Dutch police clearance certificate for use abroad

Dutch police clearance certificate

Need a Dutch police clearance certificate for use abroad?

In the Netherlands, the document usually requested for employment, immigration or licensing abroad is a Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (VOG), also known as a Dutch Certificate of Conduct.

Need your Dutch VOG arranged from abroad?

This page explains the Dutch VOG route for use abroad. The dedicated pricing page sets out the coordination service, third-party costs and additions such as apostille or translation.

Clear service pricing

VOG service pricing

See what it costs to have a Dutch VOG route coordinated from abroad, including the Justis fee, international delivery and optional apostille or translation steps.

View VOG service pricing →
Dedicated VOG service

Looking specifically for help with a Dutch VOG?

VOGAssist focuses exclusively on Dutch VOG applications for people abroad, including apostilles, sworn translations and international delivery where required.

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What do you need your Dutch VOG for?

The receiving organisation may call it a police clearance certificate, police certificate, criminal record check or Certificate of Conduct. In the Netherlands, the relevant document is usually the VOG.

Work and professional use

✓ Employment and international onboarding
✓ Healthcare, education, childcare or regulated work
✓ Professional licensing and compliance checks

Immigration, residence and citizenship

✓ Visa, residence and immigration applications
✓ Permanent residence or citizenship procedures
✓ Canadian immigration or IRCC document requests

Choose the route that matches your request

Not every receiving authority needs the same document chain. Start with the VOG, then add an apostille or sworn translation only when the authority specifically asks for it.

VOG only

For authorities that need the original Dutch VOG but do not request a legalisation or translation.

✓ Common for police-certificate requests and general immigration files.
✓ Canada / IRCC normally follows this route.
✓ Non-residents can apply directly to Justis with the correct supporting documents.

VOG with apostille

For a receiving authority that specifically requires the Dutch VOG to be apostilled after issue.

✓ The original paper VOG is normally needed for the court apostille.
✓ An apostille is not the same as full embassy legalisation.
✓ The destination country and recipient determine whether this step is needed.

VOG with sworn translation

For authorities that require the VOG in another language, whether or not an apostille is also required.

✓ A sworn translation can be coordinated after the VOG is issued.
✓ The receiving authority decides which language and certification it accepts.
✓ Some routes also require an apostille on the sworn translation.

How it works

Start your VOG service directly and add the international steps you need.

1

Send your details

Share the destination country, purpose and whether you already have the original VOG.

2

Choose the required steps

I arrange the agreed VOG handling, such as apostille, sworn translation or international delivery.

3

Confirm the handling

The service, external costs and delivery are agreed in advance.

4

Follow the progress

I coordinate the agreed steps and keep you updated.

Personal VOG support

Hi, I’m Aaron. I coordinate your Dutch VOG route personally.

From the initial route check to apostille, sworn translation or international delivery where needed, you deal directly with me. No call centre and no handovers between different case managers.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Dutch police clearance certificate called?

It is commonly called a Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (VOG), translated as Certificate of Conduct.

Is a VOG a Dutch criminal record certificate?

Not exactly. A VOG is a purpose-based screening certificate, not a complete criminal record statement. It is nevertheless often the Dutch document requested internationally.

Can I apply for a Dutch police clearance certificate from abroad?

Often yes. If you are abroad, I can help coordinate the Dutch-side steps and the international handling after the VOG is issued.

Does a Dutch police clearance certificate need an apostille?

Not always. The destination country and receiving organisation determine whether an apostille, legalisation or only the original is required.

Does a Dutch VOG need to be translated?

Only if the receiving organisation requires it. The VOG includes an English portion, so a translation is not normally needed for the Canadian IRCC police-certificate route.

Can Apostille Assist guarantee that the VOG will be accepted?

No service provider can decide acceptance on behalf of the receiving organisation. I can coordinate the Dutch VOG, apostille, translation and delivery steps you request.

Need Dutch police clearance for use abroad?

Send the destination country, the receiving authority’s request and any deadline. I can identify the VOG route and coordinate the agreed Netherlands-side steps.

Need help?