The Order of the Netherlands Lion was until recently awarded to eminent individuals from all walks of life, including generals, ministers of the crown, mayors of large towns, professors and leading scientists, industrialists, high-ranking civil servants, presiding judges and renowned artists.

Appointment to the grade of Commander (see below) is very rare (Nobel Prizewinners; the conductor Bernard Haitink towards the end of his life, and the dancer and choreographer Hans van Manen, for example).

The obverse central disc is in blue enamel, bearing the motto Virtus Nobilitat (Virtue Ennobles).

The reverse central disc is plain golden, with the lion from the Netherlands coat-of-arms.

As with all honours awarded by the Netherlands, the insignia comprises a decoration, a miniature and optionally a breast star.

The star consists of a slightly larger decoration, which is worn directly above the middle on the left-hand side of the clothing.

The decoration hangs from the ribbon that is worn at chest height on the left-hand side of the clothing.

The badge of honour for Brothers was a silver medal, with the lion from the Netherlands coat of arms on the obverse, and the motto Virtus Nobilitat (English: Virtue Ennobles) on the reverse.