How to register as a freelancer in the Netherlands: a guide for internationals

If you did not grow up in the Netherlands, a few things come before the KvK appointment: your right to work, a BSN, DigiD. Here is the order that works, with the pitfalls internationals hit most often.

First: are you allowed to work self-employed here?

Sort this before anything else, because the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) checks it at registration. If you are from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, you can work self-employed without any permit. From anywhere else, your residence permit decides: some permits (such as residence with a partner, or the orientation year for graduates) allow self-employed work freely, others require a separate permit. All routes are in the guide on visas and residence permits for freelancers.

Step 1: BSN

Without a citizen service number (BSN) you cannot register at the KvK or deal with the tax authority. You get a BSN by registering in the municipal records: if you already live here, that happened at your town hall; if you are just moving, book an appointment with your municipality right after arrival.

Step 2: DigiD

With your BSN you request a DigiD, the digital login for Dutch government services. You will need it for your tax return, benefits and Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk. The DigiD app is available in English; getting one takes a few days, so arrange it before you need it.

Step 3: register at the KvK

The registration itself works the same for internationals as for everyone else: fill in the form, book an appointment, show ID, pay a one-off fee (about EUR 85 in 2026). The forms are available in English and most offices can help you in English. Bring your residence document if you are from outside the EU. What to decide beforehand (business name, legal form, description) is in the guide on registering at the KvK.

After registration the KvK forwards your details to the Belastingdienst; within about two weeks you receive your VAT ID (btw-id) by post. What each number means, and how they differ from your BSN, is explained in btw-id, KvK number and VAT number.

Step 4: the practical rest

• Business bank account. Not mandatory for a sole trader, but sensible; some banks ask for your KvK number first. See business bank accounts for freelancers.
• Health insurance. Mandatory within four months of settling here, even if you still have a foreign policy. See health insurance as a freelancer.
• Your records. From invoice number one your administration has to be right: sequential invoice numbers, receipts kept, hours logged. Start with setting up your records.

Mistakes internationals make most

• Clients first, registration later. You cannot invoice without a KvK registration and VAT ID; register before your first paid assignment.
• Expecting the 30% ruling. It only applies to employees, not to sole traders; the exception via a Dutch BV is explained in the 30% ruling and freelancing.
• Forgetting the migration year. For the year you moved to the Netherlands you file the special M-form; there is often money in it.

How Finq helps

Finq is fully available in English: invoices, quotes, time tracking and the VAT return. Invoicing is free and unlimited, and your invoices can be in English per client.