What is a Dutch VOG?
A Dutch VOG is a Certificate of Conduct issued in the Netherlands. It shows that, based on the screening carried out for a specific purpose, there are no relevant objections to issuing the certificate.
VOG stands for Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag. It is the Dutch Certificate of Conduct and is issued by Justis, the screening authority of the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security. A VOG may be requested for employment, immigration, professional, regulatory or other official purposes.
What does a VOG actually show?
A VOG is not simply a general statement about whether someone has ever had contact with the criminal justice system. The assessment is connected to the purpose for which the VOG is requested.
When an application is assessed, Justis considers whether relevant judicial information forms an objection in relation to that purpose. If there is no objection to issuing the certificate, the VOG can be issued.
This is why the reason for the application and the correct screening profile are important parts of a Dutch VOG application.
When can a Dutch VOG be requested?
The exact requirement depends on the organisation or authority requesting the certificate. Common situations include:
Employment
An employer may request a VOG for a role in which integrity, responsibility or access to people, information or assets is relevant.
Immigration & visas
Foreign immigration authorities may request a Dutch Certificate of Conduct as part of a visa or residence procedure.
Citizenship
A Dutch VOG may form part of a foreign citizenship or nationality application when Dutch background documentation is required.
Professional registration
Regulators and professional bodies may require evidence of conduct before granting or maintaining a registration.
Work abroad
A foreign employer can request a Dutch VOG when an applicant has lived or worked in the Netherlands.
Other official procedures
Courts, authorities, licensing bodies and other organisations may request the document for a specific administrative or legal purpose.
Using a Dutch VOG outside the Netherlands
Receiving the VOG is not always the final step. The receiving authority determines what form of the document it will accept.
Apostille
For some destination countries or procedures, the original Dutch VOG must receive an Apostille before it can be used abroad.
Learn about VOG Apostilles →Sworn translation
If the receiving authority does not accept the Dutch-language document, a sworn translation may be required.
Learn about sworn translations →International delivery
When an original paper document is required abroad, the completed document route can be returned by international courier.
International VOG delivery →Not sure what your VOG needs?
The correct route depends on the destination country and the requirements of the organisation requesting your VOG.
Start with your VOG route →From application to international use
Not every applicant needs every step. The route depends on what the receiving authority requires.
Determine the purpose
Identify why the VOG is required and which authority or organisation will receive it.
Apply for the VOG
Prepare the application with the appropriate purpose, screening information and supporting evidence.
Complete extra steps
Arrange an Apostille or sworn translation when these are required for the destination or procedure.
Return the document
The completed original documents can be sent to the required international delivery address.
Need a Dutch VOG for use abroad?
Start with your situation, destination country and document requirements. We can determine which steps apply to your route.