Certificate of conduct (VOG) outside the Netherlands
If you live outside the Netherlands and need a certificate of conduct (VOG), you can apply to the Ministry of Justice’s Integrity and Screening Agency (Justis). If you live in the Netherlands and are going to move abroad, you can apply for a VOG at a Dutch municipality.
What is a certificate of conduct (VOG)?
A certificate of conduct (verklaring omtrent gedrag) is a document showing that your past conduct forms no obstacle to your performing a specific task or job.
Applying for a VOG
How exactly you can apply for a VOG depends on your situation:
- If you live abroad, you can apply for a VOG to the Integrity and Screening Agency (Justis).
Visit the Justis website for a list of the documents you will need to provide. - If you live in the Netherlands, you can apply for a VOG at the municipality where you are registered.
Read how to do this on the Justis website (information in Dutch).
Reason for your application
When applying for a VOG you must state which organisation has asked you for the document. You must also explain the reason for the request.
If you need a VOG for a visa application or for emigration purposes, state the official name of the country that requires the VOG on the application form.
How much does a VOG cost?
A VOG costs € 41.35. The application form explains how you can pay.
In Dutch only
A VOG is issued in Dutch only. The document does contain an explanatory note in English. But this is not a literal translation of the certificate.
- If you need a translation, you must have this done by a sworn translator.
- Make sure the translation contains the translator's signature and official stamp.
- Attach the translation to the original Dutch version of the VOG.
You may need to have the original and/or the translation legalised. Each country has its own rules for this.