nuOct 30, 2026, 05:32

Number of self-employed workers falls for seventh consecutive quarter due to stricter enforcement

The number of self-employed workers in the Netherlands has fallen for seven consecutive quarters, declining to 1.115 million following stricter tax enforcement. Authorities are cracking down on disguised employment, causing many businesses to reduce their reliance on freelancers to avoid financial penalties.

The number of self-employed individuals (zzp'ers) in the Netherlands has declined for seven consecutive quarters, dropping by 160,000 over the past 21 months to approximately 1.115 million. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), this significant downward trend marks a clear reversal from years of steady growth, with sectors such as healthcare, construction, and trade experiencing the most notable reductions. Economists attribute this shift primarily to stricter enforcement by the tax authorities regarding independent contractor status.

Increased scrutiny from the Belastingdienst, aimed at curbing disguised employment, has led employers to be more cautious to avoid potential back taxes and fines. As a result, many businesses are opting to hire staff directly rather than outsourcing to freelancers. Data suggests a transition period where more individuals are moving into salaried positions. While the Chamber of Commerce reports different figures due to variations in registration definitions, both CBS and labor market experts agree that regulatory pressure is the primary driver behind the cooling of the self-employed market.

Economy Business Netherlands

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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