A proposed Dutch law aimed at giving freelancers greater legal certainty is facing criticism over a condition that requires having at least three clients across two calendar years. Business and freelancer organisations warn that the requirement could disadvantage self-employed workers who take on long-term assignments.

What would change for freelancers in the Netherlands?

The proposed Dutch self-employment law (zelfstandigenwet) aims to give freelancers and their clients greater certainty about when someone can legally work as self-employed. According to the Dutch government, the law would introduce two assessments to determine whether a working arrangement qualifies for a legal "safe harbour", meaning it can be recognised as self-employment in advance.

The first assessment would examine how freelancers run their businesses, including whether they have worked for at least three different clients across the current and previous calendar years combined. Other requirements include having their business administration in order and setting aside money or taking out insurance to cover financial risks.

The second assessment would consider how independently they carry out their work, including their freedom to organise assignments and whether they bear financial risks themselves.

Importantly, freelancers who fail to meet the three-client requirement would not...

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