Dutch legal resources, decoded for internationals.

Aanmaning formal demand+

A written demand for payment or performance, usually with a deadline. Often the first formal step before a claim goes to court.

Advocaat lawyer, bar-registered+

A lawyer registered with the Netherlands Bar. Bound by professional rules, insured, and able to represent you in court. Not the same as a jurist.

Bedenktijd reflection period+

The statutory window in which you can withdraw from a signed settlement agreement without giving a reason. Fourteen days, or three weeks if the agreement fails to mention the right.

Beroep appeal+

An appeal to the court against a decision, typically after an objection has already been rejected. Subject to strict deadlines.

Bezwaar objection+

A formal objection lodged with the authority that made a decision, such as the IND. Usually due within four weeks of the decision date.

Borgsom rental deposit+

The security deposit paid to a landlord at the start of a tenancy. Capped at two months of basic rent since July 2023.

CAO collective labour agreement+

A sector or company-wide agreement setting pay, hours, notice periods and conditions. It can override the statutory default in your favour.

Eigen bijdrage own contribution+

Your fixed contribution towards subsidised legal aid, set by income bracket rather than by the hours your lawyer works.

Gesubsidieerde rechtsbijstand subsidised legal aid+

The Dutch legal aid system. The state pays most of your lawyer's fee and you pay only the eigen bijdrage. Means-tested, and open to foreign residents.

Gezinshereniging family reunification+

The procedure for bringing a partner or family member to live with you in the Netherlands. Income, housing and relationship evidence all apply.

Huurcommissie Rent Tribunal+

The body that rules on disputes over rent levels, service charges and maintenance. Cheaper and faster than court, with limited jurisdiction.

Huurverhoging rent increase+

An increase in rent. Capped annually, requires proper notice, and can be challenged if it exceeds what the law allows.

IND Immigration and Naturalisation Service+

The Dutch authority handling residence permits, visas, naturalisation and asylum. Its letters routinely contain hard deadlines.

Juridisch Loket legal counter+

A government-funded service giving free basic legal information and referrals into the legal aid system. Orientation, not representation.

Kale huur basic rent+

Rent excluding service charges and utilities. It is the figure the two-month deposit cap is calculated from.

Kennismigrant highly skilled migrant+

A foreign worker admitted through a fast-track route based on a salary threshold and employment by an IND-recognised sponsor.

Nederlandse Orde van Advocaten Netherlands Bar+

The professional body for Dutch lawyers. It maintains the public register you can use to verify that someone is genuinely an advocaat.

Normale slijtage normal wear and tear+

Deterioration from ordinary use: faded paint, minor scuffs, worn carpet. A landlord cannot lawfully deduct for it.

Oplevering handover+

The move-out handover of a rented property. Where most deposit disputes are decided, which is why the inspection report matters.

Peiljaar reference year+

The income year used to assess legal aid eligibility, normally two years before the application. A sharp drop in income since then can be grounds for reassessment.

Rechtsbijstandverzekering legal expenses insurance+

Insurance covering legal costs, often bundled with home or liability cover. Many people hold it without realising. Most policies exclude matters that started before the policy did.

Schijnzelfstandigheid bogus self-employment+

Being formally a freelancer while working under conditions that legally amount to employment. It can entitle you to employee protections and back payments.

Sociale huur regulated tenancy+

Rent-regulated housing with capped rent and stronger tenant protections, as opposed to the liberalised vrije sector.

Toevoeging legal aid grant+

The formal grant of subsidised legal aid for a specific case. Your lawyer applies for it on your behalf.

Transitievergoeding transition payment+

Statutory severance: one third of a month of salary per year of service, counted from your first working day. A statutory maximum applies.

UWV Employee Insurance Agency+

The body that administers unemployment and disability benefits, and whose permission an employer needs for certain dismissals.

Vaststellingsovereenkomst settlement agreement (VSO)+

An agreement ending employment by mutual consent instead of dismissal. Its wording affects your unemployment benefit position, so it is worth checking before signing.

Verblijfsvergunning residence permit+

The permit allowing you to live in the Netherlands. Issued by the IND, with conditions attached to its type.

Verjaring limitation period+

The deadline after which a legal claim can no longer be brought. Waiting too long can end a valid claim, including a deposit claim.

Vrije sector liberalised tenancy+

Private-sector rental housing above the regulated rent threshold. Fewer rent controls than sociale huur, but core tenant protections still apply.

Wet goed verhuurderschap Good Landlordship Act+

The 2023 law setting rules for landlord conduct, including the two-month deposit cap and the 14 and 30 day deadlines for returning a deposit.

ZZP self-employed without staff+

A freelancer or sole trader with no employees. Common in the Netherlands, and the status at the centre of most schijnzelfstandigheid disputes.

Seen a term in a letter that is not listed here? Ask us on a free call.