In the Netherlands, the Certificate of Conduct, VOG [Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag] is a document used to verify the individual’s criminal record in relation to specific job roles or responsibilities.
In this article an overview is given of the VOG, its purpose, application procedures with Justis, eligibility criteria, and its significance for the employer and employee.
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Police Check
A police check is a process used by the organisation/the employer, to verify whether a candidate has a criminal record or any history of criminal activity.
It is often required during the hiring process to assess the candidate’s trustworthiness, especially when the role involves working with vulnerable populations, handling sensitive information, or holding positions of responsibility.
The check identifies any past convictions, charges, or ongoing investigations and the candidate must give consent for the check to be conducted. Countries like the Netherlands, Australia, US and UK require informed consent, but the depth and scope of checks may vary significantly.
A police check might also be required for individuals during a visa application or residents permit or volunteering in certain organisations.
Background Check Netherlands
VOG Netherlands: Certificate of Conduct
A Certificate of Conduct or police clearance certificate is an official document issued by the Dutch government authority Justis that declares the individual has no criminal record that would be relevant to a specific purpose, such as employment, volunteering, or immigration.
The Certificate of Conduct is known in the Netherlands as VOG.
VOG is an abbreviation and stands for Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, which translates to Certificate of Conduct in English.
The VOG confirms that the individual’s past behaviour does not pose a risk for the role or activity the candidate is applying for. In addition, it means that the individual has not committed any offences that are relevant to the responsibilities of the job or task.
Purpose and Importance of VOG
The police check / VOG certificate is required in situations where trust and integrity are important. It is often requested for:
- Employment in industries involving vulnerable groups, for example in education, healthcare or childcare.
- Positions involving access to sensitive information, government institutions or financial job responsibilities.
- Applications for visas, permanent residencies or adoption.
- Membership or volunteering in professional organisations / associations.
- Licensing for certain professions, for example taxi drivers or security guards.
The certificate assures employers or authorities that the applicant has no criminal record that would hinder their ability to perform specific duties with responsibility. In summary, the VOG can be used for employment screening, volunteering, visa applications, adoptions and other international purposes.
Legal Basis & GDPR Compliance
The data privacy of these checks are handled by the GDPR: General Data Protection EU. Only candidate consent is not a valid legal basis for screening due to the power imbalance between employer and employee.
- Employers must demonstrate a legitimate interest and necessity for the screening.
- The scope of the screening must be proportionate to the risks associated with the role.
- Employers must inform the applicant about the purpose, scope, and legal basis of the screening.
- Data must be securely handled and not retained longer than necessary.
Issuing Authority Justis (Ministry of Justice and Security)
Justis NL is the Dutch government’s screening authority responsible for issuing the VOG. It assesses if the individual’s criminal record, and if any, is relevant to the purpose for which the certificate is requested.
The assessment is conducted using the following sources:
- Judicial Documentation System (JDS): A national database containing records of criminal offences and their legal outcomes.
- Additional police and criminal justice sources:
- Police files.
- The Public Prosecution Service [Openbaar Ministerie: OM].
- The Probation Service [Reclassering Nederland].
Language of VOG Netherlands
The VOG Certificate of Conduct is only issued by Justis NL, in the Dutch language, but includes an English additive at the bottom of the document. The back side of the certificate contains an explanation of the certificate’s features and the screening profiles used.
This English section is intended to support foreign authorities or organisations understand the purpose and meaning of the certificate. However, it is not a full and official English version of the document.
If a fully translated version is required the applicant must obtain a certified translation from an official translation agency. This translation can then be attached to the original Dutch certificate for international use.
Justis Login for Employers: eHerkenning
Netherlands Login Requirements Government Portals
eHerkenning is a secure and trusted login system that is mandatory for companies operating in the Netherlands. It provides access to over 500 government and semi-government service providers.
The government institution Employee Insurance Agency UWV, Justis, Tax and Customs Administration in the Netherlands, municipalities, provinces, but also private organisation have implemented this standardised login system.
In order for employers to request a police check VOG for a candidate by Justis, they will have to use eHerkenning to get access to the portal.
Determining the Screening Profile VOG by Employer
Under Dutch law, the employer is responsible for:
- Initiating the application in the Justis portal via eHerkenning login.
- Selecting the screening profile that aligns with the risks associated with the job role. The screening profile consists of a general screening and a specific screening by particular professions.
- Informing and requesting consent from the candidate. Once the employer initiates the application the candidate must actively participate and give consent for the process to proceed. The candidate receives a secure link and can login with DigiD (digital identity used in the Netherlands) to proceed and pay the cost of the VOG.
Cost of a Certificate of Conduct: VOG Netherlands
When the employer has requested the VOG, has informed and received consent by the candidate, typically, the candidate pays the fee.
However, as market practice many employers choose to reimburse the cost of the VOG, when receiving the receipt, particularly when it is a condition of employment. However, there is no legal obligation for the employer to cover the cost unless it is specified in the Collective Labour Agreement (CLA).
Process Time VOG
The standard processing time to receive a VOG; Certificate of Conduct via Justis is typically 4 to 8 weeks. Faster processing is possible when there is no criminal record, within 1.5 to 2 weeks. If additional checks are needed, for example, due to a criminal record or a complex screening profile, the processing time may take longer.
More Information
- What Is eHerkenning? Netherlands Login Requirements Government Portals.
- What Are the Benefits of a Talent Philosophy? A Guide to Talent Management.
- Navigating the Dynamics of Employment Law in the Netherlands.
- Highly Skilled Migrant Netherlands: Proposed Legislative Amendments for Stricter Rules.
