Benefits and insurances for self-employed professionals

As a self-employed professional based in the Netherlands, you are responsible for your own pension or disability benefit. However, you may be eligible for parental/childbirth allowances or compensation or benefits while starting your business. You can also take out voluntary insurances.

Benefits

Self-Employed Persons (Provision of Assistance) Decree (BBZ)

This is a benefit for entrepreneurs on a minimum level.

Older and Partially Disabled (Formerly Self-Employed) Persons Income Support (IOAZ)

As an older self-employed professional you can rely on this scheme when you are forced to end your company.

Prenatal and childbirth allowance for self-employed people

As a female self-employed professional, you will be entitled to an allowance in the Netherlands during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Temporary childbirth compensation

Self-employed women who gave birth between 7 May 2005 and 4 June 2008 may be eligible for €5.600 euro in compensation. Requests for this compensation can be made from the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) between 15 May – 30 September 2018.

Childcare benefit for self-employed professionals

If your child is attending a childcare facility, you may receive childcare benefits for the hours you spend on your business. In order to start your own company on the basis of a benefit there are various options. The Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) can provide further assistance in this respect.

Starting your own company while receiving occupational disability benefit

When you have a long-term disability, you can get assistance to start your own company.

Starting your own company while receiving unemployment benefit (WW)

You can start a company while retaining your unemployment benefit.

Insurances

Insurances for self-employed professionals

You can take out voluntary insurance with the UWV. In that case, you will receive a benefit if, for example, you become ill or unfit for work. You can also take out voluntary insurance against a number of other business risks.

Employee insurance schemes and national insurance

As a self-employed professional you cannot claim employees’ insurances. However, you can claim national insurances (such as the General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW).