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🇳🇱 Netherlands · supreme court

Council of State (Administrative Jurisdiction Division)

Raad van State, Afdeling bestuursrechtspraak

Reviewed· 2026-08-02The Hague

The highest general administrative court, deciding appeals against government decisions in fields from immigration to environmental permits. The Council of State also has a separate Advisory Division that must be consulted on all draft legislation, a dual role that has itself been adjusted after European criticism to keep advice and adjudication properly separated.

How the court is constituted

Tier
supreme
Court type
Highest general administrative court
Jurisdiction
National — administrative law, including asylum, environment and planning
Seat
The Hague
Established
1976
Composition
State councillors sitting in the Administrative Jurisdiction Division, in single- or three-judge benches.
Appointment
Appointed for life by royal decree; the Monarch is the titular president but does not sit.
Languages
Dutch

Where an appeal goes next

None in general administrative matters; it is the final instance.

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