Starting as a freelancer (ZZP) in the Netherlands: the starter's guide (2026)
Want to work for yourself as a freelancer (ZZP'er) in the Netherlands? Exciting! The paperwork is manageable once you know the steps. This guide lists, in plain English, what you need to start.
It's an overview. Each topic links to more detail.
Step 1 — Register with the KvK
You start officially by registering with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK). You get a KvK number. Shortly after, the tax office gives you your VAT number (btw-id). You put both numbers on every invoice.
Step 2 — Set your hourly rate
Before you approach clients, you want to know what to charge. Don't charge too little: as a freelancer you pay your own costs, tax, holidays and pension. Work out your rate calmly with the guide in What is a good hourly rate?.
Step 3 — Make your first invoice
First job in? Then you send an invoice. It must meet a few rules: your details, your VAT number, a unique number and the VAT. The full checklist is in What must a Dutch invoice include?.
Step 4 — Understand your tax
As a freelancer you pay tax on your profit, but you also get benefits like the self-employed deduction and the SME profit exemption. How that works and how much you keep is in the freelancer tax guide 2026.
Step 5 — Keep your admin
Start well right away: keep your invoices and receipts, and track your revenue and VAT. That prevents stress at return time. See the bookkeeping guide. And don't forget your business trips — they earn a mileage allowance.
Step 6 — Work as a genuine independent
Since 2026 the tax office checks strictly again for false self-employment. So work for several clients, set your own rate, and keep your own admin. What the rules mean exactly, and how to stay on the right side, is in False self-employment (Wet DBA) in 2026.
How BoekBrug helps you from day one
With BoekBrug you start for free. You make correct invoices, scan your receipts, track your VAT per quarter, and share everything with your accountant if you have one. So you build tidy admin from your very first job.
Start by setting your hourly rate below, or create a free account.