Can a subscription be automatically renewed?

Yes, a subscription may be automatically extended — but only if you have been clearly informed about this in advance. As a consumer you have the right to cancel a tacitly extended subscription at any time per month, even if the new period has already started. The law protects you well against unpleasant surprises here.

Last checked: March 2026. Legal information may change — always check the current legislation onwetten.nl.

What does the law say?

In the Netherlands, automatic renewal of subscriptions is regulated by law. The rules are in the Civil Code, specifically in the provisions on consumer contracts and general terms and conditions.

The core of the law is simple: a company may tacitly renew your subscription, but only if they have informed you well in advance. That information must be clear and understandable — not hidden in small print.

Article 6:236 of the Dutch Civil Code (check this article onwetten.nl for the most current version) regulates which clauses in general terms and conditions are void for consumers. A clause that provides for automatic renewal without giving you the opportunity to cancel is contrary to this provision.

Even more important: Article 6:237 of the Dutch Civil Code (check this article onwetten.nl for the most current version) contains a list of clauses that are suspected of being unreasonably onerous. An extension clause that does not give you the opportunity to cancel in time quickly falls under this.

But the law goes further. Since the introduction of stricter consumer rules, if a subscription is tacitly extended for an indefinite period, you can always cancel the subscription with a notice period of up to one month. This is stated in Article 6:230p of the Dutch Civil Code (check this article onwetten.nl for the most current version).

What does this mean in practice? Suppose your streaming service automatically renews annually. If the new annual period has already started, you can still cancel monthly. So you don't have to wait until the end of the new year. The company may then ask you to pay the costs for the months that you have still used the subscription.

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) supervises these rules. Companies that do not comply with the termination regulations risk fines. In recent years, the ACM has spoken to several companies about their termination policy.

When does this apply to you?

These rules apply if you are a consumer. This means: you take out the subscription for private use, not for your company. Are you self-employed and are you taking out a subscription for your company? Then other, less strict rules apply to you.

The protection applies to all types of subscriptions. Consider:

• Streaming services such as Netflix, Spotify or Disney+
• Magazines and newspaper subscriptions
• Gym subscriptions
• Telephone and internet subscriptions
• Software subscriptions for home use
• Insurance with automatic renewal

There are a few specific situations that you need to pay extra attention to.

Situation 1: Your subscription has been renewed without you knowing. This is possible if you forgot to cancel, or if the cancellation option was unclear. In that case you can still cancel. If the extension is tacit and takes effect for an indefinite period, a maximum notice period of one month applies.

Situation 2: The notice period was too long. Some companies require a notice period of two or three months before the renewal date. This is legally permitted as long as it is clearly stated in the terms and conditions. But if the subscription has already been extended afterwards, that long term no longer applies. Then you can cancel per month.

Situation 3: You have not been properly informed about the renewal. If a company has not clearly warned you that your subscription is about to be renewed, you are in a stronger position. You can then declare the auto-renewal invalid and request a refund for any fees paid after the original end date.

Situation 4: You have a trial subscription that turns into a paid subscription. This is a common problem. The law requires that you are explicitly and clearly informed about this before the trial period starts. Vague statements in the small print are not enough.

Step-by-step plan — what can you do now?

1. Check your subscription terms and conditions. Find out when your subscription has been automatically renewed and what notice period applies. Check whether this information was described clearly and understandably.
2. Cancel the subscription immediately. Do