Apply for a VOG Certificate in the Netherlands
Need a Dutch Certificate of Conduct? Use our English application form and we will check your details, help select the correct screening profile and prepare your digital request. You can then complete the procedure online without visiting the municipality.
How does applying for a VOG online work?
Complete the English application form
Tell us who requires the VOG and why you need it. Not sure which screening profile applies? No problem. We can help select the correct profile using the information you provide.
We check and prepare your request
We check whether the necessary information is complete and clear. If something important is missing, we can contact you before preparing the digital request.
Complete the application with Justis
You receive an email from Justis. Log in with your own DigiD, verify the information and complete the official application. Justis then assesses your request and sends the VOG directly to you.
How does applying for a VOG online work?
Start your English VOG application
Complete the form below to start your request. It usually takes only a few minutes.
Our service fee is €39.95. During the final application step, you pay the standard €33.85 Justis fee separately. DigiD and iDEAL are required.
USP
Quickly arranged. Apply for your VOG within one minute.
Screening by the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security.
No visit to the municipality office required.
Safe, reliable and fully online application process.
Why apply through VOG Digitaal Aanvragen?
Applying for a VOG can be confusing when Dutch is not your first language. You may not know which information is required, which screening profile applies or what will happen after completing the form.
VOG Digitaal Aanvragen makes this process easier by providing English guidance, checking your information and preparing the digital request.
Complete the application form in English
The form and accompanying explanations are available in English. This makes it easier to understand what information is required and reduces the chance of mistakes caused by the language barrier.
Get help with the screening profile
A VOG is assessed for a specific job, task or purpose. Selecting the correct screening profile is therefore important.
If your employer has supplied a screening profile, you can enter it directly. If you have not received one, describe the work or activity clearly. We can then help determine which profile is appropriate.
Have your details checked
We check whether the essential information is present before preparing the request. If something is missing or unclear, we can contact you before the application proceeds.
This helps prevent avoidable questions during the application process.
Apply without visiting the municipality
If you have DigiD and iDEAL, the procedure can be completed digitally. You do not need to schedule an appointment or visit a Dutch municipality.
Receive clear instructions
After the request has been prepared, you receive an email from Justis. You can then log in securely, verify the information and complete the official application.
What happens after submitting the form?
Submitting the form on this page is the first step. We use the information you provide to check and prepare the digital request.
We prepare your request
- We check whether all required information is complete.
- We determine or confirm the applicable screening profile.
- The digital request is prepared for Justis.
You complete the official application
- Justis sends an application link and code to your email address.
- You log in to the secure Justis environment with DigiD.
- You check the information and choose paper or digital delivery.
- You complete the official application using iDEAL.
Justis assesses your application
- Justis assesses the application.
- Justis sends the VOG directly to you if it is issued.
What is a VOG certificate?
The official English term is Certificate of Conduct. International employers sometimes also use the term Certificate of Good Conduct or Dutch criminal record check.
A VOG confirms that information in the Dutch judicial records does not prevent you from carrying out the specific job, task or activity for which the certificate was requested.
A VOG is purpose-specific. It is not simply a document listing someone's complete criminal record.
Justis considers whether any available judicial information is relevant to the responsibilities and risks associated with the application. Different jobs can therefore require different types of screening.
For example, a job involving financial responsibility may be screened for different risks than a position involving children, confidential information or valuable goods.
When do you need a Dutch VOG?
An employer, client, authority or other organisation may ask you to provide a VOG in a wide range of situations.
- Starting a new job or assignment
- Working as a self-employed professional
- Beginning an internship
- Performing voluntary work
- Working in healthcare, education or childcare
- Working with children or vulnerable people
- Handling money or valuable goods
- Having access to confidential information
- Applying for certain licences or permits
- Working as a taxi driver
- Applying for a visa or work permit
- Emigrating or starting work abroad
- Joining a professional organisation or association
Who decides whether a VOG is required?
In some professions, a VOG is legally required. In other situations, the employer, client or organisation decides whether a certificate is necessary.
The requesting organisation may also determine which screening profile is required and how recent the VOG must be.
Ask about specific requirements
Before applying, ask the requesting organisation whether it has specific requirements regarding:
- the screening profile;
- the purpose stated in the application;
- paper or digital delivery;
- the date on which the VOG must have been issued;
- translation or legalisation for international use.
What do you need for the VOG application form?
Try to have the following information available before starting.
- Your full name and current email address
- The name of the employer or organisation requesting the VOG
- Your job title or a clear description of the activity
- The reason why the VOG is required
- The screening profile, if one has been supplied
- A valid DigiD
- Access to iDEAL
- Access to MijnOverheid if you want a digital VOG
How does the VOG screening profile work?
A screening profile tells Justis which risks are relevant to the job, task or activity. Some professions and sectors have a specific screening profile. In other situations, a general screening profile is used.
A screening profile can cover:
- handling money or financial information;
- accessing confidential or sensitive data;
- working with children;
- caring for vulnerable people;
- managing valuable goods;
- supervising employees;
- holding a position of authority;
- working in a security-sensitive environment.
If you received a screening profile
Enter it exactly as stated by the employer or requesting organisation.
If you did not receive a profile
You do not need to research all the available codes yourself. Describe the purpose and responsibilities clearly in the English application form so that the appropriate profile can be selected.
The screening profile helps Justis determine which judicial information may be relevant. Justis remains responsible for the final assessment.
How long does a VOG application take?
- 1 to 4 weeks
- Usual processing time after completing the official application
- Up to 8 weeks
- Maximum legal decision period when additional assessment is required
- No express procedure
- There is no general urgent VOG procedure
After you have completed the official application, Justis usually sends the VOG or informs you that additional assessment is required within one to four weeks.
An application can take longer when Justis needs to investigate relevant information or request additional details.
Providing complete and accurate information from the start can help prevent unnecessary questions or delays.
If you have not received a VOG or another message after six weeks, you can contact Justis about the status of your application.
- received the email from Justis;
- logged in with DigiD;
- checked and confirmed the information;
- completed the official application.
Should you choose a digital or paper VOG?
During the Justis application, you can choose whether you want to receive the certificate digitally or on paper.
| Comparison | Digital VOG | Paper VOG |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Delivered to the Berichtenbox in MijnOverheid. It is not sent as an email attachment. | Delivered by post to the correspondence address included in the application. |
| What you need | An activated MijnOverheid Berichtenbox with digital messages from Justis enabled. | A correct correspondence address in the application. |
| Sharing the VOG | Forward the original PDF to the employer or requesting organisation so it can be validated digitally. | Provide the original paper certificate when requested. |
| International use | Suitable when the receiving organisation accepts the original digital document. | Usually the better choice for foreign authorities, legalisation or an apostille. |
| Important | Do not print and scan the PDF if the organisation wants to validate the original digital VOG. | A paper VOG can be legalised. A digital VOG cannot. |
Can you receive a VOG in English?
You can complete the VOG application form on this page in English. The official certificate itself is issued in Dutch.
The VOG contains an English explanatory note. The reverse side also includes English information about the document's security features and screening profiles.
This English information is not a complete translation of the certificate.
If a fully English version is required
You can have the VOG translated by a sworn translator. Keep the translation together with the original document.
For use outside the Netherlands, ask the receiving authority whether it also requires legalisation or an apostille. If legalisation may be needed, choose a paper VOG instead of a digital version.
Can you apply for a VOG from outside the Netherlands?
You may still be able to use the digital procedure while temporarily living or staying abroad if you have DigiD, iDEAL and the necessary Dutch registration or correspondence details.
Using the digital procedure
If you have DigiD, iDEAL and the necessary Dutch registration or correspondence details, you may be able to complete the regular digital procedure from abroad.
Applying as a non-resident
If you are not registered in the Dutch Personal Records Database, known as the BRP, a different application procedure usually applies.
Non-residents normally need:
- a completed non-resident application form;
- a copy of a valid identity document;
- details of the organisation requesting the certificate;
- evidence explaining why the VOG is needed;
- proof of payment.
Applications cannot be submitted through a Dutch embassy or consulate.
Can you get a VOG with a criminal record?
Having a criminal record does not automatically mean that your VOG application will be refused.
Justis considers factors including:
- the nature of the offence;
- how long ago it occurred;
- the job, task or activity;
- the responsibilities involved;
- the selected screening profile;
- whether the information creates a relevant risk.
Information can be relevant to one profession but not to another. Applications are therefore assessed individually for the purpose stated in the request.
If Justis does not find relevant judicial information, the VOG is issued. If relevant information is found, a more detailed assessment may be required.
Questions about applying for a VOG in English
What does VOG stand for in English?
VOG stands for Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag. The official English name is Certificate of Conduct. The term Certificate of Good Conduct is also frequently used.
Is a VOG the same as a criminal record certificate?
Not exactly. A VOG does not provide an overview of someone's complete criminal record. It confirms that relevant judicial information does not prevent the applicant from carrying out a particular job, task or activity.
Is the VOG application form available in English?
Yes. You can complete the form on this page in English. The accompanying explanations are also written for English-speaking applicants.
Do I need DigiD to apply online?
Yes. DigiD is required to complete this digital procedure with Justis. You use DigiD only after receiving the official application email.
If you cannot use DigiD, check whether the written municipal procedure or official non-resident procedure applies.
Can I apply for a VOG without an employer?
A VOG must be requested for a specific purpose. This is usually a job, internship, voluntary position, visa or another official application.
If you are applying without an employer, clearly state why the VOG is required and which organisation or authority will receive it.
What if my employer has already started the application?
If your employer has already prepared a digital request, follow the link in the email from Justis. You do not need to start a second application.
How long is the Justis application code valid?
The code in the Justis email remains valid for 30 days. Complete the application before it expires.
Will my employer receive the VOG automatically?
No. Justis sends the VOG directly to you. You are responsible for providing it to the employer or organisation that requested it.
Is there an urgent VOG procedure?
No general urgent or express procedure is available. Justis usually processes applications within one to four weeks, but the legal decision period is up to eight weeks.
Is a digital VOG officially valid?
Yes. A digital VOG issued by Justis is an official certificate. Forward the original PDF so that the receiving organisation can validate it digitally.
Does a VOG expire?
A VOG does not have one fixed expiry date. The employer, authority or other receiving organisation determines how recent the certificate must be.
Can I use the same VOG for several jobs?
A VOG is issued for a particular purpose and screening profile. Another employer may require a different profile or a more recently issued certificate. Ask the organisation whether it will accept your existing VOG.
Ready to start your application?
Have your personal details, the purpose of the application and the requesting organisation's information ready.
If you do not know which screening profile applies, describe the job or activity clearly. We will help determine the appropriate profile.
VOG Digitaal Aanvragen is an independent application service that helps prepare digital VOG requests. Justis carries out the official assessment and issues the certificate.