Self-Employed Borrowing in the Netherlands Jumps 30% in 2025 Amid Stricter Tax Oversight

The number of loans taken out by self-employed workers in the Netherlands has surged by 30% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, alongside a sharp rise in average loan amounts. The increase coincides with tighter tax enforcement on self-employment status and more lenders offering personal loans tailored to independent entrepreneurs.
Data shows the average loan amount requested by self-employed individuals climbed from €19,000 in 2024 to over €29,000 in early 2025. Since January, the Dutch Tax Authority has intensified checks to ensure workers classified as self-employed meet legal criteria, with inspections targeting both companies and individuals.
Experts attribute the borrowing spike to a shift in the self-employed population, with those meeting official criteria often earning higher incomes, boosting their borrowing capacity. Additionally, the introduction of personal loan products specifically for entrepreneurs has increased acceptance rates, making credit more accessible for this group.
Despite the growth in lending, borrowing as a self-employed worker remains more challenging than for salaried employees, with higher interest rates and stricter requirements, including proof of several years of business operation.