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Non-compete clauses in the Netherlands have undergone major legal changes that directly affect your ability to switch jobs or start your own business. If you signed an employment contract before 2025, you might be working under different rules than someone hired this year. Understanding what remains legally reasonable in 2026 is essential whether you’re an

Your landlord wants to renovate your flat and raise the rent to cover the costs. You might be wondering if this is even legal and what you can do about it. Dutch rental law does allow landlords to pass renovation costs to tenants, but only under specific conditions and with proper procedures. Landlords can legally

Buying a newly built home in the Netherlands should be an exciting step. Discovering defects after you move in can quickly turn that excitement into frustration. In the Netherlands, the building contractor rather than the seller is accountable for defects in newly built homes until delivery of the property, and different warranty rules apply compared

When international families face separation or divorce in the Netherlands, determining which court handles matters involving Dutch children can feel overwhelming. The Dutch court that has jurisdiction over your children depends primarily on where the children habitually reside at the time you file your case with the court. This principle applies whether you are dealing

Getting married in the Netherlands comes with important financial rules that many couples overlook. Without a prenuptial agreement, Dutch law automatically places all property—including what you owned before marriage—into a community of property, meaning both spouses own everything together. This default system can create significant complications if your marriage ends in divorce. A prenuptial agreement

In the Netherlands, couples who want to live together have several legal options to choose from. You can get married, enter into a registered partnership, sign a cohabitation agreement, or simply live together without any formal arrangement. Each option comes with different rights, responsibilities, and legal protections. The main difference between marriage and a cohabitation

A non-competition clause stops you from working for a competitor or starting a similar business after you leave your job. Your employer includes this clause in your employment contract to protect their business secrets, client relationships, and competitive position. You agree not to compete with them for a set period within a specific geographic area.

Imagine this scenario: You have been working for the same company for three years. You know the job inside out, you get along with your colleagues, and you are an integral part of the team. Yet, while your colleague at the next desk has a permanent contract, a pension plan, and protection against dismissal, you

It happens in a flash—literally. You are driving along the A2 or navigating the ring road in Eindhoven, perhaps slightly distracted or in a rush, when you notice the tell-tale flash of a speed camera. A few weeks later, an envelope from the Central Judicial Collection Agency (CJIB) lands on your doormat. For many drivers,

In the digital age, software is the backbone of almost every enterprise. From graphic design tools to database management systems, businesses rely on a suite of applications to function efficiently. With the proliferation of “free” software available online, it is tempting for organisations to download and deploy tools without a thorough review of the licensing

A sudden crash, breaking glass and a deafening silence that follows. A traffic accident in which someone runs a red light and causes serious injury changes lives in a fraction of a second. Whether you are the victim facing a long rehabilitation, or the driver who made a fatal error in judgement, the impact is

It is a scenario that frustrates every business owner and HR manager. An employee calls in sick with suspicious frequency—perhaps consistently on Mondays, immediately following a conflict with a manager, or right before a crucial deadline. On social media, they might appear perfectly healthy, or their story simply does not add up. This creates a

A dismissal procedure is rarely straightforward. When terms such as fair compensation (billijke vergoeding) are mentioned, alarm bells often start ringing for employers and HR professionals. Unlike the statutory transition payment, which is calculated according to a fixed formula, fair compensation is a variable and potentially costly remedy. It is the legal response to seriously

Toxic employees can severely damage your organisation. Their influence often extends far beyond their own poor performance; persistent negative behaviour, undermining conduct, and a poisoned work atmosphere lead to decreased productivity across the entire team, increased absenteeism, and the departure of your most valuable talent. However, in the Netherlands, simply firing someone because they are

You gave a statement to police in the Netherlands, and now you want to take it back. Maybe you made a mistake under stress, felt pressured, or simply changed your mind about what happened. You can withdraw or change your statement in a Dutch criminal case, but your original testimony remains permanently on file and

A STAK (Stichting Administratiekantoor) is a Dutch foundation that holds shares in a company whilst issuing certificates to people who want the financial benefits without voting control. It separates legal ownership from economic interest. Many families and businesses use STAKs to protect assets, plan estates, and shield companies from unwanted takeovers. STAKs offer real legal