Frequently asked questions
Short, sourced answers. Where something isn't fully confirmed, we say so. See each linked guide for the full sourcing.
How much money do I actually need for DAFT?
The IND requires a minimum investment of €4,500 of your own capital in your business, for most business forms. That's confirmed directly on ind.nl. What is NOT fully confirmed is exactly how long that amount has to stay invested and how it's calculated if your business also has debts. See our opening balance sheet guide for the honest, sourced answer (UNVERIFIED on the exact test).
How long does the DAFT application take?
The IND has a statutory decision period of up to 90 days, confirmed directly on ind.nl. Some immigration firms advertise much shorter timelines right now, tied to a process change since around 2024, but no source, including the IND itself, confirms exactly how long that faster process will last, so we don't recommend planning around it. (UNVERIFIED for the shorter estimates.)
What does the IND application cost?
€423.00, as stated directly on ind.nl (retrieved 2026-10-17). This is separate from the €4,500 capital, which stays in your business rather than being paid to the government, and separate from any lawyer or bookkeeper fees. IND fees are reviewed yearly, so check ind.nl again if you're reading this much later.
Should I register a ZZP or a BV?
It depends on your expected income and how much liability protection and bookkeeping overhead you're willing to take on. Some guides cite a specific 'break-even' income figure for switching to a BV, but the figures we found disagree with each other and look like they're confusing an unrelated, annually-changing tax threshold. See our ZZP vs. BV guide for the details, including why we're not repeating that figure here.
What do I need to show when I renew my permit?
The IND requires annual accounts and a balance sheet or income statement, to check that the company has been active and that the invested capital remained in the business. That's confirmed directly on ind.nl. Specific rules of thumb you might see elsewhere, like a minimum annual revenue figure, are one firm's interpretation, not an official IND rule.
Is this the same as a visa, and does it cover my family?
No, family members don't come along automatically. Each one applies for their own residence permit with you as sponsor, and as a self-employed sponsor you face the IND's income test: income counts once you've earned it for 18 months, or the IND looks at the expected income in your business plan if you apply together. Family members may work without a work permit, confirmed on ind.nl. See our partner and family guide for the details and what's still unclear.
Is this legal or tax advice?
No. Everything on this site is general information, written in our own words from publicly available sources, with every factual claim tracked against where it came from. For your specific situation, talk to an immigration lawyer or our bookkeeping partner.
This page provides general information only. It is not legal or tax advice. Rules change and individual circumstances vary. Always verify details with the IND or a qualified adviser before acting.