Nader te noemen meester

In Dutch law of obligations, the term “principal to be named” refers to a situation in which an agent performs a juristic act on behalf of a principal who has not yet been identified. The agent acts in its own name, but with the intention that the rights and obligations arising from the act will subsequently be transferred to the principal to be named.

This mechanism is frequently employed in transactions where the ultimate interested party remains to be determined, such as in real estate development or intermediation. It affords flexibility, yet requires clear arrangements concerning the subsequent disclosure of the principal and its acceptance of the transaction.

In practice, the provision ensures that the agent does not remain liable, provided the principal is named within the agreed time and the counterparty consents to the transfer of the contractual relationship.