# Netherlands Zelfstandigenwet legislation proposal > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-zelfstandigenwet-legislation-proposal > Updated: 2026-10-07T05:18:11.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The Dutch government has proposed the Zelfstandigenwet (Self-employed Act), with a planned implementation date of January 1, 2028. The legislation aims to provide legal certainty for self-employed professionals (zzp’ers) and their clients by establishing clear frameworks for labor relationships through independence and work relationship tests. A central feature of the proposal is a ‘safe harbor’ (veilige haven) mechanism. Under this rule, individuals who meet specific legal criteria for independence would be protected from the risk of having their status retroactively reclassified as employees. To qualify as an independent entrepreneur, individuals must have the freedom to organize their work and manage their own entrepreneurial risks, such as financial buffers for illness and retirement. Following the proposal, a poll by Knab of 1,068 respondents indicated significant opposition among self-employed professionals, with 53 percent stating they would vote against the bill. Concerns center on the ‘safe harbor’ requirements, which include needing at least three clients in the current and previous calendar year. Critics and experts fear that companies may mandate these criteria to avoid legal risks, potentially excluding specialists in sectors like ICT and media who often work with fewer clients. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-07: Dutch freelancers oppose proposed Zelfstandigenwet legislation A Knab poll shows 53% of Dutch self-employed professionals oppose the proposed Zelfstandigenwet, fearing the new ‘safe harbor’ rules will become mandatory hiring requirements. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dutch-freelancers-oppose-proposed-zelfstandigenwet-legislation ### 2026-09-15: Netherlands plans Zelfstandigenwet implementation for 2028 The Dutch government plans to introduce the Zelfstandigenwet on January 1, 2028, to provide a ‘safe harbor’ and legal clarity for self-employed professionals and their clients. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-plans-zelfstandigenwet-implementation-for-2028 --- Cite as: Netherlands Zelfstandigenwet legislation proposal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-zelfstandigenwet-legislation-proposal