The number of self‑employed individuals in the Netherlands has fallen for seven consecutive quarters. Each quarter shows a further decline in the total count of freelancers. The trend is linked to an increasing number of people leaving self‑employment or moving into regular employment. The change follows stricter inspections by the tax authority aimed at curbing false self‑employment. Authorities are focusing on cases where workers are classified as independent contractors without genuine autonomy. As a result, many former freelancers are choosing more secure salaried positions.