Which SBI code do you need as a personal trainer?
Usually 85.51, sports and recreation education. If you run your own fitness space or studio, 93.13 sometimes fits better. Here you’ll find the difference, what changed in 2025 and how to change your code, with the official descriptions.
- 85.51 sports and recreation education: you give training or lessons yourself, at the client’s home, outdoors, online or in a gym.
- 93.13 activities of fitness centres: you operate your own fitness space or studio.
- Since September 2025 SBI 2025 applies. KVK converted the codes itself.
- You change your code through Mijn KVK.
85.51 or 93.13: the difference
The SBI is the Dutch version of the European NACE classification. The official notes draw the line exactly between the trainer and the facility:
| Code | Name (SBI 2025) | Fits |
|---|---|---|
| 85.51 | Sports and recreation education | Independent sports instructors, teachers and coaches. Also yoga, Pilates, swimming and martial arts instruction. |
| 93.13 | Activities of fitness centres | Fitness clubs and yoga, Pilates or tai chi studios, including the instruction the centre itself provides. |
| 93.12 | Activities of sports clubs | Training within a sports club. |
The notes for 93.13 say literally that sports instruction by an individual teacher or trainer does not fall under it, but under 85.51 (NACE Rev. 2.1). If you train clients in a gym you don’t own, it stays 85.51.
What changed in 2025?
KVK switched from SBI 2008 to SBI 2025 on the weekend of 6 and 7 September 2025. KVK updated the codes in the business register itself; you didn’t have to do anything (CBS). Some codes were split, though. Yoga teachers, for example, got 85510 (sports and recreation education), while yoga studios moved to 93130 (fitness centres) (Yoga Nederland). So check your extract to see whether your code still fits what you do.
KVK often writes the codes without dots. 85.51 then appears in your extract as 85510, 93.13 as 93130.
How do you get your code?
- When you register. You describe your activities and a KVK employee decides the code together with you (KVK). Registering costs a one-off €85.15 (KVK, October 2026).
- Main and secondary activity. You get a code for your main activity. If you also do something very different, such as a web shop, that gets its own code.
- Propose it yourself. You may propose a code; KVK only accepts it if it fits (Ondernemersplein).
- Change it later through Mijn KVK.
Why it matters
Your SBI code is more than a number. According to KVK it can decide whether you get a permit or government support and whether you must build up a pension. Banks look at it when you apply for a loan. A code that doesn’t fit can therefore cost you a subsidy or permit.
Starting as a trainer
Your SBI code is one step. The other steps, from VAT to insurance, are in becoming a self-employed personal trainer. On Gymies you create a profile for any sport, set your own rate and Gymies invoices your clients on your behalf. More about Gymies for trainers
Frequently asked questions
Which SBI code does a personal trainer have?
Usually 85.51, sports and recreation education. According to the official notes it covers professional sports instructors, teachers and coaches. In the Dutch business register the code often appears as 85510.
When do I get 93.13, activities of fitness centres?
When you operate your own fitness space or studio where clients come to train, such as a fitness club or a yoga or Pilates studio. Instruction given by such a centre falls under 93.13. Instruction by an independent trainer falls under 85.51.
Did my SBI code change in 2025?
Possibly. KVK switched to SBI 2025 on the weekend of 6 and 7 September 2025 and updated the codes in the business register itself. You didn’t have to do anything, but do check whether your code still fits.
How do I change my SBI code?
Through Mijn KVK you update your business activities. You can propose a code yourself; KVK only accepts it if it fits what you do.
Why does the SBI code matter?
KVK says your code can decide whether you get a permit or government support and whether you must build up a pension. Banks also look at it when you apply for a loan.
Sources
- CBS, SBI 2025 structure (2026 version, Excel)
- CBS, NACE Rev. 2.1: structure and explanatory notes (PDF)
- CBS, When do CBS and KVK switch to SBI 2025? (Dutch)
- KVK, Zo krijg je de juiste SBI-code voor je bedrijf (15 June 2026, Dutch)
- Ondernemersplein, SBI-code krijgen, opzoeken en wijzigen (Dutch)
- Yoga Nederland, Wijziging SBI-codes voor yogadocenten (Dutch)