What does a bailiff (deurwaarder) do in the Netherlands?

Dutch term: Deurwaarder | Legal basis: Gerechtsdeurwaarderswet

A Dutch bailiff (gerechtsdeurwaarder) is a judicial officer authorised to serve legal documents, execute court judgments, and carry out attachments. Bailiffs are required for the formal service of summons (dagvaarding) and for the enforcement of court orders and judgments against debtors' assets.

In enforcement proceedings, the bailiff serves the enforceable title (grossier) on the debtor, seizes bank accounts, receivables, real property and movable assets, and conducts public auctions where necessary. The bailiff also handles the service of pre-judgment attachment orders (conservatoir beslag). Bailiff fees are set by regulation and are relatively modest per service act.

Why it matters for international businesses

For international creditors enforcing a judgment or attachment in the Netherlands, the bailiff is the operational arm of enforcement. MAAK Advocaten coordinates directly with Dutch bailiffs as part of its enforcement practice.