Starting out as a self-employed professional
Ready to take a big step in your career? Put your expertise and passion to work in your own business. On this page, you’ll discover what you need to get off to a strong start as a self-employed professional – with maximum protection for your health and your finances.
.svg/.2021-12-23-13-45-59)
Get your paperwork in order
Here’s how to set up your business step by step as a self-employed professional.
Look for a reliable accountant who thinks along with you, helps you draw up a financial plan and supports you with sound advice as you get started. You’ll need to make important decisions now, such as choosing the right type of business structure, applying for your company and VAT number, and registering with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises.
- Starting as a sole trader? Our partner PIA Go! comes highly recommended. It’s an accounting environment tailored to start-ups and sole traders. You can count on personal support from PIA accountants, a user-friendly dashboard and a handy app.
- Thinking bigger and planning to set up a limited company? Helan partner PIA Group will gladly match you with one of over 70 PIA offices across the Benelux to find the accountant who fits your needs. You can rely on personal accountancy and business advice from local experts who truly understand you and your business.
As a self-employed professional, you need to officially register your business and obtain a company number. To arrange this, you can contact a business counter. The experts at Xerius business counter will register you with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises, activate your company number as a VAT number, arrange your affiliation as a self-employed professional and support you with any further administration. You can submit your application at a Xerius office near you or online.
Before you start working as a self-employed professional, you are legally required to join a social insurance fund. Through your social insurance fund, you pay quarterly social security contributions. As long as you pay these on time, you are entitled to reimbursement of medical expenses. Your pension accrual and the payment of child benefits (formerly known as child allowance) are also directly linked to your social contributions.
Your social insurance fund will automatically send your proof of affiliation, the ‘certificate of commencement of activity’, to Helan Health Insurance.
TIP! Self-employed mums receive 105 service vouchers from their social insurance fund when their baby is born. You can of course use these with Helan Household Help.
Don’t have a health insurance fund yet?
If you’re starting out as a self-employed professional, you are legally required to join a health insurance fund. Helan is the right choice for you as a self-employed professional. As your health insurance fund, we arrange the reimbursement of your medical expenses, for example when you visit your GP, dentist or physiotherapist. We’re also your point of contact if you’re temporarily unable to work due to illness or an accident. In that case, you may be entitled to an income replacement benefit. On top of that, Helan offers a wide range of extra services and advantages. You can also choose additional cover, such as Dental insurance or Hospitalisation insurance.
Already a Helan customer and becoming self-employed?
We’ll automatically be notified once you’ve officially registered as self-employed. Still, it’s a good idea to review your insurance policies with us. We’re happy to offer you personal advice on Hospitalisation insurance or Dental insurance.
Count on Helan Health Insurance
Fast, flexible and personal
We handle your reimbursements quickly, and with My Helan you can easily keep track of your file. Need advice? Book a video call with one of our experts at a time that suits you.
A wide range of extra advantages
Save on your health and wellbeing with discounts on glasses and contact lenses, your gym membership, fast and affordable psychological support, and so much more.
More than just a health insurance fund
With Helan, you benefit from so much more to support your comfort, wellbeing and health. Think childcare and holiday camps, household help, or a childminder if your little one falls ill.
Benieuwd hoeveel jij kan
besparen bij Helan?
Make sure you’re fully insured
In addition to the basic cover provided by your health insurance fund, as a self-employed professional it’s wise to choose extra peace of mind with the right insurance policies:
- Hospitalisation insurance: covers your costs in the event of a hospital stay, including day admission or major surgery.
- Dental insurance: protecting yourself against high dental bills is no luxury. Dentalia Up via Helan offers excellent cover with great value for money.
Helan for self-employed professionals
Already affiliated with Helan and looking for more information? We’ve gathered all the essential details for you as a self-employed professional in one clear overview. Click through to discover what you’re entitled to through your health insurance fund, what to do if you’re unable to work due to illness, which insurance policies you may need, and how Helan can make life easier for you as a self-employed professional.