Country Guide

Organ Transplantation in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a founding Eurotransplant member, home to its headquarters in Leiden, and a European leader in living donation and paired exchange programs.

A Pioneer in Living Donation

The Netherlands coordinates organ donation through the Dutch Transplant Foundation (NTS), with deceased-donor organs allocated through Eurotransplant, whose headquarters sit in Leiden. The system is transparent, rigorous, and highly trusted.

Since 2020 the Netherlands uses an active donor registration model: every adult is registered with a default of "no objection" unless they record a different choice, an opt-out style framework that supports donation while preserving personal choice.

The Netherlands is a European leader in living donation and paired exchange. If your willing donor is incompatible, Dutch exchange programs are among the most advanced in the world at finding a compatible match, and the organ is always a free gift.

Netherlands at a Glance

Donation modelOpt-out ("no objection" default)
Allocation networkEurotransplant (HQ in Leiden)
CoordinationDutch Transplant Foundation (NTS)
Living donationEuropean leader (paired exchange)
Organ costAlways free (gift of life)

Your Options in the Netherlands

Every pathway below is legal, regulated, and coordinated by national or European medical authorities.

Deceased-Donor Waitlist

Registration on the national waitlist, with organs allocated through Eurotransplant by medical need and compatibility.

Living Donation

A family member or friend may donate a kidney or part of a liver, with rigorous donor protection and evaluation.

Paired Exchange

Incompatible donor-recipient pairs are matched with other pairs, so both patients receive a compatible organ.

Starting in the Netherlands?

Access to care depends on residency, insurance, and applicable cross-border rules, never on paying a broker. A licensed specialist can review your situation and explain exactly which legal pathway applies to you in the Netherlands.

Get a Confidential Review

You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone

Let our medical network review your case and provide a clear, compassionate roadmap to verified, government-regulated transplant centers.

Start Your Confidential Conversation