Step-by-step plan: Starting as a freelancer in security

Do you want to work via private security companies who will arrange your uniform and special identification document? Then your client must have a licence. You do not need a separate licence yourself. But you must comply with legal training requirements. Such as a diploma from the Foundation for Professional Examinations for Private Security Organisations (Stichting Vakexamens voor de Particuliere Beveiligingsorganisaties, SVPB, in Dutch).

For certain professions in security you need extra certifications. For example, if you want to become a door attendant or event security guard. Read more about professional requirements for security guards (in Dutch) on justis.nl.

Discuss with your client whether you should take on an assignment as an employee or as a self-employed person. You must avoid false self-employment. This is a situation in which you take on an assignment as a self-employed person, but according to the rules you are actually an employee.

You need permission from the local chief of police to work in security. Your client is responsible for applying for this permission. You get permission if you have the right training and pass the screening. During a screening, checks are carried out to make sure you have the appropriate qualifications and whether you have ever been convicted of any criminal offences. As soon as your application is approved, your client must apply for a special identification document for you.

Will you work at an airport? Then you need permission from the commander of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (Koninklijke Marechaussee).

When you do security work, it is mandatory to wear a uniform that has been approved by the Minister of Justice and Security. As a self-employed security guard, you wear the uniform of the company that hired you. Your uniform must have a ‘V’-sign as its emblem.

For some security work, such as personal security, you can apply for an exemption to the uniform requirement.

Self-employed professionals must register in the Business Register of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK. You pay a one-time registration fee. If you register as an eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship), you do not need to register separately at the Netherlands Tax Administration (Belastingdienst). KVK passes on your details to the Tax Administration. Check what you need to prepare before you register.

You decide your price yourself. Work out in advance how much turnover you need to support yourself financially. Then you can see how many assignments and clients you need to get that minimum turnover. Keep in mind that you need to include your business costs, your healthcare insurance premium (ZVW), and income tax in your calculation. A turnover calculation can give you clarity.

Do you want to know what other factors influence your hourly rate? Read more in this KVK article on determining your hourly rate with explanatory video.

Well-kept business records help you keep track of your financial position. For example, if you want to use tax benefits, you need to comply with the hours criterion. To meet the hours criterion, you must work at least 1,225 hours for your business in each calendar year. Clear records can prove that you do. You can maintain your administration yourself or outsource it to a bookkeper or accountant. Always keep your business records for at least 7 years. This is the legal retention period.

You need to pay turnover tax (VAT) and income tax. You can file them yourself with the Tax Administration. If you prefer not to do that yourself, you can let someone else file your taxes. For example, your bookkeeper, accountant, tax adviser, or payroll agency.

Starting a business means taking risks. Because you do not work for an employer, you are responsible for financial consequences. For example, if you get sick or if there is an accident at your company. Fortunately, you can get insurance for many risks. For example, liability insurance and occupational disability insurance. By setting up general terms and conditions, you make clear which rights and obligations you and your clients have.

Read more about business insurances.

Do not forget your pension and retirement. Because you do not work for an employer, you do not automatically build up a pension. Read more about building up a pension yourself.