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Draft translation. The rules concern Dutch employment law; have their application to your situation assessed. About our content
Local help with work and income

An employment lawyer in your city: legal aid, free advice and preparation.

When facing dismissal, unpaid wages or a workplace dispute, you need to know who can help, what it costs and how to prepare. Choose a city for local help, official search routes and a worked example with documents and questions.

Free employment lawyer or legal aid: where to start?

Free legal advice can be a first step. Het Juridisch Loket provides personal help to people with a low income and little savings. Representation by a lawyer may involve subsidised legal aid, commonly called pro deo or a toevoeging. The Legal Aid Board assesses the application; a personal contribution usually remains.

Also check existing cover through legal expenses insurance or a trade union. Ask a lawyer about scope, costs and availability before instructing them. A free introductory conversation does not establish the cost of handling the whole case.

Read about employment legal aid conditions and costs →

Twenty city guides to employment law help

Each guide has local points to check and its own detailed practical example. The topics help prepare an advice appointment; they do not imply that a problem is more common in that city.

Choose relevant experience and an appointment you can attend

Search the official NOvA register for employment law and your city or postcode. Ask whether the lawyer acts for employees, employers or both and has experience of your specific problem. Discuss Dutch or English appointments and the language of documents. A lawyer outside your town may also be suitable if remote appointments are available.

If you received a dismissal letter, court document or urgent request to sign, mention it at first contact. Have response dates and legal deadlines assessed promptly; do not wait for a local drop-in session.

How were these twenty places selected?

The selection follows the twenty largest municipalities by population in CBS “Gebieden in Nederland 2026”, as at 1 January 2026. This uses municipal boundaries rather than a ranking of individual urban settlements. That is why Haarlemmermeer and Zaanstad are included; their guides also cover Hoofddorp and Zaandam.

Local sources were checked on 25 October 2026. Opening hours, temporary closures and availability may change. The city does not determine court jurisdiction or the applicable employment rules.

Read our editorial method · About the editorial team

Sources (6)

Sources and editorial notes

Local sources checked on 25 October 2026. Confirm current opening and availability with the organisation. Examples are illustrative; the city does not determine the applicable employment law.

Sources current as of:

  2. Publisher: Nederlandse orde van advocaten (NOvA)NOvA: officieel advocatenregisterzoekeenadvocaat.advocatenorde.nlhttps://zoekeenadvocaat.advocatenorde.nl/zoeken

The source publications are in Dutch. All language editions cover Dutch law.

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My employer wants to dismiss meA meeting, a formal dismissal application and summary dismissal call for different responses. First identify the procedure and the dates. Then check the reasons your employer gives and the help you need.
I have received a settlement agreementA proposal to leave involves more than the amount of compensation. This guide helps you examine the wording, end date and position after departure together before deciding whether to negotiate or sign.
My wages are unpaid or lateSet out the difference between what appears to be due, what the payslip shows and what reached your bank account. This guide helps you substantiate the shortfall, write a specific request and choose the next step.
I am ill and need to return to workDuring sickness, pay, medical guidance and work arrangements run alongside one another. Use this guide to clarify roles and agreements and to address a disagreement promptly through the appropriate route.
My fixed-term contract is endingStart with the complete contract history, rather than only the latest end date. Then examine the notification of continuation, compensation, final pay and income afterwards. This route keeps those questions separate.
There is a workplace conflict or unwanted behaviourA warning, disagreement about work and report of harassment are different issues. Organise what is happening, what you need and which route fits. This guide helps you prepare a factual, careful account.
I am offered a new employment contractA new contract concerns your future work and restrictions after leaving. Compare the offer, collective agreement and attachments before focusing only on salary. This guide helps structure your questions and your first period at work.
I want to leave my jobA new job, conflict or personal change may prompt you to leave. First check whether and when you can resign and how this affects income, restrictive clauses and final pay.

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