Number of zzp'ers grows especially in knowledge-intensive sectors

Amstelveen tops the list for the strongest growth in the number of zzp'ers: up 7.0%. Maastricht (+6.4%), Enschede (+6.0%), Haarlemmermeer (+5.7%) and Eindhoven (+5.4%) are also showing strong growth.

At the other end of the spectrum is The Hague. It is the only major municipality where the number of zzp'ers is falling slightly (-0.3 per cent). Rotterdam (+0.4 per cent), Arnhem (+1.3 per cent), Delft (+1.5 per cent), and Dordrecht (+1.7 per cent) are showing only modest growth. 

Shifts inside sectors

It is striking that growth in the municipalities with the sharpest rise is primarily driven by knowledge-intensive sectors. For instance, the number of zzp'ers is growing strongly in information and communication technology, specialist provision of services, and education. In Eindhoven, for example, there was an increase of 271 zzp'ers in ICT and 205 in specialist provision of services.

In several municipalities, however, the number of zzp'ers in health and social care is actually falling. This is evident, for example, in The Hague (-996), Rotterdam (-1,451), and Arnhem (-333).

These shifts demonstrate that the zzp market is in a state of flux. Economic developments, labour market shortages, and changes in legislation and regulations play a significant role in this.

Freddie Kesteloo, business adviser at KVK: “In the healthcare sector, the scope for self-employment has been exhausted; there, it really comes down to false self-employment. Clients no longer wish to run that risk. The growth in sectors such as ICT is varied. My colleagues and I speak weekly to people from the US who would like to work here on a DAFT visa – the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty – as well as people from other countries. They go to companies such as ASML or its suppliers. We also reach out to students at Eindhoven University of Technology or the University of Twente. These are students – often from abroad – with extensive IT knowledge who use this opportunity to earn some extra money alongside their studies.”

Stronger focus on employment relation

The figures have been published at a time when many zzp'ers and clients are re-evaluating the nature of their working relationships. Since the Netherlands Tax Administration began cracking down on false self-employment, the key question has been when someone is genuinely working as a zzp'er and when they are in an employment relationship.

In addition, the government is working on the new Zelfstandigenwet (Self-Employment Act), which is intended to provide greater clarity for both self-employed people and clients. As a result, there is greater social and political focus on the position of zzp'ers than ever before.

KVK offers guidance to business owners and clients

For entrepreneurs wondering whether they can work as zzp'ers, and for clients unsure about the right form of collaboration, the KVK Advice Team is on hand to help.

Kesteloo: “Many entrepreneurs and clients are currently looking for guidance. The rules surrounding self-employment are changing, and that raises questions. It is important to carefully assess the actual working situation and the degree of independence involved beforehand. My colleagues and I are happy to help you gain an understanding of the situation and the characteristics of self-employment. You can always ring us for clarification and practical advice. And, of course, we’ll also be there at the KVK Ondernemersdagen on 13 and 14 November at the Jaarbeurs."

Further information on developments among zzp'ers and self-employment can be found on the KVK website. Do you have any questions about false self-employment or any other business-related issue? Call the KVK Advice Team free of charge on 088 585 22 22. You can also find information and advice during the KVK Ondernemersdagen 2026 on 13 and 14 November at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. Register for the KVK Ondernemersdagen.