Lithuania vs. Netherlands

Comparing the Startup Visa / Freelance Permit against the DAFT / Orientation Visa to identify the optimal tax and residency strategy for 2026.

Lithuania

Startup Visa / Freelance Permit

Netherlands

DAFT / Orientation Visa

Tax Delta

15%

Difference in flat tax rates

Income Gap

Monthly requirement delta

Residency Speed

1-2 months

Avg. approval for Lithuania

Sovereign ROI Calculator

Calculate your net savings based on 2026 tax frameworks.

Annual Gross Income

Lithuania Net 15% Tax

Netherlands Net 30% Tax

Sovereign Arbitrage (Annual)

Savings by choosing Country X over Country Y

1 Lithuania Program

Visa Name: Startup Visa / Freelance Permit

Tax Regime: 15% flat rate for freelancers

Tax Duration: Indefinite

Min. Income: $0/mo

Visa Duration: 1-2 years

Requirements Checklist

✓ Business plan or freelance proof
✓ Sufficient funds
✓ Health insurance

2 Netherlands Program

Visa Name: DAFT / Orientation Visa

Tax Regime: Progressive, avg ~30% for typical nomad income

Tax Duration: While tax resident

Min. Income: $0/mo

Visa Duration: 2 years (DAFT), renewable

Requirements Checklist

✓ US citizenship (DAFT)
✓ €4,500 business deposit
✓ Business plan
✓ Health insurance

2026 Strategic Outlook

"Choosing between Lithuania and Netherlands in 2026 isn't just about the tax rate—it's about long-term residency options. While Lithuania offers 15% flat tax, Netherlands provides a more robust path to DAFT treaty for Americans."

👨‍⚖️

Sovereign Mobility Expert

Global Tax Advisory Board