What is garnishment of wages (loonbeslag) under Dutch law?

Dutch term: Loonbeslag | Legal basis: Articles 475a-475g Rv

Garnishment of wages (loonbeslag) under articles 475a to 475g of the Dutch Code of Civil Procedure is the seizure of a debtor's salary or wages at the employer. The employer must withhold the seized portion of the salary and pay it to the creditor. A protected minimum (beslagvrije voet) is preserved to ensure the debtor can meet basic living expenses.

The beslagvrije voet is calculated based on the debtor's personal circumstances (household composition, housing costs, health insurance) and is approximately equal to 95% of the applicable social welfare norm. The employer must calculate and apply the beslagvrije voet and transfer the excess to the creditor each payment period. Garnishment remains in place until the debt is satisfied or the seizure is lifted.

Why it matters for international businesses

For creditors enforcing against individual debtors (including directors of insolvent companies who are personally liable), wage garnishment is a steady recovery mechanism that operates automatically once in place.