Legal Terms Explained in Plain English

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Koopovereenkomst

The preliminary purchase agreement signed between buyer and seller before the final notarial transfer deed. The koopovereenkomst (BW Art. 7:1) binds both parties; the buyer typically has a 3-day cooling-off period (bedenktijd, BW Art. 7:2). It includes the purchase price, completion date, and conditions (voorbehoud) such as the financing condition (financieringsvoorbehoud) and structural survey condition (bouwkundige inspectie).

Notariaat (Notary System)

Dutch civil-law notaries (notarissen) are public officeholders appointed by the Crown, governed by the Wet op het Notarisambt (Wna). All real estate transfers, company formations, marriage contracts, and wills require notarial involvement. The Koninklijke Notariële Beroepsorganisatie (KNB) regulates the profession. Dutch notary fees for real estate are negotiable since deregulation in 1999; typical range EUR 1,000–3,000 for a residential purchase deed.

Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag (VOG)

A certificate of conduct (VOG) issued by the Dienst Justis, confirming the holder has no relevant criminal convictions for the specific purpose stated (employment, volunteering, professional licence). Required by many Dutch employers and regulated professions. Application fee: EUR 41.35 (individual); processing: 4 weeks standard. Since 2014, a digital VOG (eVOG) is also available for certain sectors.

Kantonrechter

The cantonal judge (kantonrechter) is a division of the Rechtbank handling: civil claims up to EUR 25,000; employment disputes (regardless of amount); tenancy disputes; consumer disputes; and family/probate matters. Proceedings before the kantonrechter do not require a lawyer (advocaat) — parties may represent themselves. Court fee (griffierecht) for private individuals in kantonzaken: EUR 85–385 depending on claim value (2025).

DigiD

The Dutch digital identity system (Digitale Identiteit) used to authenticate individuals for government services, including tax filing (Belastingdienst aangifte), health insurance switching, and UWV unemployment applications. DigiD is issued by Logius (Ministry of the Interior). Foreign nationals can apply for a DigiD using their BSN (Burgerservicenummer) once registered at a gemeente. DigiD Hoog (high-security level with app) is required for MijnOverheid and healthcare portals.

Ondernemingsraad (Works Council)

Under the Wet op de ondernemingsraden (WOR), companies with 50+ employees must establish an ondernemingsraad (OR). The OR has: adviesrecht (advisory right) on major business decisions including M&A, restructuring, and relocation; instemmingsrecht (consent right) on HR and working conditions policies. OR approval or consultation is required before collective dismissals (WMCO), major organisational changes, and significant outsourcing. Failure to consult the OR can render a decision voidable.

Wet Bescherming Bedrijfsgeheimen (Trade Secrets)

The Wet bescherming bedrijfsgeheimen (Wbb) implements EU Directive 2016/943. A trade secret is protected if: the information is secret; it has commercial value because it is secret; and the holder has taken reasonable steps to keep it secret. Remedies: injunction, damages, delivery up, publication of the judgment. Limitation period: 5 years. The Rechtbank (or kort geding in urgent cases) hears trade secret cases; the NL courts have developed extensive case law on non-compete and non-solicitation clauses enforcing post-employment confidentiality.