Freelancing in the Netherlands as an expat

Starting as a freelancer (a zzp'er, self-employed without staff) in the Netherlands is quick, but the paperwork is in Dutch. These are the steps from registration to your first paid invoice.

1. Check you may work self-employed

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can start straight away. From outside the EU? Check that your residence permit allows you to work as a self-employed person; not every permit does.

2. Register with the KvK

Register your business with the Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel, KvK), usually as a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak). You get a KvK number right away. The Belastingdienst then sends you your VAT ID and VAT tax number by post.

3. Decide on the KOR

With a turnover of at most €20,000 a year in the Netherlands you can choose the small business scheme (KOR): you charge no VAT, but can't reclaim VAT on costs either. Read invoicing under the KOR.

4. Open a separate bank account

Not required for a sole proprietorship, but a separate account for your business keeps your bookkeeping simple.

5. Invoice correctly, in English if you like

Your invoice can be in English as long as it contains everything required. See invoicing in English in the Netherlands. Dutch clients expect to pay by iDEAL: a payment link or QR code gets you paid much faster than a bank transfer.

6. VAT returns and records

• Most freelancers file a VAT return every quarter. Your invoices are the basis for it.
• Keep your invoices and records for 7 years.
• An accountant who works in English can save you a lot of time, especially in your first year.

TikBon is an invoicing app in English: create a correct Dutch invoice, let your client pay with iDEAL, and export each quarter for your accountant. Get started for free.

This is general information, not tax advice. Rules can change; if in doubt, check the website of the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax authority) or ask your accountant.