Who it's for

As a software developer working as a light entrepreneur, here's how it works: you agree on an assignment directly with a client or consulting firm, do the work, and invoice the hours through the Truster app without needing your own Business ID (Y-tunnus). Truster handles invoicing, withholding tax, and statutory filings, and your pay lands in your account. The model works for both side-freelancing alongside a salaried job and full-time work.

#Assignments and pricing for freelance developers

Typical assignments include web and mobile app development, integrations and APIs, automation scripts, continued development of existing systems, and technical consulting. Many developers work as subcontractors for consulting firms or software houses on longer engagements, while others take on scoped projects directly for small businesses and startups.

An hourly rate is the most common pricing model in the field, and invoicing is typically done once a month, in arrears, based on hours worked. For scoped projects, such as a single integration or an MVP, a fixed project price can work better, as long as the scope is clearly defined. Keep your time tracking up to date and attach an itemized breakdown to the invoice: it speeds up the client's approval and payment.

For long-term engagements, monthly invoicing creates a steady rhythm: you log your hours, create an invoice at the end of the month, and Truster takes care of the rest. HetiPalkka pays out your wages even before the invoice due date, so long payment terms from business clients won't disrupt your own finances.

#Equipment, tools and cloud services as expenses

A developer's expenses are typically modest: a powerful computer and extra monitors, subscriptions for development tools and services, usage fees for cloud services used in test and demo environments, professional literature and online courses, and any travel to client meetings. Log expenses and mileage in the Truster app, and they'll automatically be factored into your pay according to tax authority guidelines.

If your work becomes ongoing and your income grows, entrepreneur's pension insurance, known as YEL, may become relevant. The obligation depends on how long you've been working and your earned income: check the current thresholds with a pension insurance company or on the Vero (Finnish Tax Administration) website. Truster will guide you when the time comes.

#How much do you actually take home?

Truster's service fee is 3.99% of invoiced amounts or a flat €55/month. For a developer who invoices regularly, the flat monthly rate is often noticeably cheaper. After the service fee, withholding tax is deducted from your pay according to your tax card. VAT is generally added to the invoice, with a standard rate of 25.5%, and the client pays it on top of the invoice amount. Calculate your own situation at truster.com/laskurit.

Also compare the full picture: as a light entrepreneur, you don't need to pay separately for a bookkeeper, an accounting firm, or invoicing software, since everything is included in the service.

You can see the status of your invoices in real time in the app, and for overdue payments, Maksuvahti sends reminders on your behalf for €1.99/invoice. Large business clients can receive the invoice as an e-invoice, which streamlines their purchase invoice process. Time breakdowns, expenses and payslips all stay in one place, so the finances of your assignments are always up to date without separate spreadsheets.

#Light entrepreneurship or your own company for a developer?

Light entrepreneurship is the fastest way for a developer to start invoicing: download the app, create a free account, and send your first invoice as soon as today. There's no need to set up a company, and you don't have to handle bookkeeping or VAT filings yourself. This is a big advantage when you want to test the freelance market before making bigger decisions.

When subcontracting for consulting firms, you're sometimes asked whether you invoice through a company. Light entrepreneurship works well for most clients: Truster sends the invoice, and the client receives a proper invoice just like from any other company. Mention your invoicing method during contract negotiations to avoid surprises.

If you end up working full-time and your invoicing grows significantly, setting up your own limited company may eventually make sense from a tax perspective. Until then, light entrepreneurship minimizes administration and keeps you moving fast: you can take on a job today and invoice for it tomorrow.