How Long is a Gift Voucher Valid in the Netherlands?

The short answer

Every gift voucher you bought after 31 December 2016 in the Netherlands is valid for at least 2 years from the purchase date under Dutch law. The shop may set a longer validity period, but never shorter than 2 years. If no expiry date is stated on the gift voucher, it remains valid for 2 years. After this period, the shop doesn't have to accept the gift voucher anymore. This rule applies to all types of gift vouchers: paper vouchers, digital codes, and gift cards.

What does Dutch law say?

The law governing this is Article 7:3 paragraph 1 sub g of the Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek). This rule was introduced in 2017 because consumers were often disadvantaged by short expiry periods. Dutch law considers a gift voucher as a prepayment for a future purchase. Therefore, as a consumer in the Netherlands, you get the guarantee that you have at least 2 years to use your gift voucher.

What should you watch out for?

Always keep your purchase receipt for the gift voucher, as it shows the date when the 2-year period starts. Also pay attention to the terms and conditions stated on the gift voucher. Some shops in the Netherlands have their own rules about partial redemption or refunding remaining credit. Check if the shop still exists before the gift voucher expires, as you'll lose your money if they go bankrupt.

Example from practice

Suppose you buy a €50 gift voucher from a clothing shop on 1 March 2024 in the Netherlands. This gift voucher remains valid until at least 1 March 2026, even if the voucher states it expires after 1 year. The shop cannot apply this rule because Dutch law is stronger. If you want to use the gift voucher on 15 February 2026, the shop must still accept it. Only after 1 March 2026 may the shop refuse to accept the gift voucher.

What can you do?

If a shop in the Netherlands refuses to accept your valid gift voucher, you can take steps to enforce your rights under Dutch law.