Expat services

Expat legal services cover the Dutch law you meet after arriving: your employment contract, your rental home, your family and, perhaps, your own business. We advise expats, international employees and their families in English across the Netherlands, and we coordinate with our immigration lawyers where your permit is involved. The first step is a free introductory meeting in which we list your questions and what needs attention first.

Clients rate Law & More 9.6 out of 10 on Klantenvertellen, the Dutch review platform (81 reviews, as of October 2026).

Which expat legal services can we help you with?

• reviewing an employment contract or a settlement agreement before you sign;
• dismissal, sick leave or a conflict with your employer;
• a dispute with your landlord about rent, deposit or defects;
• divorce, partner alimony, child support or children moving abroad;
• a prenuptial or cohabitation agreement;
• starting a business or setting up a private limited company (BV);
• residence permits, through our immigration lawyers.

We do not give tax advice. For questions about the 30% ruling or your tax return, consult a tax adviser.

What should you check in your Dutch employment contract?

Check the type of contract, the probation period, the notice period and any non-compete clause. These terms determine how easily your employment can end, and whether you can switch jobs.

A Dutch employment contract is fixed-term or permanent. A probation period is only valid in writing and is never allowed in a contract of six months or less. During sickness, your employer generally pays at least 70% of your wages for up to 104 weeks, under Article 7:629 of the Dutch Civil Code.

Your employer cannot simply dismiss you. Dismissal requires a permit from the UWV, a decision of the subdistrict court, or your consent. If you sign a settlement agreement, you may revoke your consent within 14 days, under Article 7:670b of the Dutch Civil Code. Our employment lawyers and the article employment law for expats explain more.

And if your residence permit depends on your job?

As a highly skilled migrant, losing your job affects your permit. You generally have three months (up to six months if you became unemployed on or after 22 May 2026 and have held the permit for at least two years) to find a new employer who is a recognised sponsor. Act quickly and check your options before you sign any agreement ending your employment.

What are your rights as a tenant in the Netherlands?

Dutch tenants have strong protection: a landlord cannot simply end a residential lease, and many rents are capped. Since 1 July 2024, fixed-term residential leases are only allowed in exceptional cases.

The Permanent Leases Act (Wet vaste huurcontracten) made permanent leases the norm from 1 July 2024. The Affordable Rent Act (Wet betaalbare huur), from the same date, extended rent regulation based on the points system to many mid-market homes. Read more about the indefinite rental contract.

Under the Good Landlordship Act, a deposit for leases concluded from 1 July 2023 may not exceed two months' basic rent. The landlord must generally repay it within 14 days after the lease ends, or 30 days if there is damage. Disputes about rent levels and service charges can go to the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie). As a tenant, you can usually end the lease with a notice period of one month.

Which family law rules apply to you as an expat?

Dutch courts often have jurisdiction over your divorce or child arrangements if you habitually live in the Netherlands. Which law applies to your property and maintenance depends on your nationality, your residence and the date of your marriage.

Within the EU, Regulation (EU) 2019/1111 governs jurisdiction in divorce and parental responsibility. Matrimonial property for marriages from 29 January 2019 falls under EU Regulation 2016/1103. A prenuptial agreement can bring certainty in advance, especially if you may move again.

Moving abroad with your children requires the consent of the other parent with parental authority, or permission from the court. Taking children abroad without it can amount to international child abduction. See our family lawyer page and international divorce in the Netherlands.

How do you start a business in the Netherlands?

You choose a legal form, register with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK) and, as a non-EU national, check that your residence permit allows self-employment. A private limited company (BV) is set up by notarial deed and has no minimum share capital.

A sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) is quick to set up, but you are personally liable for business debts. A BV separates business and private assets, although directors can be personally liable in specific cases. You register with the KVK from one week before until one week after you start. Practical government information is available on business.gov.nl.

Non-EU nationals usually need a residence permit for self-employment. American and Japanese nationals may benefit from specific treaty arrangements. Read more in setting up a company in the Netherlands and the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty.

Which guides help you before you contact us?

These guides explain the Dutch rules expats run into most often. Each one ends with the deadlines that apply and the next step.

• Moving to the Netherlands: the legal steps for expats
• Buying a home in the Netherlands as an expat
• Expat worker rights in the Netherlands
• Legal mistakes expats make in the Netherlands
• When you need an expat lawyer and how to choose one

How does working with Law & More work?

1. Introductory meeting: free of charge, in English, by phone, video or at our office.
2. Advice and cost estimate: we explain your position under Dutch law, the options and the expected costs.
3. Approach and negotiation: we review documents and negotiate with your employer, landlord, former partner or business partner.
4. Procedure or completion: we start or defend proceedings where needed, or finalise the agreement.

What do expat legal services cost?

We work on an hourly rate that we agree with you in advance. The rate for a lawyer is 250 to 350 euros excluding VAT, and for a partner 300 to 400 euros excluding VAT.

The introductory meeting is free of charge. A one-off advice meeting without further assistance costs 300 euros including VAT. External costs, such as court fees (griffierecht), bailiff's costs or notary fees, are charged separately. Legal aid exists through the Legal Aid Board (Raad voor Rechtsbijstand), but we do not work on that basis.

Who handles your case?

That depends on your question. Employment matters are handled by Michelle Marjanovic, and family matters by Aylin Acar, Michelle Marjanovic and Jade Vaneerdewegh. Tenancy and immigration questions go to Ruby van Kersbergen, and company formation to Tom Meevis and Ruby van Kersbergen. See our team page.

Frequently asked questions

Do you offer legal services for expats in English?

Yes. We advise, correspond and draft documents in English, and we explain Dutch legal terms as we go. Court proceedings in the Netherlands are generally conducted in Dutch, and we handle that for you. Documents in other languages may need a certified translation.

Do you give tax advice to expats?

No. We do not give tax advice, for example on the 30% ruling or your income tax return. We focus on employment, tenancy, family, corporate and immigration law. For tax questions, consult a tax adviser before you sign agreements with tax consequences.

Can my landlord end my rental contract?

Not freely. A landlord can only end a residential lease on a statutory ground, and if you do not agree, the court must decide. Since 1 July 2024, most new leases are permanent. A landlord who wants you to leave cannot change the locks or remove your belongings without a court order.

What happens to my permit if I lose my job as a highly skilled migrant?

You generally have three months (up to six months if you became unemployed on or after 22 May 2026 and have held the permit for at least two years) to find a new job with a recognised sponsor that meets the salary requirements. If you do not, the IND can withdraw your permit. Check your options before signing a settlement agreement, because the end date affects your search period.

Can I divorce in the Netherlands if we married abroad?

Often yes, if you or your spouse habitually live in the Netherlands. The Dutch court then applies Dutch law to the divorce itself. Other rules may apply to your property and maintenance, so have those checked early. Also check whether your home country will recognise the Dutch divorce.

Do I need a BV to start a business in the Netherlands?

No. Many people start as a sole proprietor, which is quick and inexpensive. A BV limits your personal liability and may suit larger activities or investors. A BV is set up by notarial deed and has no minimum share capital. Discuss the tax consequences with a tax adviser.

In doubt about your position? Book a free introductory meeting. In that meeting we discuss whether we can help and what it costs. Use our contact form, call +31 40 369 06 80.

Law & More, Marconilaan 13, 5612 HM Eindhoven (+31 40 369 06 80) and visiting location Pietersbergweg 291, 1105 BM Amsterdam (+31 20 369 71 21). Available Monday to Friday 08:00-22:00, Saturday and Sunday 09:00-17:00.

This page provides general information and does not replace advice on your specific situation.