More American Families are emigrating to the Netherlands through the DAFT Treaty

More and more American entrepreneurs are finding their home in Eindhoven through the DAFT treaty – and 123Wonen Eindhoven is actively helping them!

In recent months, we at 123Wonen Eindhoven have noticed a clear trend: more and more American entrepreneurs are deciding to radically change their lives and settle in the Netherlands through the DAFT treaty (Dutch American Friendship Treaty). Especially in the Eindhoven region, the number of applications is growing – and we are helping them more and more, something we are very happy to do!

What is the DAFT treaty?
DAFT, or the Dutch American Friendship Treaty, is an agreement signed in 1956 between the United States and the Netherlands. The purpose of the treaty is to promote trade and commercial relations between the two countries.

Thanks to the Friendship Treaty between the U.S. and the Netherlands (DAFT), it is significantly easier for American entrepreneurs to move to the Netherlands as self-employed professionals. Entrepreneurs from other countries must prove, via a complex points-based system, that their presence serves a significant Dutch economic interest. In practice, this means they must submit many documents, making the application process expensive, time-consuming, and with a high risk of rejection. For American entrepreneurs, there are only a few requirements to obtain a residence permit – and the chances of approval are much higher.

This regulation offers many benefits for American entrepreneurs seeking stability, a pleasant living environment, and a better work-life balance – something the Netherlands is internationally known for.

Note: Since 2020, partners of these entrepreneurs are allowed to work anywhere in the Netherlands, including as employees.

Why do they choose Eindhoven?
While many expats traditionally focus on the Randstad, many American families are now choosing Eindhoven. Why?

• Housing is more affordable in Eindhoven than in Amsterdam, Utrecht, or elsewhere in the Randstad;

• It’s green, child-friendly, and safe, with many international schools and amenities;

• Excellent logistical location: flights across Europe via Eindhoven Airport and well connected to the rest of Europe by train and motorways;

• A thriving ecosystem for technology and innovation – perfect for entrepreneurs in IT, high-tech, sustainability, or consulting.

Our experience with DAFT clients
At 123Wonen Eindhoven, we assist several American entrepreneurs every month who come to the Netherlands via the DAFT treaty. These are often self-employed professionals who bring their businesses with them and register as Dutch companies. This not only grants them residency rights but also allows them to participate in the local economy.

Because they’ve often sold their homes in the U.S. or already run successful businesses, they usually have good liquidity and above-average income – making them very attractive tenants for our landlords. Additionally, their mindset is often well aligned with Dutch culture: down-to-earth, open, friendly, and focused on long-term integration.

Our relocation service plays a central role in this. We help these families find a suitable rental home for approximately two years – just long enough to find their footing, build up their business in the Netherlands, and often proceed to purchase a home through our sister company, iQ Makelaars Eindhoven.

We are here for you
Are you an American entrepreneur considering moving to the Netherlands under the DAFT treaty?

Or are you already living in the Netherlands and looking for housing or relocation support? Our team of six experts is ready to fully support and unburden you.

Do you have a property you’d like to rent out to an international family, or are you considering selling it? We can help with that too – with dozens of real-world examples and a broad client base, we can act quickly and professionally.

Feel free to contact us at Eindhoven@123Wonen.nl

123Wonen Eindhoven – Your trusted partner in (inter)national housing services.