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Legal and regulatory compliance means running your organization in a way that meets the law and the specific rules set by regulators—and being able to prove it. “Legal” covers the statutes that apply to every business (for example contract, employment, tax, and environmental law). “Regulatory” focuses on sector or topic‑specific rules (such as financial supervision,

A settlement agreement (vaststellingsovereenkomst, often called a termination agreement) is a written contract between you and your employer that ends your employment by mutual consent. In exchange for leaving on agreed terms—such as a severance sum, a reference, and a leaving date—you usually waive the right to bring legal claims. Because it’s binding under Dutch

Being “fired on the spot” (ontslag op staande voet) means your employer ends your contract immediately, without a notice period or severance, usually stopping your pay that same day. Under Dutch law, this drastic measure is only allowed in rare situations and must meet strict conditions: there must be an urgent reason, the dismissal must

A conflict with your employer can feel overwhelming: the power imbalance, worries about pay or dismissal, and the fear of damaging your reputation or health. Maybe you disagree about workload or performance, or you’re facing behavior that feels unfair. You don’t want a fight—but you also don’t want to give up your rights or make

Separation changes your family, not your responsibilities. Between handovers, school choices, WhatsApp threads, and holiday requests, even well‑intentioned co‑parents can stumble over legal details that matter under Dutch law. What exactly must go into your parenting plan? Who holds parental authority if you disagree? How do you document communication, share costs fairly, or handle travel

Love doesn’t stop at borders—laws and paperwork don’t either. If you’re marrying a foreign partner with a Dutch connection, questions pile up: where to marry, which visa, what proofs and translations, and how to pass anti‑fraud checks. With municipality timelines and recognition rules, one misstep can delay your ceremony or residence. This guide turns that

In the Netherlands, couples have two near-equivalent ways to formalize their relationship: marriage and registered partnership (geregistreerd partnerschap). Both create a legally recognized bond with almost the same rights and duties, such as being each other’s legal heirs, possible use of a partner’s surname, default property rules, and mutual maintenance obligations. In practice, the core

A Non‑Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is a straightforward promise in writing: you agree not to share someone else’s confidential information and to use it only for a defined purpose. Under Dutch law, it’s a contract like any other—binding if it’s clear, balanced, and lawful. NDAs aren’t just for boardrooms; startups, employers, freelancers, investors, and even private

New relationships bring shared plans—and sometimes old baggage: a forgotten credit card, telecom arrears, even a dusty judgment. In the Netherlands, “old debts” can resurface via incassobureaus, deurwaarders, or a BKR flag. Moving in, registering a partnership, or marrying raises hard questions: can a partner’s past debt reach you, and is it still enforceable? The

When you have to appear at a criminal hearing, you may wonder: should I go with or without a solicitor? A solicitor is not mandatory at a criminal hearing, but can make a real difference to the outcome of your case. This choice has consequences for how you defend yourself and what sentence you ultimately

The Dutch Data Protection Authority — Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP) — is the independent privacy regulator for the Netherlands. It makes sure organizations that operate in or target the Netherlands comply with the GDPR, investigates suspected violations, issues fines and orders, and explains how personal data must be handled. Individuals can turn to the AP if

A breakup or divorce is hard enough without a mortgage hanging over it. In the Netherlands, most co-owners are “jointly and severally” liable, meaning the bank can pursue either of you for the full payment until the lender releases one name. Moving out does not end that liability, and decisions you make now will affect

Alimony (partner maintenance) can feel like a moving target. One moment you’re discussing “what seems fair,” and the next you’re facing strict Dutch rules on need and ability to pay, indexation, benefit interactions, and statutory time limits—with real cash‑flow consequences. Whether you expect to pay or receive support, the unpleasant surprises usually come from unclear

Divorce can turn from painful to poisonous fast: costs spiral, messages are weaponized, children feel the strain, and who stays in the home becomes a flashpoint. If you’re in the Netherlands, you may also worry about procedures, timelines, and what a judge might do if things escalate. Here’s the good news: most divorces don’t need