Wet DBA 2025: Stay compliant and strengthen your position as an HR and recruitment professional

The Deregulation of Assessment of Labor Relations Act (DBA) has raised questions among self-employed professionals and clients for years.

Starting in 2025, the rules will be tightened, which means more clarity as well as new opportunities.

What does this change mean for you as an independent HR or recruitment professional? In this blog you will read all about what the amended DBA Act means for you, how to stay compliant, and how you can use these changes to strengthen your position as an entrepreneur.

What will change with the DBA Act?

The DBA Act has been in effect since 2016 with the goal of preventing false self-employment and drawing a clear line between employees and the self-employed.

From January 2025, the Inland Revenue will enforce the law more actively, with a stronger focus on false self-employment.

For the self-employed, this means an extra step: you have to show that you are really operating as an entrepreneur and not as an employee.

Key points to watch out for:

1. Clear criteria for independence

‍TheInland Revenue not only looks at what is on paper, but especially at what is in practice.

You must be able to demonstrate that you are self-employed: you make your own decisions, bear risks, and have multiple clients.

2. Use of model agreements

‍Pre-approvedmodel agreements provide certainty, but only if the collaboration actually proceeds according to those agreements.

This shows that your partnership meets the DBA criteria, but only if the practice reflects this.

3. Stricter requirements for clients

‍ Clients should also make the distinction between self-employed and employees clear.

This offers self-employed workers an opportunity to show their value and differentiate themselves from employees.

Your benefit: Compliant and valuable to clients

The new enforcement offers independent HR and recruitment professionals an opportunity to raise their profile even higher.

With a smart approach, you can not only stay compliant, but also demonstrate that you add real value as an independent professional.

Here are four practical tips for being compliant and remaining attractive to clients.

1. Show entrepreneurship 💼

Show that you are more than just an expert; you are an independent entrepreneur. Work for multiple clients, build your own brand, and invest in your development. That way you are not only visible, but also unique and independent.

People& Tip: Build your entrepreneurial status by being visible in your field. A professional website, social media presence, or even your own blogs help reinforce your brand as an independent contractor. This makes you an attractive option for clients looking for true entrepreneurial spirit.

2. Use model agreements that fit your practice 📄

A model agreement that suits your specific working relationship with a client offers both of you security, provided the agreements are also observed in practice. A model agreement gives you both a foothold and ensures that you are on the same page about what self-employment means.

People& Tip: The power of a model agreement is in its compliance. If you work on projects with multiple clients, make sure each project supports your independent practice. This makes your compliance and your entrepreneurial position stronger.

3. Work with multiple clients 🌍

Working with different clients strengthens your entrepreneurship and gives you room to exploit new opportunities. This shows that your expertise is broadly applicable and that you are not dependent on one client.

People& Tip: A broad client base makes you more flexible and shows that you work independently. An extensive network offers not only opportunities for new projects, but also a strong position as an independent. Maintain your network actively and look for collaborations that take you further.

4. Focus on your added value as a self-employed person 💪

As an independent contractor, you are flexible, have proven knowledge, and can move quickly between projects. Show how your expertise, experience and entrepreneurship help clients achieve goals and meet challenges.

People& Tip: Communicate clearly what value you add as a self-employed person. Give examples of how your independence actually provides an advantage - such as your immediate employability, your broad experience, and your flexibility in approach.

Q&A: Practical questions and answers

How can I best strengthen my entrepreneurial status?

‍Demonstrateinitiative: work for multiple clients, invest in your development, and win new assignments independently. Also, make a professional appearance - think of a website or a strong brand on social media.

Is a model agreement required?

‍No, but it is smart. It gives clarity about the cooperation and provides security if you stick to the agreements made.

What if I work primarily for one client?

‍Ifyou work primarily for one client, make sure your independence is extra visible. Consider flexibility in your working hours, location, and approach. In addition, actively attracting new clients helps reinforce your independent status.

How do I stay attractive to clients?

‍Continueto invest in your expertise and entrepreneurial status. A broad client base, clear communication about your independent role, and a strong brand identity make you the ideal partner for clients.

People& helps you move forward

At People&, we see the DBA Act not only as a challenge, but also as an opportunity to strengthen your position as an independent HR and recruitment professional.

Our experts help you with practical advice and the right tools to position yourself compliant and distinctive. Ready to seize the opportunities of the new DBA Act? Get in touch with People& - we'd love to think with you about how to stay compliant and future-proof!

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