Aanvangsperiode

Aanvangsperiode is a term used in Dutch law and business to denote the initial period after the start of a contract, project, policy, or program during which certain terms apply that may differ from the normal terms. It begins on the moment of activation or delivery and ends on a pre-defined date or upon reaching certain milestones. The purpose is to facilitate onboarding, transition, or price differentiation and to allow parties to adjust to the new arrangement. During the aanvangsperiode, fees or conditions can be transitional, such as introductory pricing, reduced minimum obligations, or enhanced support; performance targets may be set and reviewed before moving to the standard regime. The length can range from days to years and is defined in the contract, policy, or plan.

Examples include a telecommunications contract that offers an aanvangsperiode with discounted rates; a mortgage or loan that has an initial aanvangsperiode with a fixed rate for a set term; a software subscription that includes onboarding services and training during the aanvangsperiode; or a public subsidy program that provides enhanced funding during the aanvangsperiode.

Relation to other concepts: an aanvangsperiode is distinct from the overall contract term (looptijd) and from probationary periods (proeftijd) or ramp-up plans; the exact rights and obligations in the aanvangsperiode are contractually defined and can include price adjustments, termination rights, or conversion to standard terms at the end of the period.

Etymology: from aanvang (start) + periode (period). In practice, the term is used in legal, financial, and commercial contexts to describe the transitional early phase of a contract or program.