Terminating a business contract
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
Do you want to end a business contract? Check the duration, termination arrangement and the difference between termination and dissolution due to a breach.
General information about Dutch law · Reviewed on · How we work
On this page
Read the agreements as a whole
Look for the end date, renewal, notice period and formal requirements in the contract and terms and conditions. Also check changes agreed later.
Determine the correct ground
You cannot simply terminate a fixed-term agreement early. A breach requires a different assessment from ordinary termination.
Record the settlement
Send the correct declaration in a verifiable manner and discuss outstanding invoices, transfer, data and property. If in doubt, first have the costs and liability risks assessed.
Your checklist
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
Unless saved in My overview: Your entries stay only on this screen. Download before leaving; closing or reloading clears them. Do not enter identity numbers, passwords or unnecessary personal details.
What do you still need for your next step?
Item 1 / 3 · Where do you stand with this item?
Contract and terms and conditions
This overview follows your own answers. It does not assess your rights or guarantee that your file is complete.
Your choices stay here. Use the buttons below if you want to save or download.
View all details, notes and timeline
Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 3 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
Save and continue later
Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- Contract and terms and conditions
- Amendment agreements
- Desired end date and outstanding obligations
Frequently asked questions
Do business contracts also have a standard cooling-off period?
Do not assume so. Consumer rules do not automatically apply to business agreements.