Understanding the costs of legal help in the Netherlands

Legal advice or support in the Netherlands can come from a lawyer or a mediator. But how much will it cost you?

That depends on your income, whether you have legal insurance, and the type of legal professional you choose. This article explains the three common scenarios and what you should know before getting started. 

Three ways legal help may be paid for 

In the Netherlands, there are three main options when it comes to paying for legal assistance: 

1. Legal aid (gefinancierde rechtsbijstand) – for people with a low income 
2. Legal insurance – for those with an active policy 
3. Private payment – for those not eligible for aid or without insurance 

Let’s explore each of them in more detail.

1. Legal aid: government support for low-income individuals

The Netherlands is a rule-of-law society that aims to ensure access to justice for everyone. If your income is below a certain level, the Dutch government may cover most of your legal costs. You will only need to pay a small personal contribution. 

Who can get legal aid?

Legal aid is available regardless of your nationality or place of residence. What matters is your income and assets, based on your current household and your income from two years ago.

In 2025 [1], the limits are: 

• • Up to €33,200 for single individuals 

• • Up to €46,900 for couples or single parents 

• • Assets must not exceed €33,748 

If your income has dropped significantly since then, you can ask the Legal Aid Board to assess your current financial situation instead. 

How do you apply?

Your lawyer or mediator will apply for legal aid on your behalf. If you had income in the Netherlands, the system checks this automatically. If your income came from abroad, you will need to submit the “income and asset statement” form with supporting documents[2]. A rare English version is available here. 

What does it cost?

If you qualify for legal aid: 

• • You pay between €241 and €1,050 for a lawyer 

• • You pay between €65 and €129 for a mediator 

These amounts can double in time-consuming cases. Additional costs, such as court fees or document fees, are not covered. 

Can municipalities help with the personal contribution?

If you have no income and cannot pay your part, some municipalities offer extra financial support. Conditions vary locally, so check with your city. 

Important tip:
Not all lawyers and mediators accept legal aid cases. If you think you qualify, search for professionals who do. On the Counselr.nl website, you can further filter your results by selecting the ‘legal aid’ box to show only those who accept subsidised cases. 

2. Legal insurance: private cover for legal costs

Legal insurance (rechtsbijstandverzekering) works like health or car insurance. You pay a monthly fee, and when a legal issue arises, your insurer may cover some or all of the costs. 

What should you know? 

• • Contact your insurer before approaching a legal professional 

• • Coverage depends on the terms of your policy 

• • Your insurer will assign a legal expert, usually a lawyer or paralegal 

• • In court cases, you may choose your own lawyer under certain conditions 

Freedom to choose a lawyer

By law, if your case goes to court, you are allowed to choose your own lawyer – either from your insurer’s network or an external lawyer. The costs are covered by the insurance up to a maximum set in your contract. 

If Dutch is not your first language, check whether your assigned lawyer speaks your language. Some insurance firms have multilingual staff – others do not. 

Note:

The right to choose your legal representative (paid by the insurer) is a current topic of legal debate. What’s written here reflects the current stance of the Dutch Bar Association and case law from Dutch and EU courts [3]. 

3. Private payment: when you pay for legal help yourself

If you don’t qualify for legal aid and don’t have legal insurance, you must cover the costs yourself. Fees depend on the lawyer or mediator’s rates and how they structure their pricing. 

Typical rates: 

• • Lawyers: €200 to €600 per hour 

• • Mediators: €100 to €400 per hour 

Some legal professionals may offer fixed fees for specific services. Always confirm the total cost and ask whether VAT is included. In the Netherlands, VAT is 21%. However, VAT may not apply to foreign clients or businesses – your legal professional will clarify this. 

No cure, no pay?

In general, “no win, no fee” arrangements are not allowed in the Netherlands – except in personal injury or wrongful death cases. 

Conclusion 

The cost of legal help in the Netherlands varies widely depending on your financial situation and the type of legal support you need. Whether you qualify for legal aid, rely on legal insurance, or pay out of pocket, it’s essential to clarify costs and expectations from the start. 

Not sure which route applies to you? A qualified lawyer or mediator can help assess your situation and explain your options – including whether legal aid is available and how to apply. Be sure to communicate your language needs and financial situation early on to avoid surprises later. 

 

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not legally binding. Although we strive for accuracy, the content may contain errors. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know by contacting us via the contact form located at the bottom of the page.

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[1] Raad voor Rechtsbijstand, Inkomen, vermogen en eigen bijdrage 2025 (12/19/2024), accessed 05/25/25

[2] Raad voor Rechtsbijstand, Formulieren voor burgers, accessed 05/25/25

[3] Nederlandse orde van advocaten, Vrije advocaatkeuze, accessed 05/25/25