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Draft translation. The rules concern Dutch employment law; have their application to your situation assessed. About our content
Your rights come first

An employment lawyer for your situation.

Personal advice can make a difference when facing dismissal, a dispute or an important agreement. Look for a lawyer experienced in employment law and agree on the cost in advance.

Official sources

Search the official lawyers’ register

Use Zoek een advocaat from the Netherlands Bar. Search for employment law (arbeidsrecht), a location and, if needed, publicly funded legal aid.

Open the lawyers’ register
  1. Select employment law (arbeidsrecht) and search in your area.
  2. Ask whether the lawyer has experience with your type of issue and is available in time.
  3. Discuss an hourly rate, a fixed fee, possible subsidised legal aid and any other costs.

A register entry does not guarantee availability, quality or funding. You choose and contact the lawyer yourself.

Before your first appointment

  • Your employment contract, collective agreement and recent payslips.
  • Letters, messages and proposals from your employer.
  • A short timeline and every date by which you must respond.
Prepare my file

Worried about the cost?

Check what help is available through a trade union, legal expenses insurance or Het Juridisch Loket. A lawyer may be able to apply for subsidised legal aid.

Legal aid explained

General information. Not a substitute for personal legal advice.

Sources (2)

Sources and editorial notes

This site describes our editorial methods and the tools we have developed. The external registers and information sources we refer to are listed below.

  1. Publisher: Nederlandse orde van advocaten (NOvA)NOvA: Zoek een advocaat — het officiële registerzoekeenadvocaat.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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