Malicious individuals do not hesitate to intimidate or threaten people in certain professions, or worse. The murder of lawyer Derk Wiersum was a tragic low point. KVK makes a self-employed professional's address easy to find. If a lawyer, doctor or youth worker can easily be located, unwanted or dangerous situations can arise. As lawyers face the greatest risk, measures are now being introduced. The Netherlands Bar has concluded an agreement with KVK on this subject.
Changes to the Business Register
Shielding the addresses of lawyers and other higher-risk professionals required an amendment to Article 51 of the Business Register Decree. This happened in early 2023. It is now possible to shield a visiting address. This is not automatically available to every entrepreneur. An address can only be hidden where there is a specific threat, or where a threat is likely because of the person's profession. For lawyers, the nature of their profession alone is sufficient to have their home address shielded.
Conditions
Address shielding is available under certain conditions. It applies only to small businesses such as sole proprietorships, general partnerships, associations and foundations. When requesting the shielding of a visiting address, an alternative must be provided, such as a PO box or a business address where mail can be sent. Private and public limited companies cannot use this arrangement. Lawyers are an exception: they can shield their address in all circumstances, including an office address, regardless of their firm's legal form. The Netherlands Bar agreed this with KVK.
Exceptions to address shielding
Some organisations can still view a shielded address, including lawyers, bailiffs, civil-law notaries and government authorities. They need authorisation explaining why the address is required. The measure is intended to prevent threats or worse against people in particular professions. A business address can easily prevent a home address from being traced. It can also be linked to a telephone number that does not reveal where the entrepreneur actually lives.