What does it mean to be self-employed?
As a zzp'er, you work independently and are not an employee. That means you do not receive a salary but bill for your services. You have to take care of your own administration, insurance, tax returns and customer acquisition. On the other hand, you have complete freedom in how you carry out your work. You set your own rates, working hours and assignments. You are not dependent on one employer and can grow your business slowly at your pace. It requires discipline, but gives you a lot of space to choose your own direction.
Roadmap
Before you can officially start working as a self-employed person, there are a number of practical steps you need to go through.
Step 1: Writing a business plan
A business plan helps you define exactly what you will do, who your target market is and how you will make money. You describe your services, your market and your distinctiveness. You also make a simple financial case so you know what turnover you need to make to make a profit. The plan does not have to be complicated. What matters is that you are clear about what your business stands for and what steps you will take to find customers.
Step 2: Define company name
Your company name should match what you do and should not resemble a brand or company that already exists. Therefore, always check via the Chamber of Commerce name check whether the name is already in use. Choose a name that you can easily pronounce and that customers quickly remember. A good name helps you build a professional image and makes you findable for customers.
Register a domain name
Once you have chosen a company name, secure the matching domain name right away. This will prevent someone else from running off with it. With your own domain name, you can create a business website and email address, increasing your credibility.
Step 3: choosing the legal form
You choose a legal form that suits your plans and risks. Most start-ups choose a sole proprietorship, because it is quick and easy to arrange. A BV can be interesting if you run bigger risks or expect higher profits. Above all, choose what makes sense for your situation and future.
Sole proprietorship
A sole proprietorship is easy to set up and has little administration. You are personally liable and pay income tax on your profits. This form is suitable for most self-employed people starting out without major financial risks.
BV
A limited liability company offers limited liability. Your private assets are separated from your business assets. A BV involves more administration and costs and is often chosen when you sign larger contracts or expect to make higher profits.
Step 4: Register with the Chamber of Commerce
When you have your plans clear, register at the Chamber of Commerce. During registration, you provide your company name, activities and details. You will immediately receive your Chamber of Commerce number and be automatically registered with the tax authorities. You will receive your VAT identification number within a few days. From then on, you can invoice and officially start working as a self-employed person.
Step 5: Opening a business account
A business account separates private and business money, keeping your administration much clearer. Customers pay you faster when you use a business account and you can easily keep track of what expenses you incur for your business. This makes your accounts more professional and prevents mistakes in your tax return.
Step 6: Setting up administration and tax matters
From the start, it is important to keep your records neatly. Record your income and expenses, save invoices and make sure you know when to file VAT returns. Use software to process your accounts faster and with fewer errors. In addition, set aside money each month for tax, so there are no surprises at the annual income tax return.
Step 7: Taking out insurance
As a self-employed person, you have no automatic protection such as employee insurance. Therefore, think carefully about insurance that suit you, such as disability insurance or liability insurance. You decide what you need, but it is wise to think about risks that you cannot bear yourself. That way, you avoid having your business shut down when something unexpected happens.
Advantages and disadvantages of becoming self-employed
Becoming self-employed has many advantages, but there are also points of interest. To get a realistic idea of what to expect, below is an overview of the main pluses and minuses at a glance.
Advantages | Cons |
You decide how, when and for whom you work | You have no fixed income or financial security |
You can build your business the way you want | You have to take care of tax matters and administration yourself |
You have freedom in rates and assignments | You do not automatically build up a pension |
You can grow at your own pace | You run more risks without employee protection |
You develop yourself as an entrepreneur | You have to find and bring in customers yourself |
Sham independence
Sham independence means that you are formally self-employed, but actually work as if you were an employee. This is not allowed and can have financial consequences for you and your client. You avoid this by having several clients, determining your own working hours and carrying out your work independently. This clearly shows that you are an entrepreneur and not an employee in disguise. It is important that you and your client make clear agreements so that there is no doubt about your independence.
Becoming self-employed alongside a permanent job
Many people start out as self-employment alongside employment because this gives less risk. You keep a steady income while quietly building your business. However, you have to take into account your contract, your schedule and your energy. Make clear agreements with your employer and set fixed times when you work on your business. This way, you keep balance and your side job as a self-employed person remains a supplement rather than a burden. As your business grows, you can always switch to full self-employment later.
Building up a pension as a self-employed person
As a self-employed person, you do not automatically build up a pension. You have to arrange this yourself. You can save, invest or build up an annuity. The most important thing is to start early so that you build up sufficient capital in the long term. Choose a method that suits you and set aside an amount each month. This way, you will ensure financial security later on, even without an employer who arranges pensions for you.
Housing your business as a self-employed person
You can work from home or rent a workspace. Working from home is often cheap and practical. A separate workspace gives peace of mind and a professional environment for appointments. Choose what suits your business. Also consider costs, travel time and the possibility of receiving clients. You can always adjust this later when your business grows or changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become self-employed?
You become self-employed as soon as you register with the Chamber of Commerce and receive a VAT identification number. From then on, you can invoice and are officially an entrepreneur.
What is a good hourly rate for self-employed workers?
A good rate depends on your experience, your costs and the market you work in. Always calculate how much you need to cover your costs and make a profit.
What does a self-employed person earn?
Your income depends on how many assignments you have and what rates you charge. Some self-employed people earn little in the beginning, others grow quickly. This is largely up to you.
