False self employment is not only a freelancer problem. The client company carries joint liability if the ONSS re classifies a freelance relationship as a disguised employment contract.
What it means for companies
If the working reality of a freelance contract looks like an employment, the ONSS can demand retroactive social contributions from the company that benefited from the work, plus interest and fines.
Risk factors checklist
- Freelancer on site full time for months
- Single client for most or all of the freelancer s revenue
- Use of client equipment, badge and email
- Daily supervision by a manager
- Fixed working hours imposed
- Freelancer integrated into internal org chart
Consequences
- Back ONSS contributions up to 7 years
- Default interest of 7% per year
- Administrative fines
- Reputational damage if reported publicly
The clean solution
Engaging the consultant through BSH umbrella payroll converts the relationship into a clean B2B service contract with an employer of record. The consultant is an employee, not a freelancer, and the risk disappears.
How umbrella payroll removes the risk
You sign one contract with BSH, BSH employs the consultant under CP200, and your company is invoiced for services rendered. No freelance relationship, no re classification risk, full project flexibility.
This article is for informational purposes only. Consult a certified accountant for personalised fiscal advice.