Applying for a Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (VOG) in the Netherlands
Many jobs in the Netherlands require you to have a Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag – VOG (certificate of conduct). This also includes volunteer work. Examples are if you are going to work with confidential information or with children. A VOG shows that your behaviour is satisfactory for a new job. You may also need a VOG to apply for a visa or if you want to emigrate to another country.
There are several ways to apply for a VOG:
- Are you registered with your municipality in the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen – BRP)? Then you or your employer can submit a fully completed application form to the municipality.
- Are you not registered with your municipality in the BRP? For example, if you are working in the Netherlands temporarily or living outside the Netherlands? Then send your application with all accompanying appendices to Justis by post (in Dutch). You can also download the application form from the justis.nl website.
Do you own a company or organisation that requires a VOG? Then you can apply for a VOG voor rechtspersonen – VOG RP (certificate of conduct for legal entities).
This is how it works for you
Here is some information from your municipality.
Municipality of Smallingerland: Applying for a Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (VOG)
Please note: you can apply for a Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag – VOG (certificate of conduct) only if you live in the Netherlands and are registered with a municipality.
A Certificate of Good Behavior (VOG) is proof of good behaviour. Authorities can ask for this. For example, if you start working in childcare, education or as a taxi driver. The authority often determines whether you submit a written or a digital application .
Apply digitally
The body takes the first step: it prepares the VOG application for you online. You will then receive an e-mail containing an application code. Log in online with this code. Check your application details and pay the application. To successfully complete your application you need DigiD, iDEAL and a valid e-mail address. The costs: €33.85.
Request in writing
You will receive the application form from the body that requests the VOG from you. Fill in the application form together with the authority (often your employer). Make an appointment at the municipality where you are registered. Bring the completed form and your proof of identity with you. You pay when you apply. The costs: €41.35.
Justice Service
The Justis Service assesses your application. You will receive the VOG by post from Justis two to four weeks after your application. Has Justis rejected your application? Then you will receive a letter about this. Do you live abroad, are you registered in the Register of Non-Residents (RNI) or are you not registered anywhere? Apply for the VOG at the Justis Service.
More information
You can ask questions about the progress of your application to the Justis Service. Call 088 9982 200. Read more about the VOG at justis.nl/vog
A digital VOG application costs: € 33.85.
A written application to the municipality costs: € 41.35.
Questions about this topic?
Contact the Municipality of Smallingerland
Visiting address
Gauke Boelensstraat 2
9203RM Drachten
| Monday | 8:30 - 16:30 |
| Tuesday | 8:30 - 16:30 |
| Wednesday | 8:30 - 16:30 |
| Thursday | 8:30 - 16:30 |
| Friday | 8:30 - 16:30 |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |