The freelance world is in motion. New rules, new expectations, new opportunities. For both clients and freelancers, it's good to be aware of these trends so you can grow with them instead of being left behind.
1. Stricter supervision on sham self-employment and DBA law
In the Netherlands, the rules regarding sham self-employment have been more actively enforced since January 1, 2025.
For clients, this means: you have to be sharp about contract forms, assignment conditions, and how much control you actually exert.
For freelancers, it mainly means: certainty about how your work is structured, and that you know and comply with your obligations.
2. Specialization (niche skills) becomes increasingly important
Generic freelancers experience more competition; clients increasingly demand niche expertise, such as AI/ML, UX/UI design, cybersecurity, etc.
Freelancers who specialize can charge higher rates and work with clients who prefer quality over quantity.
3. Rate increases & cost awareness
In the Netherlands, most freelancers (about 63%) increased their hourly rate in 2024 in response to higher living and business costs. Source
Clients notice that good freelancers cost more, but they are also more often willing to pay higher rates if quality, reliability, and craftsmanship are present.
4. Digitization & automation of processes
E-invoicing and digital billing are becoming (increasingly) standard, especially in the EU context.
Tools that support the entire process — from assignment description, matching, contracts to billing — are gaining ground. Both clients and freelancers are looking for platforms that relieve this burden.
5. More young entrants & demographic shifts
In the Netherlands, the share of freelancers under 30 is growing. Young people increasingly choose flexibility, independent work, and projects instead of traditional permanent jobs. Source
At the same time, there are concerns about continuity, pensions, and securities.
6. Mental health & balance
Freelancing brings freedom, but also uncertainty, irregularity, and often a blurring of the line between work and private life.
More platforms offer support, protocols for clear expectations, and tools to manage workload.
7. Flexibility in collaboration (hybrid/project-based)
Companies combine permanent staff with freelance professionals per project to remain flexible in personnel and costs.
Freelancers increasingly work on a project basis, with multiple clients simultaneously.
Eleanor's role in these trends
Eleanor is in the mix of these developments. Some points where Eleanor aligns:
Invite-only & recommendations match the demand for specialization and quality. Clients get reliable profiles, and freelancers who position themselves well benefit from this.
Automated tools (contracts, administration) help with digitization and comply with regulations such as DBA/sham self-employment.
The collaboration with Rabobank can help provide clients with more financial security, which is important for growing teams or larger projects.
Eleanor’s structure can also be involved in mental health: clear agreements, transparency, and less administrative hassle.
Conclusion
Freelancing in 2025 is more than doing work you enjoy. It's about smart regulation, specializing, automating, taking care of your work-life balance, and engaging in reliable, transparent collaborations. This offers clients opportunities for better matches, more efficient processes, and less risk. For freelancers, it means more appreciation, better rates, and more control over your work.
Do you want to know how Eleanor specifically responds to these trends and how you can benefit from them? Discover more at www.eleanor.tech
