Being a freelancer (ZZP’er) in the Netherlands offers incredible flexibility and independence, but managing taxes, accounting, and compliance can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re an expat who doesn’t speak Dutch. That’s where Xolo comes in.
Xolo provides seamless, stress-free business administration for freelancers, handling accounting, reporting, and invoicing so you can focus on growing your business. Let’s dive into how our platform supports ZZP’ers and why, we think, it’s the best solution for international freelancers in the Netherlands.
Why Choose Xolo for Your Freelance Business?
✅ Designed for Expats – Our platform is built for non-Dutch-speaking freelancers who need an easy way to handle accounting and compliance. Our accountants speak English, ensuring you always get clear and reliable advice.
✅ Personal Accountant – No Chatbots! – With Xolo, you’re not dealing with generic support bots. Every Xolo customer gets a dedicated accountant to help navigate taxes, deductions, and compliance.
✅ All-in-One Platform – We handle invoicing, bookkeeping, VAT reporting, and income tax filings—so you don’t have to.
✅ Perfect for DAFT and HSM Visa Holders – If you’re a U.S. freelancer under DAFT or an HSM visa holder who wants to freelance alongside your main job, Xolo makes it easy to register, invoice, and stay compliant.
Xolo’s Product Offering for ZZP’ers in the Netherlands
1. Business Registration Support
Starting as a ZZP’er in the Netherlands involves several steps, including KVK registration, VAT registration, and setting up a business bank account. While most of the registration process has to be handled by the freelancer, yourself, physically showing up and submitting you papers at the Chamber of Commerce, Xolo simplifies this process by guiding you through every step, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free start.
💡 Learn more about registering as a ZZP’er → How to Become and Work as a Freelancer in the Netherlands
2. Automated Invoicing (Including International Clients)
One of the biggest challenges for freelancers is creating professional, tax-compliant invoices. Xolo offers a built-in invoicing tool that allows you to:
- Generate invoices in multiple currencies (great for international clients!).
- Automatically calculate VAT (BTW) based on Dutch tax rules.
- Track payments and overdue invoices to ensure you get paid on time.
💡 More on invoicing as a freelancer → How to Invoice as a ZZP’er in the Netherlands
3. VAT (BTW) Reporting & Compliance
VAT compliance is one of the trickiest parts of being a freelancer in the Netherlands. Xolo:
- Tracks and calculates VAT automatically on all invoices.
- Files your quarterly VAT declarations directly with the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst).
- Provides you with the information and guidance you need to understand and navigate various tax and VAT schemes like KOR.
Additionally, for freelancers investing in sustainable business assets, tax deduction schemes such as MIA (Milieu-investeringsaftrek), Vamil, and KIA (Kleinschaligheidsinvesteringsaftrek) may provide tax benefits.
💡 Learn more about tax and VAT schemes → 2025 Tax benefits for freelancers in the Netherlands & What is the Kleineondernemersregeling (KOR)?
4. Expense Tracking and Annual Income Tax Filings
Freelancers in the Netherlands must file annual income tax returns, which can be complex if you have multiple income sources. Also, keeping track of business expenses is crucial for reducing your taxable income. Xolo’s tax experts and accountants:
- Ensure filings are accurate and optimized for deductions in full compliance with Dutch bookkeeping laws.
- Help you claim self-employment tax benefits like the zelfstandigenaftrek and MKB-winstvrijstelling.
- Prevent costly tax mistakes that could result in fines or penalties.
- Generates real-time financial reports to help you track profits.
💡 More about tax deductions for ZZP’ers → Understanding Deductible Expenses for Freelancers in the Netherlands
5. Support for DAFT and Highly Skilled Migrant Visa Holders
Freelancing as a DAFT Visa Holder
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) allows U.S. citizens to start and operate a business in the Netherlands with a reduced financial investment requirement (€4,500). Xolo helps DAFT freelancers by:
✔ Handling all tax filings and VAT compliance.
✔ Providing an English-speaking accountant to navigate Dutch regulations.
✔ Offering a simple invoicing system to manage client payments.
💡 More on DAFT for freelancers → DAFT Explained: What ZZP’ers Need to Know
Freelancing as an HSM Visa Holder
Many Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) visa holders don’t realise they can operate as freelancers alongside their primary employment - provided their employment contract allows for freelance activities. Xolo supports HSM freelancers by:
✔ Registering your freelance business with the KVK.
✔ Helping you manage taxes for both employment and freelance income.
✔ Ensuring compliance with Dutch immigration laws.
💡 More on the HSM visa → The Highly Skilled Migrant Visa and Freelancing
6. Financial and Compliance Security
Many freelancers struggle with compliance, leading to issues like:
🚫 Late tax payments → fines from the Belastingdienst.
🚫 Incorrect VAT filings → unexpected tax bills.
🚫 Miscalculated deductions → paying more tax than necessary.
Xolo’s accountants provide expert tax and compliance support to minimize risk, ensuring zero surprises at tax season.
Final Thoughts: Why Xolo Is the Best Choice for ZZP’ers in the Netherlands
Xolo makes freelancing in the Netherlands stress-free by handling everything from registration to tax filing—all in English. Whether you’re a new freelancer, a DAFT visa holder, or an HSM visa holder, Xolo ensures you stay compliant while maximizing your business potential.
🚀 Ready to simplify your ZZP business? Sign up for Xolo today!