Canada Start-Up Visa vs Netherlands DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty)
A factual side-by-side comparison of two residency programmes. All figures are drawn from the canonical program pages — follow either link in the table header for sources and the full profile.
Key Differences at a Glance
- ›Netherlands DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) is faster: 3 months vs 14 months for Canada Start-Up Visa.
- ›Faster to citizenship: Canada Start-Up Visa at ~3 years, vs 5 for Netherlands DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty).
- ›Netherlands DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) requires a 4,900 USD investment; Canada Start-Up Visa does not.
Canada Start-Up Visa Canada · entrepreneur | Netherlands DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) Netherlands · entrepreneur | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Canada | Netherlands |
| Category | Entrepreneur | Entrepreneur |
| Application Fee | $1,575 | $380 |
| Minimum Income | — | — |
| Minimum Investment | — | $4,900 |
| Processing Time | 14 months | 3 months |
| Family Included | Spouse/common-law partner and dependent children are included and receive permanent residency simultaneously | Spouse and minor children may apply for dependent residence permits; the spouse may be granted work authorization separately |
| Path to PR | Yes — 0 years | Yes — 5 years |
| Path to Citizenship | Yes — 3 years | Yes — 5 years |
| Physical Presence | Must be physically present in Canada; PR holders must reside 730 days in 5 years to maintain status | Continuous residence required; must actively operate the business. Extended absences can affect renewal eligibility and the qualifying period for permanent residency. |
| Dual Citizenship | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Tax Impact | Permanent residents are subject to Canadian worldwide income tax from landing date | Holders become Dutch tax residents and are subject to Dutch income tax (Box 1, with rates up to 49.5%) and social security contributions. Self-employed individuals may benefit from the self-employment deduction (zelfstandigenaftrek). The 30% ruling may apply if conditions are met. |
| Tax Residency Trigger | 183 days/yr | 183 days/yr |
| Worldwide Taxation | Yes | Yes |
| Renewal Cost | — | $380 |
About Canada Start-Up Visa
Canada's Start-Up Visa Program grants permanent residency to innovative entrepreneurs who secure a commitment from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Up to five founders per qualifying business can apply together, making it one of the few immigration pathways designed for co-founding teams. Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient language proficiency and settlement funds to support themselves upon arrival.
Full Canada Start-Up Visa profile →About Netherlands DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty)
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) Visa is a residence permit available exclusively to US citizens who wish to establish or run a business in the Netherlands. It requires a minimum deposit of €4,500 in start-up capital in a Dutch bank account and evidence of a viable business plan. After five years of continuous residence and business operation, holders can apply for a permanent residence permit.
Full Netherlands DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) profile →Gotchas to Watch For
Canada Start-Up Visa
- ⚠2024 IRCC announced 2-3 year processing target; inventory caps prioritise certain applications
- ⚠Business must be actively operated in Canada post-PR; inactive companies risk review
- ⚠Multiple founders (up to 5) can share one Letter of Support — but all must be essential
- ⚠Designated organizations have varying reputations; due diligence critical
Netherlands DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty)
- ⚠DAFT is EXCLUSIVELY for US citizens — no other nationality eligible
- ⚠Dutch citizenship requires renouncing US — exit tax + US dual considerations
- ⚠Business must genuinely operate (not just exist on paper)
- ⚠30% Ruling reduced to 5 years (from 8) in 2024; further restrictions ongoing
- ⚠BSN registration at municipality blocks many services until complete
Neutral reference — we don't recommend one programme over another. Programmes change: always verify each detail against the official source linked on the individual program pages.