Dutch law, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Terms you meet in an actual letter but cannot find here? Ask us on a free call.