Ending a contract for services: notice period and rules for freelancers
Written by Ilias Aarrass6 min read · Published on · Last reviewed on 
In short
If your contract says nothing, a client may always end a contract for services under article 7:408 Dutch Civil Code, with a reasonable period. A freelancer may only terminate for a weighty reason or if the assignment is open-ended and does not end by completing a piece of work. If it ends early, you are entitled to a reasonable part of the fee.
- Termination arrangements in your contract usually take precedence over the law.
- A client may always terminate, but must act reasonably.
- A freelancer with a fixed assignment can only terminate for a weighty reason.
- You may always invoice work done and costs incurred.
An assignment does not always run to the end. Sometimes your client's budget disappears, sometimes the relationship does not work, and sometimes you are offered a better assignment. Unlike an employment contract, there is no dismissal law with a fixed notice period for freelancers. What applies depends on two things: what you agreed in the contract, and what the Dutch Civil Code says about the contract for services. In this article you will read who may terminate and when, what notice period is reasonable, what you are entitled to if your client stops and how to end it yourself properly without a claim for damages.
First: what does your contract say?
Always check your contract first. If you agreed a notice period, a fixed term or an arrangement for stopping early, that applies in most cases. Between businesses you are allowed to deviate from the statutory rules. That is why it pays to record this properly in advance; which points belong in it is explained in drawing up a contract for services.
Does it say nothing, or was the assignment only agreed by email or app? Then you fall back on the law: article 7:408 of the Dutch Civil Code.
What the law says about termination
The law makes a big distinction between client and contractor. Your client may in principle always terminate the agreement. You as a freelancer have less room.
| Who terminates? | When is that allowed? |
|---|---|
| Client | Always, but reasonably: allowing a reasonable period and taking your interests into account |
| Contractor, open-ended assignment | Yes, provided the assignment does not end by completing a specific piece of work |
| Contractor, fixed term or fixed project | Only for a weighty reason, for example if your client does not pay |
What are you entitled to if your client stops?
You may always invoice the work you have already done. If the assignment ends before it is finished, article 7:411 of the Dutch Civil Code gives you the right to a reasonable part of the agreed fee, based on the work already done. You can also pass on costs you have already incurred for the assignment, such as purchased materials.
After the termination, send a final invoice straight away with a clear breakdown of hours and costs. If your client does not pay it, follow the steps in client does not pay, what to do.
Terminating yourself: how to do it properly
If you want to stop yourself, do it carefully. A careless termination can result in a claim for damages, and your reputation in a small sector is worth a lot.
- Check your contract for notice period, term and any penalty clause.
- Terminate in writing, by email or letter, stating the date the assignment ends and the reason.
- Give a reasonable period so your client can find a replacement; often that is two to four weeks.
- Hand over your work: files, passwords that belong to the client and the current status.
- Send a final invoice and keep the correspondence with your records.
Terminating via an agency or platform
If you work through an agency, you often have two contracts: with the agency and indirectly with the end client. The termination rules are then usually in the agency's framework agreement, including any non-compete clause. Read it carefully before terminating; more in freelancing through an agency. If you doubt whether a termination is legally valid, get legal advice before you stop working.
Frequently asked questions
What notice period applies to a freelancer?
There is no fixed statutory period. What is in your contract applies; if there is nothing, the period must be reasonable, depending on the length and size of the assignment.
Can my client terminate with immediate effect?
In principle yes, unless you agreed otherwise. You do keep the right to payment for work already done, and sometimes to compensation.
Is verbal termination valid?
Legally it can be, but it is hard to prove later. So always confirm a termination by email.
Sources
- Dutch Civil Code Book 7, article 408Overheid.nl · wetten.overheid.nl
- How to draw up general termsKVK · kvk.nl
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This article provides general information based on the rules known for 2026 and does not replace personal tax advice. For your specific situation, we're happy to take a look with you.
