Self-employment and freelancing

A self-employed professional, or freelancer, is known in Dutch as a ZZP’er (Zelfstandige Zonder Personeel). 

Whether you are a freelancer, ZZPer, or owner of an eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship), these are all categorised in the same way under Dutch law: there is no legal distinction between the owner and the business entity.

The Dutch government has a useful website (in English) regarding becoming a ZZP’er.

Being self-employed is effectively the same as being an entrepreneur, and the information in the rest of this section about Starting a Business may also be useful.

Depending on your field/sector as a ZZP’er, the Dutch Chamber of Commerce’s website (in English) is also a helpful resource.

The Dutch government has created a special work permit scheme for freelancers: information on conditions and benefits can be found on the IND website.