Becoming a self-employed personal trainer in the Netherlands: 7 steps
From registering with the KVK to your first regular clients. With the 2026 figures and a source for every number. Also applies to padel, swimming, yoga or boxing trainers.
- Personal trainer is not a protected title: no diploma is required.
- Registering with the KVK costs a one-off €85.15.
- You usually charge 21% VAT; below €20,000 turnover a year the KOR is possible.
- In 2026: self-employed deduction €1,200, starter deduction €2,123, with at least 1,225 hours a year.
Can anyone become a personal trainer?
Yes. In the Netherlands anyone may call themselves a personal trainer, even without training (NH Nieuws). That also means clients have to decide for themselves whom to trust. A recognised qualification, experience you can show and good reviews make the difference.
Step 1: register with the KVK
If you work as a freelancer, you register your business with the KVK (Chamber of Commerce), usually as a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak). It costs a one-off €85.15 (KVK, October 2026). If you only do it now and then and earn little from it, the KVK sees it as a hobby and you do not register. Note: being registered with the KVK does not automatically mean the tax office sees you as an entrepreneur for income tax. That depends on things like your hours and your number of clients.
Step 2: choose your VAT rate
- 21% for personal training, coaching and classes outdoors or at the client’s home.
- 9% only if you also provide the sports facility and access is included in your price.
- KOR: no VAT if your turnover excluding VAT is no more than €20,000 a year.
All details and examples: VAT for personal trainers.
Step 3: set your rate
Clients usually pay a freelance trainer €50 to €100 per hour (Trustoo, 2026). Don’t only look at the market; also work out what you need: VAT, your costs, holidays and the hours you don’t get paid for (travel, preparation, admin). The rate calculator works back to the rate you need for the amount you want to keep each month.
Step 4: arrange your insurance
As a freelancer you carry your own risks. Look at which insurance fits your work, for example liability insurance in case a client gets injured with you, and how you cover your income if you get ill yourself. Get a few quotes and read what is and isn’t covered.
Step 5: put your terms in writing
Agree in advance what happens if a client cancels late or doesn’t show up, and let clients pay in advance. It prevents awkward conversations afterwards. Read how in cancellation policy and no-shows.
Step 6: tax and deductions
For income tax there are deductions for entrepreneurs. The 2026 figures (KVK):
| Scheme | 2026 | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Self-employed deduction | €1,200 | At least 1,225 hours a year on your business |
| Starter deduction | €2,123 | On top of the self-employed deduction, up to 3 times in the first 5 years |
| SME profit exemption | 12.7% of your profit | If you are an entrepreneur for income tax |
| KOR (VAT) | No VAT | Turnover excluding VAT no more than €20,000 a year |
Set part of what you earn aside for tax every month. If you are unsure about your situation, ask an accountant. This article is an explanation, not tax advice.
Step 7: your first clients
First clients almost always come from your own network, from referrals and from Google Maps. Make sure people can find you and book straight away. Seven approaches that work in the Netherlands: finding clients as a personal trainer.
How Gymies helps
On Gymies you have your own profile where clients see your open times, book directly and pay in advance. Your cancellation rules are fixed and you are paid out every month on the first working day. That works for any sport. See Gymies for trainers
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a diploma to work as a personal trainer in the Netherlands?
No. Personal trainer is not a protected title in the Netherlands, and a diploma is not required (NH Nieuws). If you work as a freelancer, you register your business with the KVK.
What does KVK registration cost?
A one-off registration fee of €85.15 (KVK, October 2026). The amount is adjusted every year.
What do freelance personal trainers charge per hour?
Clients usually pay a freelance trainer €50 to €100 per hour (Trustoo, 2026). Beginners are at the lower end, specialists charge more.
Which tax benefits do freelance trainers get?
In 2026 the self-employed deduction (zelfstandigenaftrek) is €1,200 and the starter deduction €2,123, both only if you spend at least 1,225 hours a year on your business. There is also the SME profit exemption of 12.7% of your profit (KVK).
Do I charge VAT as a new trainer?
Usually 21%, and 9% only if you also provide the sports facility. If your turnover stays below €20,000 a year, you can use the KOR and charge no VAT.
Sources
- NH Nieuws, Forse stijging personal trainers: wie wil kan zich zo inschrijven (Dutch)
- KVK, Inschrijfvergoeding (read 16 October 2026, Dutch)
- KVK, Alles over belastingen voor starters (2026 figures, Dutch)
- KVK, Kleineondernemersregeling (KOR, Dutch)
- Trustoo, Wat kost een personal trainer? (updated 7 September 2026, Dutch)