zaaktype

Zaaktype is a formal template used in Dutch public administration to classify and standardize administrative processes. It defines what constitutes a case of that type, including the information, documents, steps, and roles needed to handle the process. A zaaktype is the blueprint for all cases (zaken) that fall under it, ensuring consistency across agencies and digital systems.

A zaaktype typically includes a unique code, a descriptive title, a summary of the purpose, and the domain or sector it belongs to (for example permits, social services, or urban planning). It specifies the required documents and forms, the activities or steps that must be carried out, the actors responsible for those steps, and any decision points or rules that determine next actions. It also includes service levels, privacy considerations, and data retention guidance. The concept is central to the practice of zaakgericht werken (case-driven working), where many diverse procedures are managed as standardized cases in a unified workflow.

A case (zaak) is an instance of a zaaktype. Each zaak receives its own identifier, has a lifecycle with statuses such as created, in behandeling (in progress), and afgerond (completed), and records relevant timestamps and decisions. Zaaksystemen use the zaaktype to guide the processing, visibility, and reporting of each case, enabling users and citizens to track progress and ensuring consistent handling across departments.

Zaaktypes are managed in a Zaaktypecatalogus (ZA), a catalog that governs standardization, versioning, and governance. They facilitate interoperability, simplify training, and support analytics on public services. Examples include applications for a building permit or a social benefit request.