Working as a student via an online platform

How does an online platform for students work?

As a platform worker, you work at times that suit you. This way, you can easily combine study and work. An online platform brings students and jobs together. You usually sign up for jobs via an app. You decide when you want to work and what you will do. Many platforms work with a rating system. Clients rate how you did the job. These ratings will appear with your profile.

To register with a platform, you often need a KVK number. You can register with the KVK if you meet the rules for entrepreneurship. If you do not, you can usually work via a platform without a KVK number. You then register with the Netherlands Tax Administration using the form Declaration start-up company (Opgaaf startende onderneming, in Dutch).

Am I allowed to work as an entrepreneur?

Foreign students in the Netherlands who have a valid student visa or residence permit can start a business alongside their studies. You do not need a work permit (TWV, tewerkstellingsvergunning in Dutch) from the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV). You only need a TWV if you work in paid employment. There is no legal limit to the number of hours you spend on your business. 

Making money via a platform

Compare different platforms. Make sure you know how the platform works and what the conditions are. For example, you see a request for serving staff at a cool event on the other side of the country. The platform often expects you to make your own travel arrangements and pay the travel costs yourself. You may also have to provide suitable clothing yourself.

Payment

As a platform worker, you receive an hourly fee. In some cases, you may negotiate this fee yourself. You are usually paid by the platform, not the clients. The platform will send an invoice to the client and handle the administrative side of things. Make sure you know what the platform does, and what you have to do.

Travel allowance for delivery

Do you deliver using your own bike, scooter or car? If so, you will usually also be reimbursed per kilometre.

Business risks

As a zzp'er, you run risks. For example, if you break a machine or cause damage with your delivery bike. As an entrepreneur, you have to pay for this yourself and it can cost you a lot of money. With insurance, you can protect yourself against these risks. You are often partially insured through the platform.

Check the following:

• Which insurances are covered by the platform
• What the insurance policies cover (what exactly are you insured for)?
• How high is the deductible (what amount do you always have to pay yourself)?

Then decide which risks you will arrange your own insurance for.

Some clients will only hire someone who has taken out business liability insurance. This insurance covers damages caused by you while working.

Example: a client works with expensive machinery. The fact that you are well insured is then an advantage when you ask for the job. The client can then be sure that the machine will be reimbursed if it breaks down because you accidentally used it wrongly. For you, the advantage is that you do not have to pay yourself if something goes wrong. 

Tax and benefits

The hourly wage on a platform often seems high. But remember that you still have to pay tax and a contribution to the Health Insurance Act on these amounts. This is different from working for a salaried business, where tax is deducted from your salary.

You pay:

• income tax
• turnover tax (VAT)
• Healthcare Insurance Act contribution

Calculate approximately how much tax you will have to pay so there are no surprises. See if the Small Business Scheme (KOR) is a smart choice. Are you taking part in the KOR? Let the platform know this so it will send an invoice without VAT to the client.

Tax return

You file your income tax return once a year. VAT returns must be filed every 3 months. File your VAT return on time or you will receive a fine.

This tutorial shows you in 3 minutes how to file your tax return.

Registering as an entrepreneur with KVK

To apply for a  KVK number, make an appointment online at a KVK office near you. Before visiting, fill in the online registration form. Log in with DigiD. Then come to the KVK appointment with a valid identity document. Registering costs money. You pay with a QR code via your mobile phone. After the payment,  you immediately receive your KVK number.

Choose a legal form

Do you meet the entrepreneurial criteria and want to register with KVK? Choose a legal structure first. Most students opt for the legal structure eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship). You can set up a sole proprietorship quickly and easily The disadvantage of the sole proprietorship is that you are personally liable for any financial problems your business may incur. Even after you quit, you are still responsible for any debts.

Watch the video Registering with KVK: how it works