Is there a difference between an eenmanszaak and a zzper?

Name: Is there a difference between an eenmanszaak and a zzper?
Duration: 1 min 2 s
Description: Eenmanszaak or zzp? It is not the same thing. Find out the difference in 1 minute.

Edited 14 September 2026
1 min
Starting

Yes. An eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship) is an official legal structure. Zzp is not a legal structure. It is an abbreviation used for a self-employed professional who works without staff. The terms are often used as though they were synonyms, but they have different meanings.

In this video, KVK presenters Max and Lisanne explain the difference between an eenmanszaak and a zzp'er in one minute.

English subtitles are available.

The facts

An eenmanszaak is a legal structure, just like a BV or a VOF. You choose a legal structure when you register your business with KVK. Zzpis not a legal structure. It is an abbreviation used for a self-employed professional who works without staff. It describes how you work, not which legal structure you have. Just like the terms 'entrepreneur' and 'freelancer'. Many zzp'ers choose the eenmanszaak as their legal structure, but it is not a given. Depending on your situation, you can also opt for a BV, for example.