How to become a DJ

Hobby or business?

You probably started out DJ'ing as a hobby. Now you want to turn pro and register with KVK as an entrepreneur. Check the criteria for registering as an entrepreneur. 

The number of professional DJs has been growing rapidly in recent years. On 1 January 2025 there were 6.894 DJs registered with KVK.

Not yet18?

People under 18 who want to work are protected by law. For example, if you are 16 or 17 years old, you are not allowed to perform after midnight. 

You can start a business, but you need your parents' permission to do so. Prepare for becoming an entrepreneur. Read our guide to Starting a business as a minor.

Legal structure

Most young people who start a business opt for an eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship). This is quick and easy to set up. The main disadvantage: you are personally liable for any debt your business runs up. That means you have to pay for that out of your own money.

Making money

You do not usually get rich straight away when you start out in music. For your first gigs, you might receive a gift or gift voucher. Once you become better known, you can ask for money. Approach this professionally. Confirm your price by email and list the agreements made. Notify the client about your terms and conditions, travel expenses, and payment terms. 

In addition you can also make money from: 

• royalties from collaborations with other artists 
• sponsorship deals. You can participate in a one-time event, or close a contract with a sponsor for a longer period.
• revenue per download from streaming services
• revenue per click from YouTube
• selling merchandise

Write a business plan. It will help you estimate whether you can make a living out of being a DJ. Do this before you register with KVK.

What equipment do you need?

As a DJ you will need lots of equipment, such as decks, a mixer, speakers, headphones, flash drives, software, and a laptop. The costs you make to run your business are business investments. You can deduct them from your tax return, so you pay less tax. 

Know your rights

As a DJ, you often play somebody else's music. In that case, you are a user of the music. You do not have the copyright. The person who does have the copyright, should receive  compensation for the use of their music. You can find more information about this on the BumaStemra website. You are automatically entitled to the rights of anything you create. But you must register your creation.

Send yourself a flash drive with the recording by registered mail first. If anyone challenges you, you will always have proof youmade this music. But there is more. Do not forget to protect your trade name, brand name, and domain name. You need to arrange this yourself. Advocacy organisations for musicians like NTB (in Dutch) provide advice and support. 

General information for starters

As a starting entrepreneur you will likely also have to deal with:

• writing a business plan
• setting up your administration
• different rules for part-time entrepreneurs
• choosing a company name
• insurances
• registering with KVK