The Dutch freelance market experienced a notable contraction last year, with a reduction of 62,000 freelancers, as reported by the national statistics agency, CBS. This decline underscores significant trends within the Dutch labor market, especially amongst younger individuals.
By the end of 2025, approximately 86,000 individuals under the age of 28 were operating as self-employed freelancers (ZZP’ers), marking a decrease of 19,000 from 2024. This shift highlights the growing challenges faced by young professionals in establishing sustainable freelance careers.
The downward trend among young freelancers is symptomatic of broader shifts across various industries, particularly in the care and healthcare sectors. Furthermore, there was a noticeable decline in freelancers engaged in agriculture and market gardening, areas traditionally rich in independent work opportunities.
In January 2025, the tax office announced plans to intensify scrutiny on instances of sham self-employment. This initiative comes as part of efforts to enforce regulations enacted in 2016 but largely ignored until now. These regulations stipulate certain criteria that individuals must meet to be classified as legitimate freelancers.
According to these rules, a person is presumed to be genuinely self-employed if they assume financial risks, possess their own tools and equipment, have specialized skills not available through the hiring company, and present themselves authentically as a freelancer. This regulatory framework aims to protect both workers and the integrity of the labor market.
At the end of 2024, the number of individuals deriving most of their income from freelance work was nearly 1.3 million. The Ministry of Social Affairs has indicated that about 200,000 of those registered as freelancers should be employed under standard labor contracts, suggesting a misalignment between freelance status and actual working conditions.
The first half of last year saw a decline in the number of freelancers as many transitioned to permanent contracts. Additionally, there was a reduction in new registrations for independent contractor roles. In response to these changes, new legislation is being drafted to clarify the definitions and conditions surrounding freelance work, including considerations for a proposed minimum hourly wage of €36 aimed at filtering out low-paid positions.
This year, the tax authorities plan to start penalizing companies that employ freelancers who should technically qualify for standard employment contracts. This move reflects a broader intention to reinforce labor rights and ensure fair remuneration for workers in the freelance economy.
Freelance Workforce in the Netherlands Sees Significant Decline
Date: February 12, 2026
Decline in Freelancers
The freelance landscape in the Netherlands has undergone a substantial shift, with a reported decrease of 62,000 freelancers in the past year, particularly affecting young adults. According to the latest data from the national statistics agency, CBS, this decline has raised concerns about the sustainability of freelancing as a viable career path for the youth.
Impact on Young Freelancers
As of the end of 2025, only 86,000 individuals under the age of 28 were actively working as self-employed freelancers, a drop of 19,000 from the previous year. This downward trend among younger freelancers suggests broader issues within the job market that may need to be addressed.
Industries Affected
The downturn in freelance work is particularly evident in the care and healthcare sectors, as well as in agriculture and market gardening. These industries have seen a notable decline in the number of independent contractors, indicating a shift in workforce dynamics that could affect service availability in these crucial areas.
Government Regulations and Compliance
In January 2025, the tax office announced the implementation of stricter regulations on self-employment, aiming to address the issue of sham self-employment. These previously dormant rules require freelancers to demonstrate financial risk and possess specialized expertise not provided by the hiring company.
Freelancer Earnings and Employment Status
By the end of 2024, the number of individuals earning a majority of their income through freelance work had soared to nearly 1.3 million. However, the social affairs ministry estimates that approximately 200,000 registered freelancers may actually need standard employment contracts, highlighting a misalignment in employment classifications.
Future Legislation and Minimum Wage Proposals
New legislation is in progress to clarify definitions between freelancers and regular employees. One proposal under consideration includes a minimum wage set at €36 per hour, which aims to filter out low-paid jobs such as delivery drivers, ensuring a more sustainable freelance economy.
Fines for Misclassification
This year, the tax office plans to enforce penalties on companies that misclassify freelancers who should be on conventional contracts. This initiative aims to safeguard worker rights and promote fair employment practices within the ever-evolving labor marketplace.
