Question 1

Are these contracts in Dutch or English?

Accepted Answer

Our Netherlands contracts can be generated in Dutch, English, or bilingual Dutch/English format. For contracts between Dutch parties, Dutch is standard. For international businesses or expats, we support English with Dutch legal terminology. When bilingual, you can specify which language prevails in case of conflict.

Question 2

How do you handle ZZP/freelance agreements and Wet DBA?

Accepted Answer

Our ZZP/freelance templates are structured as overeenkomst van opdracht (art. 7:400 BW) with genuine self-employment indicators: no gezagsverhouding, right to substitute (vervangingsrecht), no mutuality of obligation, and contractor bears own business risk. Since Wet DBA enforcement is fully active from 2025, proper structuring is critical. We also reference Belastingdienst-approved modelovereenkomsten.

Question 3

What employment law requirements are covered?

Accepted Answer

Our arbeidsovereenkomsten include all essential terms required by art. 7:655 BW, compliant proeftijd provisions (art. 7:652 BW), ketenregeling compliance for fixed-term contracts (art. 7:668a BW), statutory notice periods (art. 7:672 BW), transition payment acknowledgement (art. 7:673 BW), and concurrentiebeding requirements including the WWZ justification requirement for temporary contracts.

Question 4

Are non-compete clauses (concurrentiebedingen) enforceable in the Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but with strict requirements under art. 7:653 BW: they must be in writing, the employee must be 18+, and since the WWZ (2015), temporary contracts can only include a non-compete with a written justification of substantial business interests. Courts can wholly or partially nullify a non-compete that unreasonably prejudices the employee. Our templates include all required elements.

Question 5

Do I need a KvK number?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all businesses in the Netherlands must be registered with the Kamer van Koophandel (KvK) under the Handelsregisterwet 2007. Your KvK number must appear on all business correspondence, including contracts. Our templates include fields for both your KvK number and BTW (VAT) identification number.

Question 6

How does Dutch rental law protect tenants?

Accepted Answer

Dutch rental law (BW Boek 7 Titel 4) is strongly tenant-protective. Landlords can only terminate on statutory grounds (art. 7:274 BW). Tenant protection (huurbescherming) is mandatory law and cannot be contracted out of. For regulated tenancies, the Huurcommissie can assess rent levels. Temporary contracts are limited to 2 years. Our templates include all these protections.

Question 7

I'm an expat in the Netherlands. Can I use these contracts?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Our Netherlands templates are designed for both Dutch entrepreneurs and expats. We support English-language contracts with proper Dutch legal terminology. For expat employees, we include provisions for the 30% ruling (30%-regeling) where applicable. All contracts comply with Dutch law regardless of the language used.

Question 8

Do Dutch contracts require 'consideration' like English law?

Accepted Answer

No. Unlike English law, Dutch contract law does not require consideration. A binding agreement (overeenkomst) is formed by offer and acceptance (aanbod en aanvaarding, art. 6:217 BW). This means NDAs, for example, are binding based on consent alone — no need for mutual disclosure or nominal consideration.

Dutch Contract Templates Built on Real Netherlands Law

Built for Netherlands law

Available contract types

Non-Disclosure Agreement

Freelance Contract

Lease Agreement

Service Agreement

Employment Agreement

Independent Contractor Agreement

Consulting Agreement

Partnership Agreement

Non-Compete/Non-Disclosure Agreement

Licensing Agreement

Compliance at a glance

Frequently asked questions

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