The €4,500 Rule
The famous DAFT number, explained the way the IND actually means it: not a fee, not a deposit, not frozen. Working capital that must exist, and keep existing, on your business's books.
Cheapest visa requirement in the Western world, and the most misread.
The €4,500 is minimum investment capital in your Dutch business. You put it in the business bank account, a BECON accountant records it on your opening balance, and it stays on the books as equity for as long as the permit lives. It is not a payment to anyone. It may be spent in ways that keep equity intact, buying assets rather than covering losses or personal draws, because the IND checks equity and not the bank balance, and it re-checks at renewal.
“The €4,500 is a fee you pay the Dutch government.”
“The money has to sit untouched in the account.”
“The IND looks at the money again at renewal.”
“A US accountant can vouch for the opening balance.”
“Both partners in a couple each need their own €4,500.”