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 an application form VOG 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. 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.
Verklaring omtrent het gedrag (VOG)
Your new employer or an organization may request a certificate of good conduct. Officially, this document is called a 'Verklaring omtrent het gedrag' (VOG). You can apply for this certificate through the municipality or through your new employer, who will provide you with the form. You submit the completed form to the municipality on appointment, or fill it out online using DigiD.
You can request a certificate of good conduct (VOG) from the municipality where you are registered. Are you younger than 18 years old? Then you need a signature from a parent. Your parent makes the request.
If you are not registered in the municipality where you reside, for instance, because you no longer live in the Netherlands but are still a Dutch citizen, or because you are a foreigner who previously lived in the Netherlands, then you can request a VOG directly from Justis.
You can apply for a VOG digitally or by appointment at the municipality. For the online application, you must have the following:
- a DigiD
- access to iDeal
If you have an appointment at the municipality, please bring the following:
- your passport, identity card, or driver's license
- the completed form to request a VOG
- bank card for payment
If you are applying for a VOG for a child under 18 years old, please also bring the child's passport or identity card.
For the application at the municipality you must print the application form from Dienst Justis and fill it out together with your employer. Submit the form to the municipality where you are registered. Make an appointment for this. Also, bring identification, such as your passport or driver's license.
For the online application your employer or client will prepare the VOG application. Using your DigiD, you can then verify the information and pay online.
You can find more information about applying for a VOG on the Justis website. On this website, you can also download the form.
A digital VOG application costs: € 33.85.
A written application to the municipality costs: € 41.35.
You will receive the VOG or the refusal within 4 weeks at the address you specify in the application.
Having any trouble? Please contact us through our website (Dutch), or get in touch with Justis.
Questions about this topic?
Contact the Municipality of Westland
Visiting address
Verdilaan 7
2671VW Naaldwijk
| Monday | 13:00 - 20:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:30 - 16:30 |
| Wednesday | 08:30 - 16:30 |
| Thursday | 13:00 - 20:00 |
| Friday | 08:30 - 16:30 |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |