Many freelancers find new jobs in other sectors
The number of self-employed professionals in the Netherlands decreased by 131,000 between late 2024 and mid-2026 as more individuals exited the sector for traditional employment. Many of these former entrepreneurs successfully transitioned into different industries like healthcare and education, with overall national unemployment remaining stable at 4 percent.
According to a recent analysis by the Dutch central bank, the number of self-employed individuals in the Netherlands dropped by 131,000 between late 2024 and mid-2026. Data suggests this decline is due to fewer new entrepreneurs entering the market and an increased number of established professionals exiting. Notably, over half of those who ceased their independent operations secured new employment within three months, with many successfully transitioning into different industries such as healthcare, education, government, and hospitality.
The shift coincides with increased regulatory efforts to combat bogus self-employment. While it is difficult to confirm a direct causal link, the central bank observed significant movement from independent contracting to traditional employment in sectors frequently scrutinized for misclassification, including construction and business services. Despite these changes, unemployment remains stable at 4 percent, indicating that the decline in self-employment represents a reallocation of labor rather than a surge in joblessness among the former entrepreneurs.
Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
