Becoming a freelance developer (based in the Netherlands)

First let’s clarify, this guide is NOT meant for junior/starting/trainee developers.

The intented reader is an IT professional wanting to transition into being a freelancer. Which will provide more freedom (to move abroad) and ability to buy tax deductable (e.g. development toys/gear).

01 Registering company

1. Company name & domain name
2. List of activities, denoted in SBI codes

3. KVK

   SBI-code: 6202 - Advisering en ondersteuning op het gebied van informatietechnologie
   SBI-code: 6201 - Ontwikkelen, produceren en uitgeven van software
   SBI-code: 6209 - Overige dienstverlenende activiteiten op het gebied van 
   informatietechnologie
   SBI-code: 6311 - Gegevensverwerking, webhosting en aanverwante activiteiten
   SBI-code: 72192 - Technisch speur- en ontwikkelingswerk
   

02 Setting up company

• slick resume
• get a bank account on the name of your company (not on your personal name) since some companies demand this
  • The free business account of Revolut allows registering on company name and comes with a Visa card
  • The free business account of N26 is on personal name and comes with a Maestro card
• beroeps & bedrijfsaansprakelijkheids verzekering (I have it from Markel via a broker)
• check other sources as well

Not needed

• Bookkeeping system, don’t waste time on this when starting, this comes after you’ve landed your first gig
• Invoice template; since this might be done by your broker (e.g. Brainnet)
• Website; focus on a good resume/linkedin instead, but do register your domain name

03 Getting hired

Recruiters

Recruiters add value in some cases, but in my case they usually are a MITM. Examples when a recuiter might add value;

• First freelance assignment and are socially awkward
• you’re scarce (e.g. specific skills like Cobol)
• you’re hard to sell
• you’re introverted
• you’re not a self starter (please stop reading, don’t be an entrepreneur)
• you’re too lazy to make a slick resume

Why I prefer to find an assignment on an online platform;

• I don’t want a recruiter to change my resume when sending it out
• I don’t like recruiters emailing/calling me constantly; I prefer pull vs. push messages
• The 10-20% cut they take, I prefer to receive
• Recruiters lied (gave incorrect info) to me in multiple occasions (sellers just want to sell)
• When I apply, I feel more in control
• Direct communications, not via (an extra) intermediate

Vacancy brokers

I’ve only used Brainnet and Headfirst up until now, so I cannot comment on the others.

• brainnet (2.5eu overhead per worked hour)
• headfirst (3eu overhead per worked hour)
• itstaffings
• harvey nash
• yacht
• Sweden