Many starting entrepreneurs in the beauty industry wonder whether they need to register with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK). Maybe you cut friends' or family's hair, or do a makeup job for a small fee. Are you already an entrepreneur then? And when is registration mandatory? In this article we explain it clearly.
When do you need to register with the KVK?
According to the KVK, you're an entrepreneur if you regularly and structurally perform independent work with a view to profit. The Tax Office looks at a few important criteria:
Regularity – Do you do it regularly or only occasionally as a hobby? One haircut per month for your neighbor is different from multiple clients every week.
Profit motive – Do you earn more than just covering your costs? As soon as you structurally make profit, you're an entrepreneur in the eyes of the law.
Independence – Do you have multiple clients and determine yourself how, when, and for whom you work?
External presentation – Do you present yourself as an entrepreneur, for example via Instagram or your own website?
If you meet several of these points, you're an entrepreneur according to the law and must register with the KVK.
When don't you need to register?
If you work purely occasionally—for example a haircut for a neighbor or a makeup job for a friend—then KVK registration is usually not necessary. This is seen as hobby work or doing a favor for friends.
Also if you only work within your immediate circle of acquaintances and don't pursue profit, you're not an entrepreneur in the legal sense.
When should you register?
As soon as you seriously start attracting clients outside your immediate circle, things change. Think of situations where you:
Promote yourself via Instagram, TikTok, or your own website. Have fixed prices for your treatments. Have returning clients who aren't part of your friends or family circle. Offer bridal makeup or other paid services to strangers.
In all these cases you're an entrepreneur and must register with the KVK. This costs €75 one-time and is arranged within an hour.
The gray area: to register or not
Sometimes it's not black and white. You might have just started and don't know if it will work out yet. Or you work part-time alongside another job and want to see if there's enough demand first.
In those cases it's best to call the KVK. They can advise based on your situation whether registration is necessary. Better to check beforehand than have a problem afterward.
Tax return: even without KVK registration
Note: even if you're not registered with the KVK, you must always declare income from jobs with the Tax Office. These fall under "income from other work" in your income tax return.
Working under the table can lead to a fine, so always be transparent about what you earn.
Benefits of KVK registration
It might sound like hassle, but there are significant benefits to registering as a sole proprietorship:
Deduct business expenses – Your equipment, products, and part of your housing costs (with a home salon) can be deducted from your profit.
Self-employed person's deduction – If you meet the hours criterion (1,225 hours per year), you get a substantial tax reduction.
Starter's deduction – The first three years you get extra reduction on top of the self-employed person's deduction.
Small business scheme (KOR) – With revenue under €20,000 per year you don't have to charge VAT to clients. Read more about the benefits of the KOR.
More professional appearance – With a KVK number you come across more seriously to clients and can purchase from wholesalers.
How do you register with the KVK?
You register via kvk.nl. You make an appointment online, fill in your details, and visit a KVK office for identification. Within a week you have your KVK number and can officially start.
You need: a valid ID, your name and address details, and a description of your activities (for example "beauty specialist" or "hair salon").
Conclusion
If you truly occasionally do a job within your circle of acquaintances and earn little, you usually don't need to register with the KVK. But as soon as you seriously start entrepreneurship—attracting clients, promoting yourself, having fixed prices—registration is mandatory and beneficial.
In doubt? Call the KVK or Tax Office. They're happy to help you.
Organize your salon with Bookura
Whether you're registered with the KVK or not, professionalism is always possible. Want to organize your appointments and administration neatly? Bookura helps you with this. You easily schedule appointments via your own booking page, manage payments, and keep everything in one place. And if you decide to take the step to an official salon, Bookura grows with you.
Considering a home salon? Also read what you need to arrange for that.
