Netherlands DAFT Self-Employment Permit (2 years, renewable)for 🇭🇰 Hong Kong citizens travelling to 🇳🇱 Netherlands

📋Required Documents11

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  Valid US passport (the DAFT treaty applies to US citizens only; no MVV entry visa needed)
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  IND application form for residence as a self-employed person under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty
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  Proof of at least EUR 4,500 invested in the business and held in a dedicated Dutch business bank account
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  Opening balance sheet (openingsbalans) prepared or certified by a Dutch accountant or bookkeeper evidencing the EUR 4,500 equity
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  KvK (Chamber of Commerce) registration extract for your eenmanszaak or BV
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  Short business plan describing services, clients and projected income
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  Proof of business address or registered office in the Netherlands
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  IND application fee (around EUR 405; check the current fee table)
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  Antecedents declaration (no criminal record statement)
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  After approval: register with your municipality for a BSN and take out Dutch health insurance within 4 months
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  Permit is granted for 2 years and is renewable as long as the EUR 4,500 stays in the business

ℹ️What to Expect

To apply for a Netherlands DAFT Self-Employment Permit (2 years, renewable), book an appointment at the nearest Netherlands embassy or visa application centre in your country. Submit the required documents in person or via a designated courier service. Processing takes approximately 90 days. The government fee is EUR 180.00. Plan well ahead of your intended travel date to allow time for processing and any additional document requests from the consulate. Always verify current requirements with the Netherlands embassy or official government website before booking travel.

🌐Why Hong Kong passport holders need a visa for Netherlands

Hong Kong citizens require a visa to enter Netherlands based on the current immigration requirements set by Netherlands's government. Hong Kong passport holders must apply through the Netherlands embassy, consulate, or a designated visa application centre before travelling. Requirements are subject to change, so always verify at the official government portal.

⚠️Common Reasons Netherlands DAFT Self-Employment Permit (2 years, renewable) Applications Are Refused6

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  The applicant is not a national of the United States or Japan — the DAFT/Japan-treaty route is restricted to those nationalities.
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  Less than the required business capital (at least €4,500) genuinely invested and available in the Dutch company’s business account.
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  A business plan or self-employment activity that is not judged genuine, viable or actually being carried out in the Netherlands.
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  No registration of the business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK), or missing accountant’s statement evidencing the capital.
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  An incomplete or inconsistent file, or a passport with insufficient validity.
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  A relevant criminal record, a prior overstay or immigration ban, or false statements or forged documents.

Refusal grounds are at the discretion of the deciding officer and can change. This list is informational — always verify current requirements at the official government portal.

🔗More Netherlands Visa Options

• Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit (up to 5 years) →
• Netherlands Orientation Year / Zoekjaar (1 year) →
• Netherlands Schengen Type C Visa (up to 90 days) →