Certificate of Good Behaviour (VOG)

Starting a new job? Your new employer might ask for a Certificate of Good Behaviour. This is also called a Certificate of Good Conduct or a ‘Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag’ (VOG).

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What is it?

A certificate that gives your future employer the assurance that your behaviour will not constitute an obstacle for employment. You may apply for a Certificate of Good Behaviour from the municipality where you are registered. The certificate is issued by the Ministry of Security and Justice.

How does it work?

A Certificate of Good Behaviour is compulsory in some professions, such as teaching. Your employer might also ask for a Certificate of Good Behaviour if you will be working with confidential data.

What are the conditions?

• You are registered with the Municipal Personal Records Database (GBA).

or

• You moved abroad after October 1994 and The Hague was the last municipality in the Netherlands where you were registered.

For whom is it intended?

Anyone who needs a Certificate of Good Behaviour.

What will I need?

• proof of identity
• completed application form
• if you have written authorisation: proof of identity of both the applicant and the authorised person and a signed authorisation form in which you declare whom you have authorised to submit the application on your behalf.
  

Written authorisation form  (PDF, 37 kB)

How much will it cost?

€ 30.05

How long will it take?

The Ministry of Security and Justice will send the certificate to your address. This can take between 2 and 4 weeks.

How do I apply/What do I need to do?

• Your employer will provide you with an application form for a Certificate of Good Behaviour or you can download it from the Government's website by clicking on Certificates of good conduct.
• Submit the completed form at the Department of Public Service desk at one of the sub-municipal offices. You may also authorise someone else to go on your behalf.
• The municipality will verify the completed information with the data in the GBA before forwarding the application to the Ministry of Security and Justice.
• The Ministry of Security and Justice will send the certificate to your home address, or to the address of the organisation requesting the certificate, within 2 to 4 weeks.
• Do you have any further questions? Please contact the Integrity and Screening Agency at the Ministry of Security and Justice on telephone number +31 70 370 72 34. The municipality will keep your written application for a period of 3 months.

See also

For information about applying for a VOG and the procedure involved, download the brochure Certificate of good conduct.

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