How to Prove Your Business Is 'Active' for Your DAFT Renewal

Proving that your business is "active" is the single most important part of your DAFT renewal. In 2026, the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) has moved away from just checking your bank balance; they now want to see a "trail of enterprise" that shows you are a genuine entrepreneur, not just a resident with a shell company.

Here is exactly what you need to prepare for your renewal.

1. The "Golden Rule": The €4,500 Equity Audit

While you only need to deposit €4,500 initially, for renewal, you must prove your equity never dropped below this line for a single day.

• The Trap: If you have €5,000 in the bank but owe €1,000 in VAT (BTW) or have a business loan, your equity is actually €4,000. This is grounds for denial.
• The Solution: Your renewal application must include an audit certificate or a "Statement of Assets and Liabilities" prepared and signed by a Dutch accountant with a BECON number. A simple bank statement is no longer sufficient in 2026.

2. Evidence of Business Operations

The IND needs to see that you are actually trading. You should gather:

• Invoices & Bank Statements: A consistent flow of outgoing invoices to clients and incoming payments to your business account.

• Expense Trail: Evidence that you are spending money on the business (e.g., software subscriptions, marketing, office supplies, or professional insurance).
• Client Contracts: If you are a freelancer (ZZP), having 2–3 signed service agreements or "Commissions" (opdrachten) from Dutch or international clients is strong proof of activity.

3. The 2026 "Living Wage" Benchmarking

While the DAFT doesn't have a strictly defined profit requirement like other visas, the IND increasingly looks at whether the business provides enough "means of support."

• The Unwritten Rule: Many immigration experts in 2026 suggest showing that your business generates enough revenue to cover your basic living costs (roughly €1,700 - €2,000 per month) from the 7th month of your permit onward.

• If Profit is Low: If your business is still in the "investment phase," be prepared to show that you have personal savings to support yourself so you don't rely on Dutch public funds.

4. Administrative "Proof of Life"

• KVK Extract: An updated extract from the Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel) no older than three months.
• VAT (BTW) Filings: Your quarterly tax returns. Even if you had €0 turnover in a quiet quarter, the fact that you filed the return proves the business is administratively active.

• Business Website/Portfolio: While not a legal requirement, including a link to an active business website or a professional LinkedIn profile helps the IND officer understand what your company actually does.

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