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Drafting a self-employed contract

Have it drafted, amended, or reviewed by our legal experts and/or lawyers starting from 99
SME Lawyers

Do not write this document yourself — DIY often results in expensive problems.
Have a lawyer review it and avoid misunderstandings, mistakes, and difficulties.

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How does it work?
Our services include a free consultation, a draft document, a revision round, and a final document. We invoice after sending the draft document.

Experience with legal services for entrepreneurs since 2001
Lawyers and legal professionals.Direct contact with a specialist who thinks practically.
Fixed rates.Where possible, clarity regarding costs in advance.
Within 4 hoursWe respond quickly to your request.
  • We worked for, among others:
  • MKBjuristen.nl partner
  • MKBjuristen.nl partner
  • MKBjuristen.nl partner
  • MKBjuristen.nl partner

We worked for, among others:

An incorrect document often provides a false sense of security.
You think everything is taken care of, but only discover whether the document actually works during a conflict or claim.

1

Free intake

We discuss your company, the purpose of the document, and the key risks.

2

Draft or check

We draft a custom document or review your existing document legally.

3

Final version

You will receive a final version with instructions on correct usage.

Mr. Jaime Boogaers
Mr. Jaime Boogaers
Corporate Law
Attorney, 16 years of experience

People often search for 'freelance contract' because they need a practical contract quickly. Precisely then, the document must not only look neat but concretely define what the freelancer does, what it costs, and where the boundaries of the assignment lie

  • For clients and freelancers who want clear contractual agreements quickly
  • Attention to activities, rates, payment, additional work, and delivery
  • Rights to work results, confidentiality, liability, and termination well arranged
  • Practical for freelancers, consultants, marketers, developers, advisors, and self-employed professionals

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Choose whether you want to have the document drafted, checked, or modified. Prices and options vary per document.

From 99
Customization
from 99.- per document

Do you already have a document, but are unsure if it is still correct? We check content, risks, and practical usability.

from 199.- per document

Is your document outdated, copied, generated with AI, or no longer suitable? We check and adjust the document.

About us

Our expertise in self-employed contracts

Our lawyers and in-house counsel assist clients and self-employed professionals with practical contracts for self-employed professionals, general terms and conditions, service agreements, confidentiality, privacy, and liability. We focus on concrete assignment descriptions, payment, additional work, intellectual property, liability, and termination.

Customization for your self-employed contract

A freelance contract for a marketer, developer, advisor, photographer, trainer, consultant, or independent contractor does not require the same agreements. Therefore, we tailor the contract to the assignment, industry, rate model, and risk.

Our facts

  • Active since 2001
  • Lawyers and in-house counsel
  • Experience with employment law, corporate law, privacy, and contract law
  • Attention to practical operation, risks, and enforceability
  • Fixed rates in advance where possible
  • Customization
  • About us
from 99.- per document

Do you already have a document, but are unsure if it is still correct? We check content, risks, and practical usability.

  • Our legal expert spends 0.5 to 1.5 hours on the check
  • Telephone intake with a lawyer
  • Checks on content, risks, and practical usability
  • Attention to liability, payment, and termination
  • Concrete points for improvement and legal advice
  • Delivered within 3 working days, express delivery possible
from 199.- per document

Is your document outdated, copied, generated with AI, or no longer suitable? We check and adjust the document.

  • Our legal expert spends 1.5 to 2.5 hours checking and making adjustments
  • Telephone intake with a lawyer
  • Verification of the existing document
  • Adaptation to your business and working methods
  • Suitable for new services, customers, or risks
  • Delivered within 5 working days, express delivery possible

About us

Our expertise in self-employed contracts

Our lawyers and in-house counsel assist clients and self-employed professionals with practical contracts for self-employed professionals, general terms and conditions, service agreements, confidentiality, privacy, and liability. We focus on concrete assignment descriptions, payment, additional work, intellectual property, liability, and termination.

Customization for your self-employed contract

A freelance contract for a marketer, developer, advisor, photographer, trainer, consultant, or independent contractor does not require the same agreements. Therefore, we tailor the contract to the assignment, industry, rate model, and risk.

Our facts

  • Active since 2001
  • Lawyers and in-house counsel
  • Experience with employment law, corporate law, privacy, and contract law
  • Attention to practical operation, risks, and enforceability
  • Fixed rates in advance where possible

Reviews (21)

Selma

The clear start gave us a lot of confidence for the rest of the process. Legal jargon was avoided where possible or explained in understandable language. These documents will undoubtedly save us a lot of headaches in the future.

Guus

The approachability of this firm is a real plus. It was nice that complex legal theories were explained with simple practical examples. Everything was delivered neatly and on time.

Anouar

Scheduling the appointment went very smoothly and quickly. The legal language was strict and forceful where necessary, but lenient where possible. It is clear that they have a passion for entrepreneurship.

Hajar

The lawyer's sharp questions immediately got us thinking. The draft was delivered faster than promised in the quotation. Fantastic value for money for this level of expertise.

Jesse

We came in with a vague idea, but were immediately presented with concrete steps. The document was legally well-substantiated. The final result aligns 100% with our high standards.

Saar

We received pleasant assistance from the very first contact. They did not make things unnecessarily difficult regarding minor changes outside the scope. The document was accepted flawlessly by our investors.

Mila

Communication was direct and efficient, exactly what we were looking for. They provided a watertight confidentiality agreement that perfectly suited our innovations. The end result aligns 100% with our high standards.

Roy

We quickly gained a clear picture of the possibilities. The contract was formulated in such a way that both parties felt good about it. Fantastic value for money for this level of expertise.

Abdel

The approachability of this firm is a real plus. The lawyer managed to strike exactly the right balance between legal precision and readability. The document was accepted flawlessly by our investors.

Cem

From the initial consultation, it was clear what we could expect. The lawyer always maintained an overview, even when the wish list changed in the meantime. These documents will undoubtedly save us a lot of headaches in the future.

Asmae

The initial meeting confirmed that we had made the right choice. They managed to reduce an extremely tough file to manageable proportions. The end result aligns 100% with our high standards.

Inaya

It is clear that they know what they are talking about, right from the first word. It was pleasant that what was important was explained in plain language. The document was accepted flawlessly by our investors.

Jurre

We quickly gained the certainty we were looking for. The concept was clear and practically applicable. The service was professional and personal.

Younes

We immediately felt that we were in good hands. It was a relief that our emails were often answered comprehensively within just a few hours. Our customers respond positively to the clear general terms and conditions.

Freek

We were given the space to tell our entire story without being interrupted. The process was completely digital and frictionless, which saved us a lot of time. The quality fully met our expectations.

Farid

The promise of a quick start-up was absolutely fulfilled. The concept was clear and practically applicable. Everything was delivered neatly and on time.

Eva

It was nice that we knew immediately who would be helping us. The delivery was within the agreed timeframe. These documents will undoubtedly save us a lot of headaches in the future.

Dennis

We needed a custom solution, and that was handled well. The feedback we received on our own concept was incredibly insightful and useful. It is clear that they have a passion for entrepreneurship.

Oussama

It was immediately apparent that the lawyer had extensive experience in our sector. The telephone consultation regarding the final details provided just that little bit of extra confidence. The final result aligns 100% with our high standards.

Mees

Our complex question was immediately reduced to the essence. The structured way of working ensured that no details were overlooked. Fantastic value for money for this level of expertise.

Mick

No time was wasted on unnecessary formalities. The continuous thinking from the entrepreneur's perspective was a breath of fresh air. Everything was delivered neatly and on time.

Meet our office

Our ContractCheck, simply explained what can all go wrong.

Why MKB Juristen?

Since 2001, we have been active as a no-nonsense legal firm for entrepreneurs. We quickly get to the heart of the matter: with a thorough assessment, clear answers, and a document that works practically.

  • Nationwide coverage
  • First consultation free and without obligation
  • Fixed rates where possible
  • Affordable legal advice from lawyers and legal experts
  • Always a response within 4 hours

First, see how we work

A legal document requires trust. You see immediately who we are, how we help entrepreneurs, and why we do not work with standard templates.

  • You can view our working method before submitting an application
  • You will get a feel for the office and the people faster
  • The video supports the choice for customized legal solutions
  • After that, you can immediately request a quote or intake

What you can expect from us

We translate your situation into a legal document that you can actually use. You won't receive a loose template, but a document tailored to your business, agreements, and risks.

  • A clear roadmap: intake, concept, revision round, and final version
  • Practical explanation on how to use the document
  • Legal attention to liability, payment, and termination
  • Where possible, provide clarity in advance regarding price and delivery time
Are you unsure whether you should have the document drafted, checked, or amended?
During the initial consultation, we will determine the sensible course of action together. Afterward, you will know exactly where you stand.

Why customization?

A legal document only works well if it aligns with your business, agreements, risks, and industry. That is why we do not work with a standard generator, but with legal experts who assess your situation.

  • Prepared for your company
  • Telephone consultation included
  • No standard template
  • Review by legal specialists

What do you get?

You will receive a legal document that is practical and aligns with the agreements you wish to make.

  • Draft document or legal review
  • One adjustment round
  • Clear explanation where necessary
  • Fixed price where possible

The founders of MKB Juristen

Our organization consists of several small teams working within various legal fields. Each legal field has its own senior in-house counsel and/or lawyers.

Denian Wielhouwer

Corporate lawyer in corporate law & business expert

Denian Wielhouwer

Annelore Hendriks

Corporate lawyer, corporate law, administrative law

Annelore Hendriks

Ilja van Driel

Corporate law attorney, employment law

Ilja van Driel

Jaime Boogaers

Corporate law, ICT & privacy law, energy law attorney

Jaime Boogaers
Custom choices

Which choices determine the content?

The appropriate content depends on your situation. These questions determine which provisions you include and how strictly you need to steer towards self-employment.

Choice or question Why this matters legally
Does the self-employed professional do the same work as your staff? The greater the overlap with salaried employment, the greater the risk of bogus self-employment and the stricter the contract must be.
Does the contractor work for multiple clients? A single client and a long-term commitment increase the risk; multiple clients support independence.
Is replacement possible and desired? Free substitution indicates an assignment; a personal work obligation points towards an employment contract.
Does this concern a defined project or ongoing deployment? A concrete result matches the assignment; structural embedding in your organization indicates employment.
Who bears the entrepreneurial risk? Own investments, own equipment, and the risk of non-payment strengthen the independent position of the contractor.
Clauses and provisions

What elements belong in a self-employment contract?

Legally, a self-employed professional contract is a contract for services. Together, the following components determine whether the document properly establishes the collaboration and passes the test of independence.

Provision Relevant to Legal point of attention
Parties and capacity Always Mention both parties, Chamber of Commerce registration numbers, and that the contractor acts as an independent entrepreneur.
Description of the assignment Always A concrete, well-defined result or project, not an open job description like for an employee.
Independence and no authority Always Stipulate that the contractor organizes the work at his own discretion, without the authority to give instructions regarding the content.
Replacement Always Determine whether the contractor may be replaced; free substitution indicates independence.
Remuneration and invoicing Always An hourly or project rate with invoices, no fixed monthly salary or continued payment during illness or vacation.
Liability and insurance Recommended Rules regarding liability and the obligation to have one's own professional or business liability insurance.
Duration and termination Always Determine the duration and notice period; avoid wording that resembles an employment relationship.
Confidentiality and intellectual property Often Rules regarding confidentiality and to whom the results and rights accrue after completion.
Use in practice

How do you use this document correctly?

A contract only covers you if practice corresponds with it. Use the document at the right times and act accordingly.

Situation What should you do? Point of attention
At the start Sign the contract before the work begins and concretely define the assignment. A contract signed in advance prevents disputes regarding the nature of the relationship.
During the collaboration Do not provide substantive instructions or direction as you would to an employee, and do not treat the freelancer as staff. The actual working method carries more weight than the text on paper.
In case of changes Amend the contract in writing if the assignment, the rate, or the duration changes. Verbal agreements are difficult to prove and can undermine independence.
Upon renewal Assess at each extension whether the commitment has become structural. Long-term, structural deployment increases the risk of reclassification to an employment contract.
Common mistakes

Common mistakes

We see these errors most frequently in practice. They undermine the independent position and increase the risk of additional assessments.

Wrong Consequence Better approach
Using a free model contract from the internet False sense of security; provisions do not align with your situation. Have a custom contract drafted that suits the actual collaboration.
Managing the freelancer like an employee Relationship of authority arises; risk of bogus self-employment. Let the contractor organize the work independently and do not give any substantive instructions.
Do not set an end date or clear assignment The arrangement appears to be structural and resembles an employment relationship. Define a defined assignment or duration and evaluate upon extension.
Arranging continued payment during illness or vacation These are characteristics of salaried employment and undermine independence. Work exclusively with invoicing based on work delivered.
Failing to adjust the contract to the actual situation During an inspection, practice counts, not the text; risk of reclassification. Ensure that the contract and execution align, and update in the event of changes.
Risk profile

What is your situation and what do you pay attention to?

The emphasis varies depending on the situation. If you recognize your situation, you will see what to pay particular attention to.

Risk profile Example Focus in the document
One-off project You hire a self-employed professional for a well-defined job with a clear end result. Focus on a clear project description and delivery.
Long-term or recurring commitment The same freelancer works structurally for your organization. Pay close attention to independence, replacement, and avoiding embedding within your company.
Hiring in addition to own staff The self-employed professional performs similar work to your employees. Prevent a hierarchical relationship and ensure equal treatment as staff.
Specialist with own client base The contractor works for multiple clients simultaneously. Clearly document independence and personal entrepreneurial risk.
Additional documents

When is this document not enough?

The self-employment contract formalizes the collaboration. In these situations, you need additional documents or assistance.

Situation Supplementary document Why
You share confidential business information with the self-employed professional Confidentiality Agreement A separate NDA protects your sensitive information, independent of the assignment as well.
The self-employed professional processes personal data for you Data Processing Agreement The GDPR requires you to have a data processing agreement if the contractor processes personal data for you.
The self-employed professional is a director or works through their own private limited company Management Agreement For management tasks through a private limited company, a management agreement is more suitable than a standard self-employed contract.
Explanation of this document

Drafting a self-employed contract, why?

Not every entrepreneur knows exactly what a self-employed contract is, when you need them, and which risks they must cover. That is why we explain below what this document entails, what you should look out for, and why customized legal solutions are important.

What is a self-employment contract?
A ZZP contract is the agreement between a self-employed person without employees (ZZP) and a client for the performance of work. The ZZP contract is the practical term for the contract for services pursuant to Article 7:400 of the Dutch Civil Code. As of January 1, 2025, the Tax and Customs Administration is fully enforcing the DBA Act (Deregulation of Assessment of Employment Relationships) following years of enforcement moratorium. This makes the ZZP contract more urgent than ever: a poorly drafted contract that does not sufficiently exclude bogus self-employment can lead to back taxes being levied on the client and the loss of entrepreneurial status for the ZZP. Our lawyers draft ZZP contracts for clients and ZZPs that are compliant with the DBA Act, demonstrably exclude bogus self-employment, clearly regulate intellectual property, and correctly limit liability.
How do you prevent bogus self-employment in your freelance contract?
Bogus self-employment is the risk that the Tax and Customs Administration reclassifies the contractual relationship as an employment contract, rendering the client liable for payroll taxes, employee insurance contributions, and potentially fines. In the Deliveroo ruling (2023), the Supreme Court confirmed that the actual execution of the assignment is decisive for the classification — not merely the text of the contract. Your self-employed professional (ZZP) contract must anchor the independence of the self-employed professional in five dimensions: he determines how he executes the assignment himself, he may be replaced by substitutes of his own choosing, he works for multiple clients, he bears his own professional and entrepreneurial risk, and he is not structurally embedded in the client's organization as if he were a regular employee. Crucial: the contract provisions must reflect the actual working method. Our lawyers draft a DBA-compliant self-employed professional contract.
Which essential clauses must a self-employed contract not be without?
A comprehensive contract for self-employed professionals (ZZP) contains at least the following clauses: A watertight assignment description including scope and deliverables; the hourly or project rate with invoicing procedure; the duration and termination; the independence clause excluding bogus self-employment; the substitution clause; the intellectual property paragraph: does the copyright remain with the self-employed professional or transfer to the client?; the confidentiality; the limitation of liability; and a non-solicitation clause prohibiting the self-employed professional from poaching employees from the client. Our lawyers tailor all these clauses to your specific assignment.
How does it work at MKBjuristen?
After a brief intake, our lawyers draft a self-employment contract that is compliant with the DBA Act, demonstrably excludes bogus self-employment, clearly regulates intellectual property, and correctly limits liability.
What is a self-employment contract?

A self-employed professional contract is the agreement by which a client and a self-employed professional formalize their collaboration. Legally, in most cases, it is a contract for services (Article 7:400 of the Dutch Civil Code): the self-employed professional undertakes to perform work independently, without entering into employment. The value of a good self-employed professional contract lies not in standard provisions, but in the extent to which it demonstrates the independence of the self-employed professional and thereby reduces the risk of bogus self-employment.

What is bogus self-employment?

Bogus self-employment exists when someone formally works as a self-employed professional but effectively as an employee. According to Article 7:610 of the Dutch Civil Code, an employment contract exists as soon as work, wages, and a relationship of subordination come together. A relationship of subordination is evidenced, among other things, by direction regarding working methods and presence, integration into the organization, and the absence of genuine entrepreneurship. In this regard, the Tax and Customs Administration does not look at the label on the contract, but at how cooperation takes place in practice.

How does the Tax and Customs Administration enforce this?

Since January 1, 2025, the Tax and Customs Administration has once again actively enforced the rules against bogus self-employment. In the event of an incorrectly assessed employment relationship, the Administration may levy additional payroll taxes, in principle retroactively to that date. In addition, a penalty for misconduct may be imposed in cases of intent or gross negligence; default penalties are expected to follow at a later stage. Enforcement typically begins with a company visit and is risk-based, with particular attention paid to sectors such as healthcare, childcare, and construction. The regulations are in constant flux: a new Self-Employed Persons Act has been announced as the successor to the current assessment framework.

Does a model agreement from the Tax and Customs Administration help?

An approved model agreement can provide guidance, and existing models remain valid until the end of 2029. However, a model does not offer complete certainty: it only protects if the actual execution corresponds to the contract. If the self-employed professional works like an employee in practice, no model will help. A model agreement is therefore a tool, not a guarantee, and does not replace a contract for self-employed professionals tailored to your situation.

How do you recognize true entrepreneurship?

The stronger the entrepreneurial image, the lower the risk of reclassification. Our legal experts look for signals such as: multiple clients, a market-rate fee, personal investments and business assets, personal professional liability insurance, the risk of bad debts and downtime, freedom in working methods, and the possibility of substitution. These elements are reflected in a well-drafted freelance contract and must align with how you actually work together.

What are the consequences of bogus self-employment?

The consequences primarily affect the client: retroactive assessment of payroll taxes and social security contributions, a possible penalty for misconduct, and the risk that the self-employed professional claims employee rights with retroactive effect, such as continued payment of wages and protection against dismissal. A reassessment can also have tax implications for the self-employed professional. A carefully drafted contract for self-employed professionals that aligns with practice significantly limits these risks.

How much does a self-employed contract cost and how quickly can you get one?

We draft a customized freelance contract for a fixed price starting from 99 euros, with clear information regarding costs upfront. You will receive a draft document first and only pay afterwards. The price depends on the complexity of your work. During the free intake, we discuss how you actually work together, ensuring the contract supports your independence and that you do not rely on a model that does not suit your situation.

Are you unsure whether your document is legally correct? We would be happy to assess the sensible course of action: drafting, reviewing, or amending.
Request a quote

Why not use a standard document?

A standard document often seems like a quick solution, but usually does not fully align with your company, agreements, risks, and way of working. Our legal experts draft documents that fit your situation.

Standard document
SME Lawyers
Not tailored to your business
Tailored to your company, industry, and working methods
No control over your specific situation
Consultation with a lawyer and assessment of your risks
Possibly outdated or incomplete
Verification of current and practical provisions
No personal explanation
Explanation regarding the use of the document

A standard document seems cheap, until it doesn't fit your situation properly. That is why we provide custom legal solutions tailored to your business.

Customization per type of self-employed contract

Not every independent assignment requires the same terms. Therefore, we tailor the contract to the work and the commercial risk.

Freelance marketing

Focus on campaigns, accounts, content, revisions, and IE.

Software and development

Attention to code, acceptance, bugs, privacy, security, and licensing.

Consultancy

Attention to advice, reporting, effort, liability, and confidentiality.

Creative work

Attention to design, photography, text, licensing, source files, and usage.

Training and coaching

Attention to sessions, cancellation, materials, privacy, and expected results.

Project work

Attention to planning, milestones, additional work, delivery, and final settlement.


Above all, a contract for self-employed professionals must be practically clear. That is why we clearly define what the independent contractor does, the costs, when additional work arises, and who bears which risks.

Common mistakes with self-employment contracts

A short model seems quick to arrange, but often misses precisely the agreements that become important later.

  • Do not include a clear job description
  • Not arranging overtime and extra hours
  • Do not make agreements regarding rights to work results
  • Keeping payment, advance payment, and final settlement too vague
  • Forget liability and consequential damages
  • do not include privacy and confidentiality
  • Do not use a handover or acceptance procedure
  • Do not include a clear termination or exit clause

Draft your self-employment contract properly and avoid unnecessary problems in the future. Clear agreements prevent disputes regarding work, payment, overtime, rights, damages, and termination.

What is a self-employment contract?

A contract between a client and a self-employed professional in which agreements regarding the assignment are recorded.

When do I need a self-employment contract?

As soon as a self-employed person performs work and the parties want clarity regarding the work, payment, and risks.

Is a quote enough?

Usually not. A quotation often lacks agreements regarding intellectual property, liability, confidentiality, and termination.

What is the difference compared to a self-employed contract?

In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably; this page focuses on the practical contract variant.

Can MKB Juristen review an existing self-employed contract?

Yes. We check, among other things, the assignment, rate, additional work, IP, confidentiality, liability, and termination.

Contact us

Annelore Hendriks

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SME Lawyers at the Chamber of Commerce Source: Chamber of Commerce 2019
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