Can a fixed-term contract always be terminated early for cause?

Generally yes, but a serious breach is required. Under BW 6:265, dissolution requires a shortfall that justifies it, and the party in breach must usually first be in default following a written notice.

What is a typical early-termination fee?

It varies by sector and contract, but it often equals the fees due for the remaining term or a fixed multiple of monthly fees. Some contracts use a declining formula: higher fees early, lower fees nearer the end.

Is "termination for convenience" the same as early termination?

Termination for convenience is one type of early termination where no breach is required. It is only available if the contract expressly grants it, usually subject to a fee or a notice period.

What rights does the other party have if I terminate early without grounds?

The counterparty can claim damages for the loss caused by the early exit, which typically includes the value of the remaining contract term minus any savings. It may also seek specific performance or injunctive relief in some cases.

Does Dutch law allow early termination of open-ended contracts without cause?

Contracts for an indefinite period are generally terminable by notice. Fixed-term contracts are not, unless the contract says so. For some contract types (such as employment or agency agreements) specific statutory rules apply.

Early termination

Ending a fixed-term contract before its agreed end date, typically only on grounds the contract allows.

Définition

Early termination is the premature ending of a fixed-term agreement before its natural expiry. Unless the contract expressly allows interim cancellation, a fixed-term contract cannot simply be cancelled; a party that walks away early risks liability for breach. Contracts therefore commonly specify the permitted grounds (for cause, for convenience, change of control) and any compensation owed.

Exemple

A three-year lease allowing early termination on six months' notice lets the tenant exit after restructuring.

Pourquoi c'est un risque pour l'entreprise

Early termination without a contractual basis exposes a business to breach-of-contract claims and damages equal to the counterparty's loss of the remaining term. Even where an exit is contractually permitted, an early-termination fee can run to months of remaining fees. Businesses that do not track which contracts are fixed-term versus rolling risk triggering costly exits unintentionally.

Comment le gérer

Before signing a fixed-term contract, confirm whether it includes an early-termination right and under what conditions.
Record the contract type (fixed-term or rolling) and any early-exit triggers in your contract repository.
Calculate the potential early-termination fee before invoking the right, to compare it against the cost of staying.
Serve any required notices exactly as the contract prescribes: wrong form or recipient can invalidate the termination.
Document the grounds for termination and keep evidence, especially if terminating for cause.

Références juridiques

BW 6:265 Dutch Civil Code: rescission for breach Droit néerlandais

Sauf mention contraire, les références renvoient au droit néerlandais (Burgerlijk Wetboek, le Code civil néerlandais) ; les instruments de l'UE tels que le RGPD s'appliquent dans toute l'UE. Il s'agit d'informations générales, pas de conseils juridiques. D'autres juridictions traitent ces concepts différemment. Vérifiez le texte en vigueur et votre situation avec un avocat qualifié.

Foire aux questions

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