16 April 2026
Transitioning from Employment to Freelance in the EU
Making the move from employed to self-employed in the EU requires careful preparation. This guide covers the legal, financial, and practical steps to do it right.
Leaving stable employment to freelance full-time requires preparation but is less complex than it seems. Register as self-employed with your national business registry before accepting your first invoice. Review your employment contract for non-compete clauses.
Ensure you have 3–6 months of living expenses saved before leaving. Your freelance rate must cover salary equivalent, employer social contributions, tools and overhead, and unpaid administrative time. A starting formula: target net income ÷ billable hours per year = minimum hourly rate, then add 30–40% for overhead.
Arbeitly covers core operational needs: invoicing, time tracking, client management, and CV building — from day one of independence.
Launch Your Freelance Business the Right Way
Arbeitly gives new freelancers everything needed to invoice, track time, and manage their business from day one.
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