Can you go self-employed?
Find out whether working for yourself is financially feasible in your situation. We calculate what you keep after tax, which hourly rate you need and how much of a buffer is sensible. We also compare the financial effects of a sole proprietorship and a BV.
- An honest result. "Not starting yet" or "staying employed" can also be the best outcome.
- Compare your options. See what working for yourself, employment, secondment or payroll mean financially.
- Instant insight. See your result straight away and get the full advice report free by email.
About the StarterCheck
The StarterCheck works out whether self-employment is financially feasible in your situation: what you keep net, which hourly rate you need, what to set aside for tax and contributions, and how much of a buffer is sensible. It also compares what a sole proprietorship and a BV mean for you financially, and sets self-employment next to employment, secondment and payroll. You see your result straight away; the full advice report comes free by email.
For anyone considering starting in the Netherlands: from employment, next to a job or from unemployment benefit (WW), and for those who have just started.
Calculated with the 2026 Dutch tax rules and rates of the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Administration). The result is an indication based on your answers.
Questions we often get
Can I start a business next to my job?
Yes. You then have wages from your job and profit from your business. Whether you qualify for the entrepreneur deductions depends among other things on the hours criterion of 1,225 hours a year. The check adds up both incomes and shows what you keep net in total.
How much should I set aside for tax?
That depends on your profit, your other income and the deductions you qualify for. A fixed percentage is rarely right. The check works it out for your situation, per month.
Which hourly rate do I need?
Your rate has to cover your private spending, plus tax, insurance, pension and the hours you cannot bill. The check works back from what you need net.
Do I start with a sole proprietorship or a BV?
A BV brings extra costs and obligations, such as annual accounts and a salary for yourself. Whether that pays off depends on your profit and on what you need privately. The check shows how it works out for you.
Can I start while on unemployment benefit (WW)?
You can, but tell UWV beforehand: your benefit changes when you start a business. The check calculates your income as an entrepreneur; what it does to your benefit is up to UWV.
· StartAndGrow is in beta: the calculation is real, but we are still testing the checks.