Many DAFT (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) applicants assume they can maintain minimal presence in the Netherlands while living primarily elsewhere.
Below you will find what the residence requirements actually look like:
- 6 consecutive months away = IND automatically assumes you’ve moved your main residency abroad
- 4+ consecutive months away for 3 years running = triggers scrutiny and potential permit issues
- No official “minimum days per year” requirement, but you must maintain “main residency” in the Netherlands
Advice: stay in NL for at least 6 months per year
Most successful DAFT holders spend 6+ months per year actually living in the Netherlands to avoid ever hitting that 6-month consecutive absence threshold.
DAFT requires genuine residence, not just a business address. The “part-time base” approach that many Americans initially consider doesn’t align with IND expectations and puts your permit at risk.
Planning a move to the Netherlands? Check out our complete DAFT guide for the full process breakdown.
