Legal questions don’t wait for a quiet moment. Whether you’re choosing the right legal form, signing a key supplier contract, hiring your first employee, protecting IP, or chasing an overdue invoice, you need clear answers that work under Dutch law. The challenge is knowing where to turn: a full-service law firm, a free legal clinic, a government helpdesk, a sector association, or an alternative dispute route. Add language needs and budgets that change per growth stage, and the search can quickly become another problem to solve.
This guide brings clarity. Below you’ll find 12 reputable Dutch resources—both free and paid—for practical, business-focused legal help. From full-service counsel and official government portals to vetted lawyer directories, mediation and arbitration bodies, and consumer–business dispute boards, we explain what each offers, who it’s best for, and how to access it (including indicative costs). Use it to match your legal need with the right level of support—fast, compliant, and suitable for your budget—so you can get back to building your business.
1. Law & More (full-service business law firm)
When your business needs a single, accountable partner for advice, contracts, and disputes under Dutch law, Law & More brings breadth and speed. With multilingual lawyers, extended opening hours, and deep sector know-how, you get legal advice for businesses that’s practical and decisive.
What it offers
Law & More covers 16+ areas of Dutch law and acts as advisor, litigator, and sparring partner throughout the lifecycle of your company.
- Comprehensive expertise: Corporate, Employment, Real Estate, Debt Collection, IP/Privacy/Software, Energy, Immigration, and more.
- End-to-end support: Advisory, contract drafting/review, negotiations, dispute resolution, and litigation.
- Multilingual team: Dutch, English, French, German, Turkish—ideal for international matters.
- Fast, personal approach: Direct access and clear communication, coordinated from Eindhoven and Amsterdam.
- Extended availability: Weekdays 08:00–22:00, weekends 09:00–17:00.
Who it’s best for
- SMEs, scale-ups, and international founders needing cross-border capable counsel.
- Companies with multi-issue matters (e.g., employment + IP + contracts) or time-sensitive disputes.
- Teams requiring service in English, German, French, or Turkish.
Pricing and access
- Transparent fees: €250–€400/hour (excl. VAT); fixed-price arrangements where suitable, with clear estimates.
- Engagement flow: Acquaintance → case discussion → step-by-step plan → handling.
- Where/when: Offices in Eindhoven and Amsterdam; extended hours for urgent matters.
2. KVK Chamber of Commerce advice and checklists
If you need authoritative “how-to” guidance on Dutch business rules before calling a lawyer, the Kamer van Koophandel (KVK) is your practical first stop. It offers structured checklists and plain-English guidance that de-risk early choices and routine compliance—solid legal advice for businesses at the foundational level.
What it offers
- Actionable checklists and guides: From selecting a business name to registration steps, insurance basics, bookkeeping, and ongoing compliance.
- Personal guidance options: Information and advice via online resources, contact channels, and the possibility of in-person appointments.
- Startup-to-scale support: Articles and tools covering start, change (amendments), and growth phases.
- English resources: Helpful for international founders who need clarity on Dutch requirements.
Who it’s best for
- Pre-start and early-stage founders validating structure, naming, and registrations.
- SMEs standardizing admin and compliance without over-lawyering simple issues.
- International entrepreneurs who want official guidance in English before engaging paid counsel.
Pricing and access
- Cost: Most KVK articles, tools, and checklists are free to use; registration services carry statutory fees.
- Access: Explore the online knowledge base, use KVK contact channels, and book appointments when you need tailored, practical guidance on formalities.
3. Business.gov.nl (Netherlands Enterprise Agency)
Run by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), Business.gov.nl is the government’s central, English-language portal for entrepreneurs. If you want reliable, plain-language legal advice for businesses before engaging a firm, this is your authoritative starting point for rules, procedures, and dispute options under Dutch law.
What it offers
- Step-by-step guides: Clear checklists for starting, changing, and ending a business in the Netherlands.
- Legal topics hub: Pages on disputes, legal proceedings, alternative dispute resolution (arbitration, binding advice, mediation), debt collection, and unfair trading practices.
- Curated official registers: Directs you to recognized registers for lawyers (NOvA), mediators (MfN), arbitrators (NAI), bailiffs (KBvG), and civil-law notaries.
- Actionable routes: When to use a court, a disputes committee, a mediator, or a collection agency/bailiff.
Who it’s best for
- Founders and SMEs wanting authoritative guidance in English.
- International teams needing clarity on Dutch procedures and options.
- Businesses comparing court vs. out-of-court dispute resolution pathways.
Pricing and access
- Cost: Free.
- Access: Online 24/7; questions via the RVO helpdesk (including phone support at +31 (0)88 042 44 00).
4. Amsterdam Law Hub (free legal clinics)
When you need quick, credible pointers before hiring counsel, Amsterdam Law Hub offers free legal advice for businesses through community clinics. It’s a low‑barrier way to get clarity on everyday issues and learn your next legal step.
What it offers
These legal “hubs” answer practical questions and run education events across the city. Topics commonly include consumer, contract, administrative, and labor laws—useful for founders and SMEs facing routine Dutch-law questions.
- Free clinics: Short, focused guidance
- Legal education: Talks and workshops
- Citywide presence: Various Amsterdam locations
Who it’s best for
Use this when you want orientation, not litigation. It’s ideal for early-stage companies validating choices or sense-checking a decision before paying for a lawyer.
- Pre‑seed/SMEs with straightforward queries
- Founders wanting a second opinion first
Pricing and access
Clinics and education are free, but capacity and scope are limited. Check current schedules and availability, and be prepared to escalate complex matters to a lawyer if needed.
- Price: Free
- Access: Sessions at various Amsterdam locations
5. Het Juridisch Loket (The Legal Counter)
When you want neutral, first‑line guidance before paying for counsel—especially on a tight budget—Het Juridisch Loket offers free legal advice in the Netherlands. It’s a useful first stop for legal advice for businesses when you need orientation and a referral to the right next step.
What it offers
- Free first‑line advice: General guidance on a variety of legal topics.
- Referrals: Can recommend a lawyer or mediator when your case needs representation.
- Aid eligibility checks: Indicates whether you may qualify for subsidized legal assistance.
Who it’s best for
- Individuals, sole proprietors, and micro‑SMEs with straightforward questions who want clarity before engaging a lawyer.
- Entrepreneurs exploring whether their matter fits mediation or subsidized legal aid.
Pricing and access
- Price: Free advice. If you proceed with a lawyer, costs depend on private fees or subsidized legal assistance (if eligible).
- Access: Speak with an advisor and/or make an appointment; expect an initial triage and referral if specialized help is needed.
6. Netherlands Bar Association (NOvA) lawyer directory
When your matter requires licensed representation or specialist counsel, the Netherlands Bar Association’s directory is the authoritative place to find verified lawyers. Every attorney listed is registered in the National Register of Lawyers (Landelijk Advocaten Tableau), meaning they are regulated and meet professional standards under NOvA.
What it offers
The directory helps businesses identify legitimate legal counsel under Dutch law—useful when stakes are high and you need confidence in credentials.
- Official register: All listed lawyers are admitted to practice in the Netherlands.
- Regulatory assurance: Subject to NOvA’s professional and disciplinary rules.
- Searchable database: Efficient way to compile a shortlist of qualified candidates.
Who it’s best for
- Companies needing licensed representation (e.g., court proceedings or complex advisory work).
- Founders/SMEs who want to verify a lawyer’s registration before engagement.
- Teams seeking specialist business-law counsel from vetted professionals.
Pricing and access
- Cost: Using the directory is free; lawyers set their own fees—request estimates in advance.
- Access: Online directory (Dutch-language). If you may qualify for subsidized legal assistance, first check eligibility via Het Juridisch Loket, then shortlist lawyers accordingly.
7. Sector and employers’ organizations (member legal desks)
When your questions are highly industry-specific, sector and employers’ organizations can be an efficient first stop for legal advice for businesses. These bodies represent their members’ interests and, in many cases, provide practical legal guidance tailored to the realities of the sector—helping you interpret rules, avoid missteps, and understand your options before you escalate to formal counsel.
What it offers
- Member-focused legal guidance: Many organizations provide legal information and assistance to their members on sector-related issues.
- Contextual answers: Advice aligned with industry standards and common practices.
- Signposting: Referral to appropriate third parties when needed (for example, dispute-resolution bodies or specialist lawyers).
Who it’s best for
- SMEs and entrepreneurs operating within a defined industry.
- Members who need quick, sector-aware guidance on everyday legal questions.
- Businesses seeking pragmatic direction before engaging a private law firm.
Pricing and access
- Included with membership: Legal advice is sometimes part of the member services; scope varies per organization.
- Limits apply: Check caps on time, topics, and document support.
- How to access: Contact your sector or employers’ organization’s member helpdesk/legal desk to confirm availability and conditions.
8. De Geschillencommissie (Dutch Foundation for Consumer Complaints Boards)
If you want a structured, out‑of‑court path to resolve a dispute, De Geschillencommissie coordinates sector‑specific “disputes committees” that decide cases without going to court. Active across many industries, it handles complaints between consumers and business owners, and also between business owners.
What it offers
You get a recognized alternative to court with clear procedures tailored to your sector.
- Sector committees: Panels set up for a large number of industries.
- Independent decision-making: Experts assess the dispute and issue an outcome.
- Procedural clarity: Standardized rules and steps to move a case forward.
Who it’s best for
Choose this when you need proportionate, sector‑aware resolution without litigation.
- Consumer‑facing SMEs dealing with complaints that need a formal decision.
- B2B parties in sectors covered by a committee.
- Businesses seeking a practical, court‑alternative route first.
Pricing and access
Costs and timelines depend on the specific committee and sector rules. Check the applicable committee’s procedure for eligibility, fees, and required documents, then file your case with the relevant disputes committee coordinated by the foundation.
- Price: Varies by committee
- Access: Apply via the relevant sector disputes committee’s procedure
9. Netherlands Arbitration Institute (NAI)
When you and the other party want a formal decision without going to court, arbitration is a recognized route under Dutch law. The Netherlands Arbitration Institute (NAI) administers arbitration and offers various types of procedures, providing structure, neutral case handling, and access to arbitrators who are experts in the relevant sector.
What it offers
- Administered arbitration: Institutional rules and case management from filing to decision.
- Expert arbitrators: Independent specialists decide your case, an alternative to court.
- Procedure options: NAI offers various types of arbitration procedures suited to different cases.
Who it’s best for
- Businesses seeking a formal, out‑of‑court decision.
- Parties who prefer sector expertise to assess complex commercial issues.
- Contracts that already reference arbitration as the dispute forum.
Pricing and access
- Cost: Varies by procedure and case specifics; check the applicable NAI rules and schedule.
- Access: Review which NAI procedure fits your dispute, file your case per the rules, and proceed with arbitrator appointment and hearings as scheduled.
10. Netherlands Mediators Federation (MfN register)
If you want to try a solution without going to court, mediation is a structured, voluntary process guided by a neutral specialist. The Netherlands Mediators Federation maintains the national register of certified mediators. MfN‑registered mediators meet defined quality standards, giving businesses a reliable way to source qualified help to reach a mutually agreed settlement.
What it offers
- Certified professionals: Access to a national register of mediators who meet MfN quality standards.
- Out‑of‑court resolution: A practical route to resolve disputes through negotiation with a neutral mediator.
- Process clarity: A focused path to explore settlement options before litigation or arbitration.
Who it’s best for
- Businesses aiming to preserve relationships while settling commercial or workplace conflicts.
- Parties willing to negotiate and explore common ground before escalating a dispute.
- SMEs and scale‑ups needing a proportionate, faster step than formal proceedings.
Pricing and access
- Cost: Fees are agreed with the mediator and vary by case and session length; check if your legal expenses insurance covers mediation.
- Access: Select an MfN‑registered mediator via the national register and schedule an intake to scope the issue and process.
11. KBvG bailiffs and reputable debt collection agencies
When invoices age and reminders fail, cash flow and focus suffer. In the Netherlands, you can call in a debt collection agency or a bailiff to collect the debt. Bailiffs (gerechtsdeurwaarders) are judicial officers organized under the Royal Professional Organisation of Judicial Officers (KBvG), giving you a regulated route to escalate non‑payment proportionately and lawfully.
What it offers
- Demand and follow‑up: Professional handling of payment reminders and formal demands to recover overdue invoices.
- Formal escalation (bailiffs): Judicial officers can perform legally prescribed steps and notifications where required by Dutch law.
- Structured path to resolution: Clear procedures to move from amicable collection to more formal action if needed.
Who it’s best for
- SMEs and entrepreneurs facing persistent non‑payment after internal reminders.
- Finance teams wanting a compliant, staged approach before considering court.
- Businesses seeking regulated professionals (KBvG bailiffs) for formal steps.
Pricing and access
- Cost: Varies by provider, claim size, and steps taken; request a written fee proposal and scope upfront.
- Access: Shortlist reputable debt collection agencies and/or verify a bailiff’s professional status with KBvG before engagement.
- Tip: Align on communication tone and escalation thresholds to protect customer relationships while recovering what’s owed.
12. Legal expenses insurance for businesses (rechtsbijstandverzekering)
If you want predictable access to legal advice for businesses without scrambling for budget each time an issue pops up, consider a Dutch legal expenses insurance (rechtsbijstandverzekering). Instead of ad‑hoc costs, you pay a premium and, when a covered dispute arises, you can turn to the insurer’s legal assistance route defined in the policy.
What it offers
This insurance covers legal advice and legal assistance for disputes specified in the policy conditions. It’s designed to give entrepreneurs a clear pathway to help when eligible issues occur.
- Defined scope: Coverage applies to specific dispute categories described in your policy.
- Structured help: Conditions outline how to request assistance and how cases are handled.
- Risk management: Converts part of your legal risk into a fixed, forecastable cost.
Who it’s best for
Entrepreneurs who value cost predictability and fast access to first‑line assistance for clearly defined matters—especially sole proprietors, startups, and SMEs that face occasional disputes but don’t need ongoing, bespoke counsel.
Pricing and access
Premiums and limits vary by insurer and coverage level. Review the policy conditions carefully to confirm which disputes are covered and the steps to file a claim.
- Cost: Premium-based; terms, caps, and exclusions depend on the insurer.
- Access: Purchase via your insurer or broker; follow the policy procedure when a covered dispute arises.
Next steps
You now have a toolbox for every stage and scenario: get your bearings via official portals, triage with free clinics, resolve proportionately through mediation, arbitration, or disputes committees, escalate recoveries with regulated bailiffs, and smooth costs with legal expenses insurance. When the risk is material, the matter is multi‑disciplinary, or speed and accountability matter, step up to a full‑service firm. Aim to match the forum to the problem: orient → triage → resolve → escalate only as needed.
If you want a single, responsive partner to cut through complexity and act, choose counsel that blends breadth with clear communication and predictable fees. Our multilingual team at Law & More is available evenings and weekends, with transparent pricing and a step‑by‑step plan to move your case forward fast. Start with a short acquaintance and get practical next actions today: Contact Law & More.