Why do I need a Dutch VOG?
A Dutch VOG may be requested for employment, a visa, emigration, professional registration or another official procedure. If you need one from abroad, VOG Assist can help with the application and the document steps that may follow.
You need a Dutch VOG when an employer, authority or organisation requires evidence of your conduct for a particular position or purpose. This can include work involving sensitive information, money, goods or vulnerable people, but a VOG is also commonly requested for visas, emigration and other official procedures.
When might you need a Dutch VOG?
The organisation requesting your VOG determines why it is needed. These are some of the most common situations.
Visa or immigration
A foreign immigration authority may ask for a Dutch VOG as part of a visa, residence or immigration procedure.
Employment abroad
A foreign employer may request a Dutch Certificate of Conduct, particularly if you previously lived or worked in the Netherlands.
Emigration
A VOG can be requested when moving abroad and completing immigration or residency requirements in another country.
Professional registration
Regulators and professional bodies may require a VOG before granting a licence, registration or professional authorisation.
Work in the Netherlands
Employers may require a VOG for positions involving responsibility, sensitive information, money, goods or vulnerable people.
Other official procedures
Authorities and organisations may also request a VOG for licences, permits, adoption and other specific procedures.
Why the reason for your VOG matters
A Dutch VOG application is connected to a specific purpose. It is not simply a request for a generic criminal record certificate.
The application identifies the organisation or authority requiring the VOG, the purpose for which it is needed and the relevant screening profile or screening aspects.
This becomes especially important when you are applying from outside the Netherlands. For example, if the requesting authority cannot complete its part of the application, supporting evidence showing why you need the VOG may be required.
VOG Assist can help prepare the application route based on the purpose of your request and the requirements you have received.
Your VOG may only be the first step
If your Dutch VOG will be used outside the Netherlands, check the requirements of the receiving authority before treating the original certificate as the end of the process.
Apostille
Your receiving authority may require an Apostille on the original Dutch VOG before accepting it abroad.
VOG Apostille service →Sworn translation
If the authority does not accept a document in Dutch, your VOG may need to be translated by a sworn translator.
Sworn VOG translation →International delivery
Once the required document steps are complete, the original documents can be sent to your international address.
International delivery →One route instead of separate document steps
VOG Assist is designed for applicants who want help getting their Dutch VOG prepared and ready for its intended use, particularly when they are applying from abroad.
Been told you need a Dutch VOG?
Tell us what you need the VOG for and where the document will be used. We can help determine the application route and which additional document steps apply.