Freelancing as a student? It's possible!

Do you occasionally design posters for the local youth movement? Do you sometimes create websites and be the point of contact for all your friends' photoshop work? Then a career as a freelancer might be for you.

Below, we take you through the various steps you need to take to get started as a student freelancer. Curious? Read more 👇

What do you want to do as a student freelancer?

Before you start working as a student freelancer, it is very important to determine what services you will offer. In short, what can you do well and what can people come to you for.

What can help is to make a list of all the skills and tools you possess. What are you a crack at and where do people ask for your help?

What things should you take care of before starting up as a student freelancer?

Okay, you now know what industry you are going to freelance in. The next step involves some paperwork but not to fear, we are happy to guide you through it!

Requesting a business number

First, you must apply for a company number. You do this by registering with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE). A company number ensures that government agencies, suppliers and customers can identify your company.

You will also need a VAT number. Your company number is the same as your VAT number. Only the latter is preceded by a BE.

Joining a social insurance fund

Have you received your company number? Then you can join a social insurance fund (such as Liantis). This is mandatory for any business, including student freelancers.

When you register, you must be able to present a certificate from your educational institution. This must state that you are registered for at least 27 credits or that you have at least 17 teaching hours per week.

How much will you charge for your services?

All your paperwork taken care of, it's time to think about your freelance rate. How much will you charge for your services?

Experience is one of the most important factors in determining your fee. If you can code like no other, you can obviously charge more than if you can only do the basics.

The industry average can be a good starting point to determine your fee. But determining a correct fee that fits your profile requires extensive thinking.

Read here How to calculate your freelance rate.

Please note: If your income is more than €7,329.21 you will social contributions have to pay. So keep this in mind when you set your rate.

How do you find your first assignments as a student freelancer?

Behold! Everything is ready to start as a freelancer but now where do you find your first assignments?

Word of mouth

Tell your friends and family that you have started freelancing and let them be your sounding board. You can often find a lot of projects this way.

After a project is completed, you can also always ask if the client was satisfied with your work.

Social media

Social media are very important here. Through your channels, potential customers can look you up quickly. It's also a great way to showcase your work!

One of the most important channels is LinkedIn, the platform for professionals. Do you want to be found? Then make sure you have a strong profile!

Matchmaking agencies

Have you tried everything but the orders are still not flowing in? Then sign up for free at the matching platform from GiGHOUSE. GIGHOUSE has lots of assignments for starting freelancers,. You are sure to find one for you.

Take a quick look at the open vacancies at GiGHOUSE!

Tips & tricks for beginning student freelancers

Need extra help getting started as a student freelancer?

Often educational institutions have contacts who can help you get started. So be sure to ask your school if they can help you, it will make the startup process a little easier.

What if I graduate?

When you graduate, you can just keep freelancing You are automatically self-employed in your main job if you don't already have another job.

Are you going to work as an employee after your studies? Then your status must be changed from student self-employed to self-employed in a secondary occupation.

What about my accounting?

As a student freelancer, do you also need to keep accounts?

The answer to this is no. Bookkeeping is not required if you set up a sole proprietorship as a student.

It is very helpful to keep a record of your company's financial situation, though.

Important to remember, though, is that you will have to file your taxes every year. You didn't have to do that before. You can easily fill in your taxes online via myminfin.be

Sources:

https://www.ondernemendeschool.be/hoger-onderwijs/step/meer-info-studenten
https://www.vlaanderen.be/student-zelfstandige#voorwaarden
https://www.vlaio.be/nl/begeleiding-advies/start/je-statuut-als-zelfstandige/statuut-van-student-zelfstandige
https://www.rsvz.be/nl/news/nieuw-statuut-voor-de-student-zelfstandige
https://student-inhuren.nl/als-student-werken-op-freelance-basis/
https://www.liantis.be/nl/zelfstandig-worden/startvoorwaarden/student-zelfstandige
https://www.unizo.be/advies/kan-je-een-zelfstandige-activiteit-starten-als-student
https://www.belgium.be/nl/belastingen/btw/btw-plichtig_zijn
https://financien.belgium.be/nl/ondernemingen/btw/aangifte/aanvang-wijziging-einde-activiteit
https://www.partena-professional.be/nl/nieuws/ondernemingsnummer-btw-nummer-wat-het-verschil