3 months Ago
That surge reflects both tighter tax enforcement and the increasing availability of loans that cater to this group.
Loan Amounts Reach Record Levels
Of course, the average loan size has also grown significantly — from € 19 thousand in 2024 to more than €29 thousand for six months of 2025.
That leap is due to bigger loans being approved — both because certain zzp'ers are seen as more creditworthy by lenders, and apparently, lenders are ready to risk giving larger loans.
Stricter Tax Scrutiny in 2025
The Dutch Tax Authority has stepped up efforts to combat "false self-employment" since January 1, targeting companies hiring zzp'ers as a way to circumvent their employment contract obligations.
The strategy also includes inspections by random checks of self-employed workers.
Reduction in the Total Number of ZZP Palms
Official statistics showed the number of zzp'ers declined by 28,000 in just the first quarter of 2025. According to industry officials, the people staying back in the segment are likely to be from higher income groups and therefore would be eligible for larger personal loans.
Lenders Target Self-Employed Clients
The increase in personal loan products tailored for small business owners appears to be a major driver of the borrowing boom.
Lenders have broadened their array of loans targeted at this segment, which has helped increase approval rates and make the self-employed borrower more competitive.
Dutch Entrepreneurs: Harsher Borrowing Terms for Zzp'ers
Some have shifted again, but in spite of the boom, taking out a loan as a zzp'er is still more difficult than for an employee in permanent employment. As lenders rely heavily on personal business income and self-employed pay varies, it requires additional guarantees.
Typically, this results in higher interest rates and tighter underwriting standards, which might include: a minimum time the organization has been operational before being eligible to borrow.
Inflation and Taxation Pressures
Financial experts point out that the job of saving money is not an easy one for self-employed people. Savings are diminished by inflation and taxes, which means that people can be forced to consider borrowing as a cheaper alternative to using their depleted savings.
