VOG APOSTILLE GUIDE
Does my VOG need
an Apostille?
Not automatically. Whether your Dutch VOG needs an Apostille depends on the country, the receiving authority and the exact document instructions you have been given.
Start with what the
authority actually asks for.
An Apostille is a specific authentication step. It should not be added simply because the VOG will leave the Netherlands.
They explicitly ask for an Apostille
If the receiving authority says the Dutch VOG must be Apostilled, the original document can follow the Dutch Apostille route.
Apostille likely requiredThey only ask for a police certificate
A request for a police clearance certificate does not by itself tell you that an Apostille is required. Check the authority’s document instructions first.
Confirm before arranging itThe instructions are unclear
Use the destination country, purpose and wording from the receiving organisation to determine which Dutch-side steps are relevant.
Route check recommendedThree things to check
before arranging anything.
This avoids paying for an unnecessary step or completing the documents in the wrong order.
The destination
Requirements differ by country and by the organisation receiving the document. The destination is therefore only the starting point.
The receiving authority
An employer, immigration authority, university or professional body may each impose different document requirements.
The exact wording
Look for terms such as Apostille, legalisation, authentication, certified translation or sworn translation in the instructions you received.
Apostille and translation
are not the same step.
A foreign authority can request one, both, or neither. The correct sequence matters when multiple document steps are required.
CONTINUE YOUR ROUTE
Already know what
you need?
Continue to the guide that matches your situation, or return to the Apostille hub for the complete document route.
Not sure from the instructions?
Send the destination, purpose and the document requirement you received. VOG Assist can help identify the practical Dutch-side route. VOG Assist is an independent specialist service; the receiving authority ultimately decides which documents it accepts.
Need an Apostille on your Dutch VOG?
If the requirement is confirmed, start your route online. VOG Assist can coordinate the relevant Dutch-side steps and international return of the completed documents.