Initial Advice on All Legal Areas
Employment law, rental law, consumer law, family law, benefits law and debts. Expert first-line advice to help you move forward.
Official 2026 rates
Free legal advice and legal aid in the Netherlands
National first-line legal advice and subsidised legal assistance explained: income limits, personal contributions, and how to check if you qualify.
Quick overview
With one phone call or a visit to one of 30 walk-in offices, you receive an independent assessment and, if needed, referral to a subsidised lawyer or mediator. No waiting time, no appointment needed.
| Where to go | What you get | What you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Juridisch Loket (Legal Counter) | Free legal information by phone on 0800-8020 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:00) and online. Personal advice is for people with a low income and little savings. | Nothing |
| Law shop (rechtswinkel) | Free advice, often from law students. | Nothing |
| Subsidised lawyer | A lawyer paid mostly by the Legal Aid Board (Raad voor Rechtsbijstand). Only if your 2024 income was at most EUR 35,400 (single) or EUR 50,000 (with a partner or as a single parent) and your assets are within the limits below. | A personal contribution (eigen bijdrage) based on your income |
| FindLawyer | A match with an independent English-speaking lawyer. | The lawyer confirms their fee before you proceed. |
Have legal insurance (rechtsbijstandverzekering)? Check what it covers before you pay for a lawyer: legal insurance in the Netherlands.
Our services
Legal Counter (Juridisch Loket) is the national first-line service. FindLawyer helps you understand the rates and find a registered lawyer when you need one.
Screening & Triage
Determine whether you can handle the case yourself or qualify for subsidised legal aid from a lawyer.
Information & Template Letters
Access clear explanations and standard letters at juridischloket.nl. Download and adapt them to your situation.
Referral to Specialists
Direct referral to the right subsidised lawyer or mediator when your case becomes more complex.
Phone & In-Person Advice
Call 0800-8020 or visit one of 30 walk-in offices throughout the Netherlands. Always nearby.
100% Independent
Independent from law firms and mediators. Your interest comes first, with objective advice.
Who qualifies?
| Household type | Max annual income (1) 2026 | Max assets (2) 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Single person | EUR 35,400 | EUR 36,952 |
| Married / cohabiting | EUR 50,000 | EUR 73,904 |
| Single-parent family | EUR 50,000 | EUR 73,904 |
(1) Income = total gross annual income from all sources (based on 2024 tax year for 2026 eligibility).
(2) Assets = savings, investments and second home combined (Box 3 assets; primary residence excluded).
2026 income limits: Singles may earn up to EUR 35,400 and families up to EUR 50,000 (based on 2024 income) to qualify for subsidised legal aid. If you slightly exceed these limits, you still receive basic information and guidance on your options.
Personal contributions 2026
If you qualify for subsidised legal aid, you pay a personal contribution (eigen bijdrage) based on your 2024 income and household situation. The tables below show the applicable rates for lawyers and mediators in 2026.
Your personal contribution for a lawyer in 2026
| Your total income in 2024(I am currently single) | Your total income in 2024(Married, cohabiting or single parent) | Personal contributionSingle | Personal contributionFamily matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to EUR 25,200 | Up to EUR 35,000 | EUR 188 | EUR 379 |
| EUR 25,201 – 25,900 | EUR 35,001 – 36,200 | EUR 406 | EUR 474 |
| EUR 25,901 – 27,500 | EUR 36,201 – 37,900 | EUR 609 | EUR 678 |
| EUR 27,501 – 29,800 | EUR 37,901 – 42,400 | EUR 813 | EUR 881 |
| EUR 29,801 – 35,400 | EUR 42,401 – 50,000 | EUR 1,015 | EUR 1,051 |
| Exceeding EUR 35,400 | Exceeding EUR 50,000 | You cannot get legal aid | |
Good to know
- If you are in a Wsnp trajectory, an amicable debt relief trajectory or are personally bankrupt, you often pay the lowest personal contribution. It does not matter what your income or assets are.
- If your income is under attachment, you will pay the lowest personal contribution for your lawyer or mediator in many cases. This is a temporary arrangement.
- If your lawyer needs no more than 3 hours for your case, your lawyer will request a Light Advice Legal Aid (LAT). You will then pay a lower personal contribution.
Your personal contribution for a mediator in 2026
| Your total income in 2024(I am currently single) | Your total income in 2024(Married, cohabiting or single parent) | Personal contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Up to EUR 25,200 | Up to EUR 35,000 | EUR 69 |
| EUR 25,201 – 35,400 | EUR 35,001 – 50,000 | EUR 138 |
| Exceeding EUR 35,400 | Exceeding EUR 50,000 | You cannot get legal aid |
How we help determine your eligibility & secure state aid
Eligibility Assessment
We review your income and assets from the 2024 tax year (the reference year for 2026 applications) to determine if you qualify for subsidised legal assistance with reduced personal contributions.
Application Assistance
If you qualify, we help you complete the application to the Legal Aid Board (Raad voor Rechtsbijstand). We guide you through required documentation and connect you with registered lawyers who can submit applications on your behalf.
Personal Contribution Calculation
Based on your income bracket, we calculate your personal contribution (eigen bijdrage), which ranges from EUR 188 to EUR 1,015 for standard cases. Family law cases have different rates.
Income Change Assessment
If your 2024 income was higher but you have experienced a significant drop (15% or more), we can request a reference year shift (peiljaarverlegging) so eligibility is assessed on a more recent year.
International Income Support
New to the Netherlands? We help you provide foreign income documentation (pay slips, tax records from abroad) to establish eligibility, even if you did not have Dutch income in 2024.
Fast-Track Processing
The Legal Aid Board verifies your data with the tax authorities and municipal population register electronically. Accurate information supports faster processing, often within days rather than weeks.
Why use FindLawyer for eligibility?
- Expert assessment: Navigate complex income and asset calculations with confidence
- Maximise your benefits: We help you understand discounts and reductions you may be entitled to
- Connection to legal aid: Direct referrals to subsidised lawyers and mediators in your area
- All legal areas covered: Employment, housing, family, immigration, consumer rights, and more
- Clear contribution overview: Know what personal contribution applies before you start
Check your eligibility
Enter your income, assets and household type. Receive an instant result based on the official 2026 tables.
Start eligibility checkNeed a lawyer for your situation?
We match you with an independent, English-speaking Dutch lawyer. Lawyer fees are paid to the firm and explained before you proceed.