If you have been told to produce a Dutch Certificate of Conduct (VOG), you will need to apply for this police clearance certificate with the Ministry of Justice’s Integrity and Screening Agency (Justis). The certificate of conduct (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag) is a document that shows your past conducts form no obstacle to you performing a specific task or job. Although the process of applying for your certificate might seem simple, there are some catches, such as long waiting periods, which can make it hard for individuals to apply for their certificates in person. On this page, you will learn more about what these certificates are, why they might be necessary, and how we can help you obtain yours.
What is a VOG?
The Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag is a certificate that proves the lack or existence of criminal records that appear in the Criminal Records registry. Certificates of Conduct also have to be legalised for official use abroad if they are intended to be used outside of the Netherlands. Keep in mind that as of February 2019, in cases where your destination country is also a member of the European Union, negative certificates of criminal records are exempt from legalisation via apostille.
How long does it take to issue a Dutch Certificate of Conduct?
It is wise to keep in mind that in certain cases, such as technical incidents, there might be a delay in the processing times of a VOG. In general, however, you can expect to receive your certificate within four weeks from the date of your application.
Important: State your reasons for applying
When you make your application for a VOG, you will need to state who the authorities are that requested the document. You will also need to explain the reason for this request.
Translating your VOG
The Dutch Certificate of Conduct is issued in Dutch only. The certificate does contain English explanatory notes, but this is not a literal translation of the certificate. In order to legally use your VOG abroad, you will have to get the document translated by a sworn translator and attach the translation to the original Dutch version of the VOG. It is also possible that the original, as well as the translated certificate, will have to be legalised, but each country has its own rules for this.
The validity of the VOG
Although there is no set time for which the Dutch Certificate of Conduct is considered to be valid, embassies, high commissions, consulates and other authorities only accept Police Clearance certificates that are no older than six months old. Keep in mind that there are some countries that only see these certificates as valid if they are less than one month old. It is your responsibility to check with relevant authorities before lodging an application.
