Andreu Jimenez
If you're looking for work in the Netherlands or have just received an offer, your future employer has probably asked for a 'VOG' and you're wondering: 'What on earth is that?' Don't worry, you're not alone. The VOG (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag) is one of those Dutch procedures that seem complicated at first but are simpler than they look once you understand them.
In this guide we explain exactly what the VOG is, how much it costs, who pays for it, how to apply step by step (even if you don't have DigiD yet or are still in Spain) and what to do if you have a criminal record. Let's get into it.
What exactly is the VOG and why is your boss asking for it?
The VOG is basically a certificate of good conduct issued by the Dutch government to confirm that you have no criminal record relevant to the job you are going to do. Note this: it isn't a complete report of your entire criminal history , but a specific assessment of whether your record is compatible with the position.
For example, if you are going to work with children, the government will mainly check whether you have offences related to minors or violence. If you are going to be a professional driver, they will look at serious traffic or alcohol offences. If you got a fine for making noise at a university party in Spain 5 years ago and you are going to work in IT, don't worry: it isn't relevant for the VOG.
The key is to understand that the VOG isn't a moral examination of your life , but a protection tool for certain sensitive sectors.
Difference between the VOG and a Criminal Record Certificate
Many people confuse the VOG with a traditional criminal record certificate. The main difference is that:
Criminal record : A complete list of all your convictions.
VOG : A specific risk assessment for a particular job. The Dutch government compares your record with the job profile and decides whether there is anything incompatible.
This means you can have a criminal record and still get the VOG if that record isn't relevant to your job. For example, an old tax offence probably won't stop you working as a waiter, but it could stop you working as an accountant. Avoid this kind of confusion by following our guide on mistakes when looking for work in the Netherlands .
Jobs in the Netherlands that require a VOG
Not all jobs in the Netherlands require a VOG, but it is mandatory in sectors where you work with vulnerable people, minors, money or security. The main ones are:
Education : Teachers, childcare staff
Healthcare : Nurses, doctors, carers for the elderly, care home workers
Security : Guards, private security staff
Transport : Taxi drivers, professional hauliers
Finance : Positions with access to sensitive financial information
Public administration : Civil servants with access to confidential data
Working with minors : Youth leaders, sports coaches, activity leaders
If your boss asks for it for a normal office job, it is probably because the company has an internal policy of requesting a VOG from all new employees, even if it isn't legally required. Take a look at our vacancies in the Netherlands to see whether it is needed or not .
Requirements for applying for a VOG in 2026
You can't just apply for a VOG on your own whenever you feel like it. There are two fundamental requirements:
- Having a BSN (Citizen service number)
The BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is your tax and administrative identification number in the Netherlands. It is the equivalent of the NIE in Spain or the Social Security Number in the United States. No BSN, no VOG .
If you have just arrived in the Netherlands and don't have a BSN yet, your number one priority is to register with your city's municipality (gemeente) to get one. You normally receive it a few days after registering. Find all the information about the BSN in the Netherlands here .
The employer's official request
This is the requirement that confuses people most: you can't apply for a VOG on your own simply because you want to have it ready . Your employer first needs to make a formal request specifying which position the certificate is needed for.
In practice it works like this:
- Your boss says: 'We need you to bring your VOG'
- The company gives you a document or application code
- You use that document/code to make the official application
- The government assesses your case specifically for that position
If you change jobs, you will need a new VOG even if the previous one is only a few months old. Each VOG is specific to one employer and position. In the case of International Job Challenge , we take care of making all this paperwork easier.
How to apply for a VOG in the Netherlands step by step
This is where we will add clarity beyond the official sites, because I am going to explain the three real ways to get a VOG depending on your situation.
Method 1: Online with DigiD (The fast track)
If you already have DigiD (the Dutch digital identification system), this is the fastest and cheapest method:
Step 1 : Go to the official government website: www.justis.nl/vog
Step 2: Click 'Aanvragen' (apply) and select 'Natuurlijk persoon' (private individual)
Step 3 : Log in with your DigiD
Step 4 : Fill in the form with:
- Your personal details (filled in automatically with your BSN)
- Your employer's application code or letter
- The specific purpose of the VOG (work, volunteering, etc.)
- Step 5 : Pay the fee online (currently around €41.15 for online applications)
- Step 6 : Submit the application
Estimated time : 10-15 minutes of your life.
The certificate will arrive at your home by post in 1-3 weeks (although the real average is about 10 working days).
Method 2: Through the Municipality (Gemeente) if you don't have DigiD
If you have just arrived in the Netherlands and haven't activated DigiD yet (because the activation letter can take up to 2 weeks to arrive), you can apply for the VOG in person:
Step 1: Find your town's municipal office (Gemeente). Almost all have a public service desk called 'Burgerzaken'
Step 2 : Make an appointment (some municipalities require one, others serve people in order of arrival)
Step 3 : Bring with you:
- Your passport or ID card
- Proof of registration in the Netherlands (this can be your registration confirmation)
- Your employer's application letter or code
- Cash or a card (depending on the municipality)
- Step 4 : The official will fill in the form with you and process the payment
- Step 5 : The VOG will arrive at your registered address by post
Cost : Usually more expensive than online, around €48-52, depending on the gemeente.
Tip : Call the municipality beforehand to confirm that they accept VOG applications without an appointment and ask which payment methods they accept. Some small municipalities only accept cash.
Method 3: Applying for a VOG from Spain or abroad
This is the most complicated situation but entirely possible. If your Dutch employer asks you for a VOG before you move to the Netherlands:
Option A – If you already have a BSN (for example, because you lived in the Netherlands before): you can apply for the VOG online as in Method 1, but the certificate will be sent to your registered Dutch address. Someone will need to forward it to Spain, or you'll have to wait until you arrive.
Option B – If you DON'T have a BSN yet: technically you can't apply for a VOG until you have one. In that case:
Talk to your employer and explain the situation
Most companies accept you bringing the VOG during your first weeks in the Netherlands
As soon as you arrive, register immediately to get your BSN
Apply for the VOG as soon as you have your BSN
Option C – Criminal record certificate from your own country: some employers temporarily accept a criminal record certificate from your home country while you wait for the official VOG. In Spain you can request the Certificado de Antecedentes Penales from the Ministry of Justice (online or in person). It isn't the same as a VOG, but it shows good faith.
How much does the VOG cost and who pays for it?
Let's talk about money, which is always important.
Updated price 2026
The current costs are:
- Online application (with DigiD): €41.15
- In-person application (at the municipality): Between €48 and €52, depending on the gemeente
Urgent applications: officially they don't exist, but some municipalities offer 'priority' processing for an extra fee (around €75–90)
These prices may change slightly each year, as the Dutch government adjusts them for inflation.
Will the company refund the money?
Here is the part that causes confusion: legally, the employer is NOT obliged to pay for your VOG . However, there is a widespread custom in the Netherlands for the company to refund the cost, especially if they are the ones requiring it for the position.
What usually happens in reality :
Large and medium-sized companies : Almost always refund the full cost. Some even give you a corporate payment code so you don't have to pay up front.
Small companies : It depends. Some pay for it, others expect you to cover the cost.
Jobs in public healthcare/education : Usually refund it because it is a legal requirement in the sector.
My advice: ask directly during the hiring process: 'Does the company reimburse the VOG fee?' It's a perfectly normal, professional question in the Netherlands. If the answer is no, you know it will cost you around €40–50.
If you have already paid and nobody has said anything, keep the payment receipt and ask HR on your first day. In the worst case, it is tax-deductible as a work-related expense.
Waiting times: How long does the VOG take to arrive?
Official government sites say 'between 2 and 4 weeks', but let's talk about reality:
Real average time : 8-12 working days from sending the application to the certificate arriving in your letterbox.
Factors that can delay it :
History abroad : If the system detects that you have lived outside the Netherlands, they may need to cross-check data with other EU countries, adding 1-2 extra weeks.
Time of year : In August (holidays) and December-January (public holidays) everything goes more slowly.
Common names: if you're called 'Jan de Jong' or 'Mohammed Ali', extra checks may be needed to make sure it's really you.
What to do if more than 3 weeks pass :
- Check the status of your application on Justis.nl (if you applied online)
- Call the Justis Information Centre: 088 – 07 25 600 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
- Have your application number and BSN to hand
Golden tip: apply for the VOG as soon as your employer asks for it. Don't wait until you 'have time', because it always takes longer than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions and Fears (FAQ)
These are the real questions I come across all the time from people applying for a VOG:
Can I work while I wait for the VOG?
Short answer : It depends on the employer and the sector.
Long answer :
In sectors where the VOG is a legal requirement (healthcare, education with minors), technically you CAN'T start until you have it. In practice, many companies let you start on a conditional trial period while it arrives.
In sectors where the VOG is company policy but not a legal requirement, most let you start from day 1 while it is being processed.
Talk clearly with your employer about this. It is better to ask than to assume.
What if I have a criminal record in Spain?
This is the question that causes the most anxiety, so let's clear it up:
The Dutch government DOES cross-check data with other EU countries through the European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS). This means that if you have a conviction in Spain, it will show up in the VOG check.
BUT (and this is a huge BUT) : Having a criminal record does NOT automatically mean your VOG will be refused. The system assesses:
Relevance : Is the offence related to the job? A traffic fine won't stop you being a programmer. An old tax fraud won't stop you being a nurse.
Seriousness : Minor offences or administrative infringements carry much less weight than serious crimes.
Age : Very old offences (more than 10-15 years depending on the seriousness) carry less weight.
Rehabilitation : If you served your full sentence without reoffending, that counts in your favour.
Real example : I know someone who had a conviction for cannabis possession 8 years ago in Spain and got the VOG without any problems to work in IT in Amsterdam. I also know someone who was refused a VOG to work in a nursery because of an old conviction for drink-driving.
If you have questions about your specific case, you can call the Justis Informatiecentrum (088 – 07 25 600) and ask anonymously whether a particular record would affect a specific job. Don't give your personal details; just describe the situation in general terms.
Does the VOG expire?
Yes and no. The physical VOG certificate has no official expiry date , but in practice:
- Most employers consider a VOG less than 3 months old to be valid
- Some sectors (especially healthcare and education) only accept a VOG less than 1 month old
If you change jobs, you need a new VOG specific to that employer and position, even if the previous one is only a few weeks old
Tip: don't apply for a VOG 'in advance' for future job offers. Each VOG is specific to one employer. Wait for the official request from the company hiring you.
My VOG was refused: What now?
If you receive a letter refusing your VOG, don't panic. You have options:
1. Understand the reason : The refusal letter must explain why it was refused. Read it carefully.
2. Lodge an objection : You have 6 weeks from the date of the letter to lodge a formal objection (bezwaar). In your objection you can:
Explain mitigating circumstances
Show that the record isn't relevant to the position
Provide evidence of rehabilitation or subsequent good conduct
3. Request a hearing : During the objection process, you can ask for a hearing (hoorzitting) to explain your case in person.
4. Seek legal advice : If the refusal seems unfair, you can consult the Juridisch Loket (free legal advice in the Netherlands) or a lawyer specialising in administrative law.
5. Alternative jobs : If the refusal is finally confirmed, you will need to look for work in sectors where the VOG isn't required or where your specific record isn't relevant.
Important fact : Refusals are relatively rare. Most applications are approved. If your VOG is refused, it is probably for a serious reason directly related to the type of work.
Conclusion: The VOG is just one more procedure
Yes, the VOG can seem intimidating at first, especially if it is the first time you have encountered Dutch bureaucracy. But once you understand the process, it is quite simple:
Get your BSN by registering with the municipality
Wait for your employer to give you the application code
Apply for the VOG online (if you have DigiD) or in person
Pay the €41-50
Wait 10-15 days for it to arrive by post
Give it to your employer and start working
It isn't more complicated than that. And remember: if you have DigiD, the whole process literally takes 15 minutes of your life.
Just arrived in the Netherlands and don't have a BSN yet? Check our complete guide to the BSN .
Looking for work in the Netherlands? Take a look at our active offers with accommodation included and take the first step.
Good luck with your new job in the Netherlands!
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