Legal advice in the Netherlands

In need of legal advice? If you’re facing a legal problem, dispute or conflict with a third party, or you need advice on immigration, business, real estate, family, inheritance, labour or criminal defence law, our recommended lawyers and notaries in the Netherlands can help. 

Law firms in the Netherlands

If you need legal advice on anything from company setups and inheritance laws, to labour relations and personal injuries, or any other legal issue, look no further than our listing of expat-friendly lawyers in the Netherlands, who are able to offer expert advice on a whole range of topics.

Corporate & business law

Get in touch with a lawyer who specialises in corporate and business law if you’re a business owner or entrepreneur seeking legal advice on business matters such as:

• Company agreements
• Joint ventures
• Franchising
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Investment
• Intellectual property
• Contract compliance
• Licencing
• Formatting a new business
• Financing or restructuring your company
• Bankruptcy 

Criminal defence law 

If you need a reliable and experienced criminal lawyer to explain Dutch criminal law and defend your rights at all judicial levels, our recommended criminal defence lawyers can help if you have:

• Been invited to a police station for questioning
• Accused of a criminal act
• Placed under arrest
• Detained for interrogation 
• Named as a suspect in a criminal case

Family law

Family law - especially when it comes to divorce, adoption, child alimony and custody - can be complex. So, it’s highly advised to consult with an expat-friendly, family law attorney who’s familiar with the Dutch family law and the regulations in the Netherlands if you are facing any of the above situations. 

Immigration law

Are you (or your spouse or a member of your family) entering the Netherlands as a result of a job offer, enrollment as a student, or marriage? Or do you wish to remain in the Netherlands long-term having already lived here for some time? 

Undoubtedly, Dutch immigration law can be complex. Whether you are a foreign national or a company hiring from abroad, having an experienced immigration law professional on your side can be of invaluable help. Our recommended immigration lawyers in the Netherlands can help with questions about issues like: 

• Citizenship and naturalisation
• Permits like residence permits, work permits or the GVVA
• The highly skilled migrant scheme
• European Blue Cards 

Inheritance law

Sometimes, wills and estates are not that straightforward and disputes may arise among trustees and beneficiaries over their interpretation. If there is no will, the situation can be even more complicated, especially in families with step-parents and step-children.

Who has the right to inherit? How is the deceased’s estate administered and probated? What are your rights and obligations according to EU or Dutch law?

For legal advice from professionals who know the law but also sympathise with the difficult situation you are in, it’s worth consulting an inheritance law expert.

Labour & employment law

Are you facing issues at work, or do you have questions about Dutch employment law and employee rights? 

Whether you are a business owner, employer, manager or employee, it’s worth consulting with a specialised labour law professional to gain clear answers, assert your rights and - where possible - avoid costly employment disputes and litigation. 

A labour lawyer can help you with questions or problems relating to: 

• Workplace problems such as illness, burnout, discrimination and bullying
• Dutch work contracts, trial periods and non-competition clauses
• Employee rights regarding dismissals, severance payments and unemployment benefits
• Labour relations

Liability law

Have you sustained serious and life-changing personal injury or damage caused by a third party? Let a liability law professional advise you on whether you should settle your claim or litigate and, if so, to guide you through the process and fight your case.

Property & real estate law

If you’re buying, building or selling a residential property or commercial real estate, you should approach a lawyer experienced in property and real estate law if you have any questions about your rights and options. 

No matter whether you’re a private individual, property investor, landlord or tenant, an experienced professional can help with matters such as: 

• Property sales 
• Rental agreements 
• Rent arrears, eviction notices, disputes with landlords 
• Unreturned rental deposits
• Disputes with homeowners’ associations or neighbours 

Notaries in the Netherlands

You might need to consult with a notary in the Netherlands for one or more of the following things:

• Prenuptial or cohabitation agreements
• Wills
• Buying and selling houses
• Starting a business that requires an Articles of Association

Our list of expat-friendly notaries in the Netherlands can help you with all of these things, and more, in English and other languages. 

Legal insurance

Since the cost of pursuing a legal claim in the Netherlands can quickly stack up, plenty of people choose to take out legal insurance, which covers the costs of consulting with a lawyer should you ever face a legal issue. 

Free legal advice in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, Het Jurididsch Loket provides free legal advice for anyone with a low income. You can visit their website to see answers to frequently asked questions, and for their contact information.