Freelance rate calculator
Calculate the hourly rate you need for the net income you want, with a transparent breakdown.
Percentage of your profit set aside for AOV (disability insurance) and/or pension — as a freelancer these aren't arranged for you automatically.
Required hourly rate
€36.00per hour, excl. VAT
- Costs€6,000.00
- Buffer (AOV/pension)€4,476.00
- Tax (indicative)€3,902.16
- Net€36,381.84
- Revenue per year
- €50,760.00
- Costs per year
- €6,000.00
- Buffer per year
- €4,476.00
- Tax (indicative) per year
- €3,902.16
- Net income per year
- €36,381.84
This is an indication based on a simplified model (2026 tax brackets and credits). Not tax advice — consult a bookkeeper or the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax authority) for your personal situation.
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Why your hourly rate needs to cover more than just your salary
As a freelancer it's tempting to divide your desired monthly salary by your hours and call it a rate. That's wrong: part of your time is unbillable (acquisition, admin, quotes), you don't accrue holiday pay during time off, you have business costs, and you have to save for your own disability insurance, pension, and tax bill. A realistic hourly rate accounts for all of this.
What the breakdown of your rate means
The calculator above splits your required revenue into four parts. Costs are your business expenses: software, insurance, workspace, marketing. The buffer is the share of your profit set aside for AOV (disability insurance) and/or pension contributions — as a freelancer these don't build up automatically the way they would with an employer. Tax is an indication of the income tax you'd owe on your profit, after deductions such as the zelfstandigenaftrek (self-employment deduction) and the mkb-winstvrijstelling (SME profit exemption), and after the tax credits (heffingskortingen) you're entitled to. What's left is your net income: what you actually keep to live on.
What's a typical hourly rate for freelancers in the Netherlands?
There's no single 'normal' rate — it varies hugely by sector, experience, and region. A starting freelance copywriter often charges between €35 and €55 per hour, an experienced consultant or interim professional might ask €80 to €150 per hour, and specialized IT professionals sometimes charge more still. Use this calculator as a starting point for your own situation, then compare against typical rates in your field.
Important: this is an indication, not tax advice
This calculator uses a simplified model based on the 2026 income tax brackets, tax credits, zelfstandigenaftrek (self-employment deduction), and mkb-winstvrijstelling (SME profit exemption). The Belastingdienst's actual assessment accounts for more factors, such as other deductions, benefits (toeslagen), health insurance contributions, and your personal situation. Use this result as a guideline when setting your rate, not as a definitive tax calculation. For tailored advice, always consult a bookkeeper, tax advisor, or the Belastingdienst.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good hourly rate for a freelancer in the Netherlands in 2026?
It depends on your trade, experience and costs, but don't use your old gross salary per hour. As a freelancer you pay your own pension, insurance, holidays and non-billable time. This tool works back from your target net income to a realistic hourly rate.
How many billable hours does a freelancer have per year?
Count on 1,000 to 1,200 billable hours per year, not 40 hours × 52 weeks. A big share of your time goes to acquisition, admin and time off. Assume too many billable hours and you'll set your rate too low.
Do I add VAT on top of my hourly rate?
Yes. Your hourly rate is excluding VAT; usually 21% VAT is added on the invoice. Always calculate your rate on amounts excluding VAT — the VAT is for the Belastingdienst, not for you.
Other free tools for freelancers
Disability insurance (AOV)
How much monthly benefit do you need to insure, and do your savings survive the waiting period?
Liability cover check
AVB or BAV? Tick your situation and see which liability cover fits the work you actually do.
Invoice generator
Create an invoice that meets every Dutch legal requirement in a minute, and download it as a PDF.