Amsterdam – The engine of the Dutch economy is sputtering. According to alarming new data released today by the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK), business growth has slowed to a crawl of just 1%—the lowest rate in a decade. For the first time in years, the enthusiasm to start a company in the Netherlands is fading, replaced by a wave of closures, particularly among freelancers (ZZP).
Table of Contents
- The Hard Numbers: Growth Hits a Wall
- The ZZP Crisis: Freelancers are Quitting
- Why is This Happening? (Regulations & Fear)
- The Bankruptcy Puzzle
- Key Takeaways
- Dutch Learning Corner
- Community CTA
The Hard Numbers: Growth Hits a Wall
As of January 1, 2026, the Netherlands has 2,599,668 registered businesses. While this sounds like a lot, the growth rate is a meager 1% compared to last year. The trend is clear:
- New Registrations: Down by 10%.
- Business Closures: Up by 18%.
The KVK describes this as a “general stagnation.” After years of booming entrepreneurship post-Covid, the Dutch market seems to be taking a nervous pause.
The ZZP Crisis: Freelancers are Quitting
The biggest blow is in the ZZP (Self-Employed without Personnel) sector, which makes up the vast majority of the Dutch expat workforce. Closures among freelancers rose by 19%, while new ventures dropped by 13%.
This isn’t a coincidence. The government’s aggressive crackdown on “false self-employment” (schijnzelfstandigheid), led by the Tax Authority (Belastingdienst), has created an atmosphere of fear. Companies are hesitant to hire freelancers, and freelancers are scared of fines, leading many to close shop or return to salaried employment.
Why is This Happening? (Regulations & Fear)
Joris Knoben, Professor of Strategy at Tilburg University, explains that it’s not just about the economy; it’s about uncertainty. “The perceived risks are simply too high for many,” Knoben states. Between high inflation, geopolitical instability, and unclear tax rules, the “Dutch Dream” of starting your own business is becoming less attractive. Entrepreneurs are in a “wait-and-see” mode.
The Bankruptcy Puzzle
Here is the strange part: while closures are up, bankruptcies actually decreased by 21%. How is that possible?
The KVK suggests this is a sign of “proactive quitting.” Entrepreneurs are smart; they are shutting down their businesses before they go broke. In sectors with low fixed costs (like consultancy or digital services), it’s easier to pull the plug early rather than waiting for a formal bankruptcy. It’s a “soft exit” rather than a crash.
Key Takeaways
- Stagnation: Dutch business growth has dropped to a historic low of 1%.
- Freelancer Flight: The ZZP sector is shrinking due to strict new tax rules.
- Safety First: Entrepreneurs are closing voluntarily rather than going bankrupt.
- Wait-and-See: Uncertainty is killing the appetite for new startups in 2026.
Dutch Learning Corner
| Word | Pronun. (Eng) | Meaning | Context (NL + EN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏢 De KVK | De Kaa-Vee-Kaa | Chamber of Commerce | Je moet je inschrijven bij de KVK. (You must register with the KVK.) |
| 💼 De ZZP’er | De Zet-Zet-Pee-er | Freelancer | Veel ZZP’ers stoppen ermee. (Many freelancers are quitting.) |
| 📉 De Stagnatie | De Stag-naa-sie | Stagnation | Er is sprake van economische stagnatie. (There is talk of economic stagnation.) |
| 💸 Het Faillissement | Het Fa-yies-se-ment | Bankruptcy | Het aantal faillissementen daalt. (The number of bankruptcies is decreasing.) |
Are You Worried About Your ZZP Status?
With the new regulations in 2026, many freelancers feel pushed into a corner. Are you considering closing your business or going back to a payroll job? Share your experience in the comments.
Source / Data: Kamer van Koophandel (KVK)
