Applying for a Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (VOG) in the Netherlands

The most important condition is that you have not committed any criminal offences.

Have you ever done something criminal?
In that case, the Central Body for the Certificate of Good Behavior (COVOG) will determine whether this stands in the way of issuing a certificate of good conduct in relation to the purpose or position you are going to fulfill. An outstanding fine or community service order may also have an impact.

• A valid proof of identity.
• A completed application form (you will receive this from your employer).
• Enough money. You must pay the Declaration of Good Conduct with the application. You can pay at the counter in cash or with your debit card.

Arrange at the desk
Make an appointment online and bring:

• A valid proof of identity.
• A completed application form (you will receive this from your employer).
• Enough money. You must pay the Declaration of Good Conduct with the application. You can pay at the counter in cash or with your debit card.

You can request a Declaration of Good Behaviorn (VOG)  from the municipality. The Justis service of the Ministry of Security and Justice decides whether you will receive the VOG. Would you like to submit your application electronically via the Justis website? This is only possible if the organization requesting the VOG has registered with COVOG.

Are you not registered in a Dutch municipality?
Then apply for your VOG at the Central Body for the Declaration of Behavior (COVOG) of the Justice Department.

A Certificate of Good Behavior (VOG) for natural persons costs € 41.35.

Free Certificate of Good Behavior (VOG)
Are you a volunteer and do you work with children or people with an intellectual disability? Then you can request a Certificate of Good Behavior (VOG) free of charge. Your volunteer organization must register for the Free VOG Regulation. Both the registration of the volunteer organization and the application for the free VOG by a volunteer must be done digitally and can be done via the website https://www.gratisvog.nl. More information about this scheme and all conditions can be found on the Justis website.

Volunteers in sports also receive the VOG for free if the association is affiliated with NOC*NSF.

You will be informed within 4 to 8 weeks whether you will receive a Certificate of Good Behavior. If you have not committed any criminal offences, you will usually receive the Statement of Good Behavior within a week and a half.

If you do not agree with the decision, you can object to the decision within 6 weeks. You can do this at the Central Body Declaration on Behavior (COVOG).