- Price
- €17.95incl. VAT, 2 pages included
- Delivery time
- Next business dayusually, after handover to the post
- Proof
- Recipient's signature+ tracking and proof of posting
- Handed to the post
- Upload by 15:00on a working day, posted the same day
- Counts as
- Domestic registered mailprinted and posted in Netherlands
Does a summary dismissal have to go by registered mail?
No. The law sets no form. Usually you tell the employee in a meeting, and that is valid.
You must later be able to prove when you dismissed and for what reason. Precisely because no permission from the UWV or a court is needed, courts review strictly if the employee challenges it. That is why a letter almost always follows, often registered and by email as well.
Why does every day count?
| Step | When |
|---|---|
| Give the dismissal | Without delay: as soon as you know the urgent reason |
| State the reason | At the same time as the dismissal |
| Written confirmation | Ideally the same day |
| Employee can go to the cantonal court | Within two months |
A short investigation and hearing the employee are allowed, but do not wait longer than needed. A reason you only give later usually does not count.
How to confirm the dismissal
- Note the date and timeOf the meeting where you gave the dismissal.
- Describe the urgent reasonConcretely, with the facts, as in the meeting.
- Upload the PDFBy 15:00 on a working day it goes to PostNL the same day.
- Keep the proofTracking number and proof PDF with the recipient's signature.
Sample letter
In Dutch, the language of the employment contract.
Onderwerp: bevestiging ontslag op staande voet
Geachte [naam werknemer],
In ons gesprek van [datum, tijd] heb ik u op staande voet ontslagen. De dringende reden is [feiten]. Hiermee bevestig ik dat uw arbeidsovereenkomst op [datum] is geëindigd.
Wij vragen u [spullen] uiterlijk [datum] in te leveren. De eindafrekening volgt.
Met vriendelijke groet,
[naam en functie]
What to watch
- Give the same reason in the letter as in the meeting, with the facts.
- Send the letter to the employee's home address. If they refuse or do not collect it, keep the PostNL record and send the text by email too.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Dutch summary dismissal have to be in writing?
No, telling the employee is valid. A letter does record the date and the reason.
Does the confirmation have to be registered?
No. Registered mail helps to prove the employee received the letter.
How fast must I dismiss?
Without delay, as soon as you know the urgent reason (article 7:677 (1) Dutch Civil Code).
Do I need permission from the UWV?
No. A summary dismissal needs no permission from the UWV or a court.
How long can the employee challenge the dismissal?
Two months, at the cantonal court (article 7:686a (4)).