How to request government documents via WOO in Netherlands

The short answer

You can submit a WOO request by asking in writing (by post, email, or via a form) for specific government documents. The request must be directed to the administrative body that holds the information. You don't need to provide a reason why you want the information. The administrative body has 4 weeks to decide and must provide the documents free of charge, unless the costs exceed €4.50.

What does Dutch law say?

The Wet open overheid (WOO - Dutch Freedom of Information Act) gives everyone the right to request government information in the Netherlands. This law has replaced the old Wet openbaarheid van bestuur (WOB) since May 2022. Administrative bodies must make information public, except when there are compelling interests that prevent this. The law applies to all government bodies such as ministries, municipalities, provinces, and water boards.

What should you watch out for?

Formulate your request as specifically as possible to prevent it from being rejected as 'too general'. Make sure you send the request to the correct administrative body that actually holds the information. Some information may be refused due to privacy, state security, or business interests. If the administrative body doesn't respond within 4 weeks, you can file an objection (bezwaar).

Example from practice

Suppose you want to know what advice a municipality has received about a new construction project in your neighbourhood. You send an email to the municipality with the request: 'All advice and reports that the municipality has received about the new construction project at Hoofdstraat 100 in the period from January 2023 to now.' The municipality must decide within 4 weeks whether to release these documents. They can redact names of individuals due to privacy, but the substantive advice must be provided.

What can you do?

Follow these steps to successfully submit a WOO request under Dutch law: