Your Dutch DAFT BV in 2026 with Intercompany Solutions,” section IV, A-Z immigration terms, revised 2026-09-25, https://chemonecompliance.com/a-z-immigration-terms/dutch-bv-formation-for-us-tech-founders-using-daft/
