Nearly a fifth of freelancers face financial problems due to late payments
Almost half of Dutch freelancers face delayed payments, with some waiting a month or longer. Many rely on savings or borrow money to cover personal and business costs.
A survey by Knab of 600 freelancers found 48 percent experience late payments, averaging 18 days past the agreed term. In more than a sixth of cases, payments are delayed by a month or more. Since 2022, European regulations require invoices to be paid within 30 days unless otherwise agreed.
The survey also found 19 percent of freelancers sometimes face financial hardship due to late payments. Some use savings, skip personal pay, postpone bills, or borrow money.
Annemieke Verhoeff, a business coach, told AD, “I have a buffer and a partner with an income, but I really don’t want to use that when a client doesn’t pay on time. It’s not just business costs — it’s also my salary, our mortgage, and other fixed expenses.” Despite setting a 14-day payment term, Verhoeff’s invoices are usually a week late, sometimes longer. “Sending reminders is standard,” she said.
ZZP Nederland confirmed the problem is ongoing. “We see a steady stream of members reporting these issues,” a spokesperson said. Expert Martijn Pennekamp added, “Some freelancers take on financially unreliable clients, which can be avoided with a credit check.”
Freelancers relying heavily on a single long-term client are particularly vulnerable. “Those who let unpaid invoices accumulate often fear losing all income if they stop working for the client,” ZZP Nederland said.
