Why verification is the future for freelancers

More than 200,000 freelancers are active in Belgium (SERV, 2024). That number grows every year. But how does a client know you're really who you say you are? And how do you stand out in a market where everyone calls themselves an expert? The answer is verification.

The problem: trust in an anonymous market

The freelance market runs on trust. Yet today there's no standard way for a freelancer to prove their identity is real, that their business actually exists, or that their references aren't made up. Clients have to blindly trust a LinkedIn profile or a CV that nobody checks.

This lack of transparency costs both sides time and money. Companies spend hours on screening. Freelancers lose projects to competitors who sell themselves better, but don't necessarily deliver better.

What does verification actually mean?

At Lancr, we work with Layers of Trust: three levels of verification that build your credibility step by step.

Layer 1 (Identity) verifies your identity via itsme and your business via the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (KBO). itsme is used by more than 7 million Belgians (itsme, 2024) and holds the highest European assurance level under the eIDAS regulation. This isn't a self-declaration, it's cryptographic proof that you are who you say you are.

Layer 2 (Reputation) adds references, skills and work experience, confirmed by previous clients and partners. Layer 3 (Certification) brings together certificates, insurance and documents for working internationally, such as A1 statements and Limosa declarations.

Why this matters to you as a freelancer

A verified profile is your digital handshake. It shows clients at a glance that you're trustworthy, without them having to dig for it themselves. The more you verify, the higher you rank in search results and the more often you get matched with relevant projects.

In sectors like IT, finance and consulting, where day rates climb above 800 euros (Connecting-Expertise Barometer, 2024), a verified badge can make the difference between getting selected or not.

The future is verified

Europe is going all in on digital identity with the eIDAS 2.0 regulation. The Flemish government has also extended its partnership with itsme until 2029 (Flemish Government, 2024). Verification isn't a trend, it's tomorrow's standard. Freelancers who act on this now build a lead that will be hard to catch up on later.

Sources: SERV Freelancer Monitor 2024; itsme annual report 2024; Connecting-Expertise Barometer 2024; Flemish Government.