Quarter of Dutch freelancers lose work as false self-employment crackdown intensifies

Twenty-five percent of Dutch freelancers report losing assignments since the Netherlands intensified its crackdown on false self-employment, according to new data. CBS figures show the number of freelancers in the country declined by 62,000 in 2025, with many moving to traditional employment as clients became wary of enforcement risk.

Since January 1, 2026, the Dutch Tax Authority has been able to impose administrative penalties on businesses engaging workers under arrangements deemed to constitute disguised employment. The upcoming Wet VBAR legislation will go further, creating a legal presumption of employment for freelancers earning under approximately EUR 33 per hour.

The Dutch approach is being closely watched across Europe as a potential model for other member states implementing the EU Platform Work Directive. For remote freelancers working with Dutch clients, the practical impact is significant: many companies are converting contractor relationships to employment or terminating engagements rather than risk penalties.