Digital nomads. Full-time travellers. Location independent. Whatever you call it, freelance working is the go-to choice for millions of innovators and out-of-the-box thinkers.

Research predicts that freelance work will expand to 350 million workers in Europe by 2030. And a surprising percentage of that will take place in the Netherlands.

Let’s look at why freelancers—and tech freelancers in particular—are flocking to the Netherlands. Plus, we’ll share practical advice on how you can set up a new business as an IT freelancer in the Netherlands and connect with potential clients.

Why is the Netherlands ideal for IT freelancers?

Overall, Dutch companies are progressive. They’re not tied to a fully in-office business work culture, and they’re open to outsourcing work to supplement their team’s skill sets.

The Netherlands has a supportive tax and legal framework for self-employed workers (known as ZZP'ers or zelfstandige zonder personeel). That structure makes freelance working attractive for both the self-employed worker and the companies that hire them. 

Plus, the Netherlands is recognised as a tech hot spot, so IT professionals find it particularly welcoming. Dutch cities enjoy world-class digital infrastructure, and the Netherlands has a reputation for offering both a well-educative native workforce and attracting international tech talent.

Benefits of IT freelancing in the Netherlands.

There’s a lot of things about the Netherlands that make it the perfect place for tech and IT freelancers.

Here are just a few:

Robust digital infrastructure

If you’re working as a tech freelancer, you need your connection to be reliably amazing (and also, amazingly reliable). The Dutch digital infrastructure is world-renowned for universal broadband coverage, future-proof tech investment, and digital competitiveness.

Exceptional work-life balance

The Netherlands is the top country in the world for a healthy work-life balance. Dutch workers enjoy up to 16 hours per day of eating, drinking, and pursuing their personal interests. 

A strong sense of community helps the Dutch feel connected to friends and family, and, on average, Dutch people are happier with their lives than other nations.

Access to global markets

As an EU member state, the Netherlands is well integrated with the rest of the European Union. It’s a gateway to making important European connections, as some of the most lucrative markets in Europe are within a few hours of The Netherlands. 

But its connectedness doesn’t stop there. The Netherlands has long been considered a hub of global trade thanks to a high-quality network of airports, ports, roads, and rail. A globally-connected mentality means its inhabitants are diverse, multilingual, and open to collaborating with nonlocal freelancers.

Best places to live for IT freelancing in the Netherlands.

IT freelancers typically settle in urban centres like Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven, and The Hague. Each city has its own unique personality and lifestyle, but they all boast stunning architecture, a buzzing nightlife, and a great climate.

While Amsterdam is well-known to tourists and Rotterdam is considered the corporate capital of the country, the other cities in the Netherlands are wonderful choices for IT freelancers, too. 

Eindhoven is known as a tech and industrial hub. Utrecht, only 20 minutes by train to Amsterdam, has a large international community and excellent educational opportunities. The Hague enjoys high salaries, low rent, and the excitement of being at the centre of Dutch and European politics.

The average salary in Dutch cities varies between €3,000 and €5,000 per month, and average rental prices fall between €800 and €1,500 per month. Whichever you choose, affordable cost of living, excellent public services, and beautiful parks and public spaces make Dutch cities incredibly attractive.

How to get started as an IT freelancer in the Netherlands.

Ready to high-tail it to the Netherlands and be your own boss as an IT freelancer? We’ll give you an overview of how to do it. But if you need more details, this web page outlines the steps below in full colour. It’s a great resource for planning your adventure as a self-employed professional in the Netherlands.

Secure a residence permit

You’ll need a residence permit to stay in the Netherlands longer than 3 months. This resource gives a detailed explanation of the types of permits available and the requirements for each one. 

You can apply as a self-employed person, and highly skilled applicants (like IT professionals) are usually welcome.

Register your business

For tax and legal purposes, you’ll have to choose a business entity type and register your business with the Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel or KvK).

There are several legal structures to choose from, but most freelancers choose to register as an eenmanszaak (sole trader or one-person business). To register your business, you’ll need: 

-  Your completed form (found on the Chamber of Commerce website for the city you’ll live in)

-  Your business address and contact details (and rental contract if applicable)

-  Valid ID (passport, residence permit or Dutch driving licence)

-  A payment of 50 euros

Once you’re registered, you’ll receive a business number which you should use on all of your correspondence.

Pay taxes

You’ll need to register your new business with the tax administration office (called Belastingdienst). They’ll supply a BTW nummer which functions like a VAT number. 

Your services to your freelance clients will be taxed at 21%. (Some entities can avail of VAT-free business through the Netherlands’ small business scheme, but your services will likely not qualify).

Establish your working relationship

To work as a freelancer in the Netherlands, you’ll need to show that your clients are not your employers. You can do that in the contract you and your client sign. The Netherlands government website outlines the situations your client contracts should cover and provides a model agreement you can follow when creating your own.

Network in the right industries

Whether you’re moving to the Netherlands with an active client list, or you’re hoping to create a brand new network in your new city, you’ll want to connect with other professionals.

IT freelancers might want to mingle with contacts in the fintech, AI, and sustainable tech industries in particular. You’ll find networking events in Dutch cities across all industries, allowing you to expand your client list—and maybe make some friends, too!

Freelancing in a new country can be isolating if you don’t have a strong support system. Networking is a great way to meet locals and get plugged into a community. You’ll be able to take full part in Dutch culture and meet more friends with common interests and values.

Our corporate clients are looking for you!

We connect IT freelancers with forward-thinking companies that need talented tech professionals. We’ve seen huge growth in tech freelancing in the Netherlands, and if you’re ready for a thrilling adventure and a game-changing career move, you could be a part of it.

Sign up as a candidate with RED Global and start exploring the freelance tech jobs the Netherlands has to offer.