Increase in closures across all sectors
In Q1 2025, 60,964 Dutch businesses ceased operations – a 37% increase compared to 44,590 closures in the same quarter of the previous year. The largest increases were seen in the Agriculture and Horticulture (+90%), Healthcare (+72%), and Construction (+50%) sectors. Notably, this growth occurred across all sectors.
Self-employed individuals accounted for 73% of the closures, but businesses with employees also ceased to exist. Remarkably, the number of bankruptcies slightly declined: from 1,003 in Q1 2024 to 892 in Q1 2025.
According to special professor and entrepreneur Josette Dijkhuizen, the rise can partly be explained by external pressures: “High energy costs, uncertain regulations, and the ongoing labor shortage are causing even healthy businesses to struggle. Aging is also a factor: many self-employed individuals retire or switch to salaried employment. It is concerning that businesses are shutting down even though they are financially sound.”
Many entrepreneurs seeking help with closing
The CoC is seeing an increase in entrepreneurs seeking assistance with winding down their businesses. “Closing down is part of entrepreneurship, but it’s often a complex and emotional process,” says business advisor Gé Gijsen. “Many entrepreneurs think deregistering from the CoC is enough, but they forget this can have immediate consequences, such as freezing the business bank account. The correct sequence of steps is crucial.”
Questions the CoC receives range from tax and administrative issues to personnel matters and terminating ongoing contracts.
Sharp decline in new businesses
The number of new business establishments in Q1 2025 totaled 60,448 – a 17% decline, marking the sharpest drop in ten years. Yet, a noteworthy shift is taking place: the number of newly established private limited companies (BVs) rose by 25%. This may be due to stricter checks on false self-employment and the upcoming mandatory disability insurance for self-employed individuals.
Dijkhuizen highlights specific sectors where the decline is most severe: “We’re seeing the steepest drops in healthcare, logistics, and agriculture and horticulture. Uncertainty around hiring freelancers plays a role here, as do unclear prospects in the agricultural sector. The shrinking livestock population, in particular, is discouraging new entrepreneurs.”
Source: Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
Photo: Shutterstock
