🇳🇱 Legislation3 Jun 2026
Dutch companies will be able to hold fully digital general meetings from 2027
The Dutch Digital General Meetings of Legal Entities under Private Law Act, dated 3 June 2026 (Stb. 2026, 161), lets NVs, BVs, cooperatives and associations hold fully digital general meetings as well as physical and hybrid ones. Companies must allow it in their articles, and members must be able to attend by video and audio, speak and vote electronically. The Government gives 1 January 2027 as the start date.
The House of Representatives adopted the bill on 16 December 2025 and the Senate followed in 2026. The act amends Books 2 and 5 of the Civil Code.
What changed
- NVs, BVs, cooperatives, mutual societies and associations can hold a fully digital general meeting, alongside physical and hybrid meetings.
- Companies must provide for it expressly in their articles of association. Associations are an exception.
- Participants must be able to follow the meeting by video and audio, speak and vote electronically. The notice must explain how to join.
- The act comes into force by royal decree. The Government's business portal gives 1 January 2027.
What to do
Companies that want digital-only meetings should plan an amendment to their articles, which needs a notarial deed.