Beroepsgeheim

Professional secrecy constitutes a fundamental principle of Dutch law and obliges professionals in positions of trust to maintain the confidentiality of any information acquired in the course of their duties. This obligation applies, among others, to lawyers, physicians, notaries and members of the clergy.

The rule is essential to safeguard the relationship of trust between the professional and the client or patient. Without such protection, individuals might be reluctant to disclose information necessary for the proper performance of the profession.

In practice, a breach of professional secrecy may give rise to disciplinary sanctions or criminal prosecution. Firms such as Arslan & Arslan therefore maintain strict internal protocols to ensure compliance with this duty.