Objective Definition Mandatory

Objective definition mandatory as of July 1, 2025

When hiring a self-employed worker, it is crucial that the assignment is clearly defined and delimited. This means that both the client and the self-employed professional know exactly what is expected from each other and when the assignment is considered complete. The SNA quality mark will reflect this through interpretation reports 2024-007 and 2025-004, which will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Why Define Assignments?

A defined assignment for a self-employed worker is a clearly described task or project in which the self-employed person delivers a specific result within an agreed timeframe. The assignment is temporary in nature and does not involve a hierarchical relationship; the self-employed individual has the freedom to decide independently how the work is carried out. The goal is to deliver a concrete end product or service, with full responsibility for execution and outcome resting with the self-employed professional.

A defined assignment differs from an employment relationship by focusing on the end result and the independence of the contractor. In the case of a contract for work, a tangible product or completed work is delivered. Defining the assignment ensures mutual understanding and prevents ambiguities during the collaboration.

Additionally, it is essential that the nature of the work for which the self-employed person is hired aligns with the expertise under which they operate as an independent entrepreneur. This not only contributes to quality execution but also ensures the collaboration is both professional and legally compliant.

As a company, you must also demonstrate that appropriate control measures have been taken to ensure that work is carried out according to the agreement with the self-employed worker. This is important not only for a smooth collaboration but also to avoid any legal risks. Want to know more about avoiding legal risks involving self-employed workers? Read our article on preventing false self-employment.

What Must Be Documented?

The assignment must be demonstrably defined in writing. This applies to both:

Contracts for services (Art. 7:400 Dutch Civil Code) – for services without a tangible end product, such as consulting or design. Objective definition may be demonstrated through, for example:

• an agreed start and end date of the assignment;

• a clear description of the tasks to be performed;

• a result obligation, such as a report or presentation to be delivered.

Contracts for work (Art. 7:750 Dutch Civil Code) – for work with a tangible result, such as construction or installation projects. Objective definition here is based on:

• a description of the tangible work;

• concrete delivery agreements (what will be physically produced or completed?).

In Summary

• Ensure clear definition and delimitation of the assignment, with a defined start and end.

• Define the end through time, an end date, a deliverable, or a completed product.

• Ensure the work matches the expertise of the self-employed worker.

• Implement appropriate control measures to ensure compliance with the agreements.