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Golden Visa Partners

2026 Program Guide

Netherlands Golden Visa & Residence Permit

The Netherlands' residence by investment (golden visa) program was abolished in 2022. The Startup Visa and self-employment routes for entrepreneurs, and the low-capital DAFT agreement for US citizens, are attractive alternatives.

Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal

At a glance

Golden visa
Abolished (2022)
Startup Visa
Innovative business (1 year)
DAFT (US citizens)
~EUR 4,500 capital
Self-employment
Business-plan based
Outcome
Residence (EU)

Who is it for?

  • Those seeking alternative routes to live in the Netherlands since the golden visa closed.
  • Entrepreneurs wanting to establish an innovative business (Startup Visa).
  • US citizens wanting to settle with low capital (DAFT).
  • Those seeking self-employment or business-plan-based residence.

Golden Visa Closed

The Netherlands' residence by investment (golden visa) program was abolished in 2022; direct residence through capital investment is no longer possible. Instead, the country has shifted toward entrepreneurship and expertise-based routes.

Alternatives: Startup, DAFT, Self-Employment

The Startup Visa offers a one-year start for innovative entrepreneurs working with an approved facilitator, after which transition to self-employed residence is possible. DAFT (the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) is an accessible self-employed entrepreneur route for US citizens with approximately EUR 4,500 in capital. The self-employment route requires a solid business plan.

Building Toward Permanent Residence

The Netherlands rewards entrepreneurs and the self-employed rather than passive investors, and its routes are best read as the first stage of a longer stay. Innovative founders can pursue the Startup Visa, working with an approved facilitator to develop a business over its initial year, while other self-employed applicants build their case around a solid business plan. American citizens have a distinctive and low-capital option in the DAFT agreement, which asks for around EUR 4,500 in capital. Each route follows a clear arc: confirm eligibility and choose the program, prepare the investment and documents, submit to due diligence, receive approval and a residence card, and then renew or move toward permanent residence. Family members can be included, which helps when a whole household is relocating within the EU. Assembling a clean criminal record and well-organised financial paperwork early keeps the timeline predictable. Because the classic golden visa closed in 2022, the honest question is which working route fits your profile, and that is a conversation worth having with an adviser.

Benefits

  • Residence in the EU and high quality of life.
  • Entrepreneur and self-employment routes.
  • Accessible DAFT route for US citizens.
  • Family members can be included.

Requirements

  • Innovative business and approved facilitator for Startup.
  • US citizenship and ~EUR 4,500 capital for DAFT.
  • Clean criminal record.

Costs

DAFT (US citizens)
~EUR 4,500 capital
Startup Visa
Depends on business plan
Golden visa
No longer available (2022)

Process

  1. Eligibility and program selection

    Since the golden visa closed in 2022, choose the route that fits you: Startup Visa, DAFT (US citizens), or self-employment.

  2. Investment and document preparation

    Prepare your business plan, an approved facilitator agreement (Startup), or roughly EUR 4,500 in capital (DAFT), plus a clean criminal record certificate.

  3. Application and due diligence

    Submit your application to the Dutch immigration service (IND) along with your business plan or DAFT declaration.

  4. Approval and residence card

    Once approved, collect your residence permit and register with your local municipality.

  5. Renewal / permanent residence

    Renew your permit as your business develops, working toward permanent residence after the required period of legal residence.

FAQ

Does the Netherlands still have a golden visa?
No, the investor residence program was abolished in 2022.
Who is DAFT for?
DAFT is a low-capital route for US citizens wanting to live in the Netherlands as self-employed entrepreneurs.
How does the Startup Visa work?
You build your business within a year alongside an approved facilitator; transition to self-employed residence is then possible.
Can I include my family?
Yes. Spouse and dependent children can be included in the residence.
When can I apply for citizenship?
Generally after 5 years of uninterrupted legal residence and integration requirements; since the Netherlands restricts dual citizenship, your situation should be assessed separately.

Sources

Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.

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