Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG)

What is it?

A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is proof of good behavior. Employers or organizations may request a VOG. For example, if you are going to work in childcare or education, but also if you are applying for a firearms license.

How does it work?

Teachers, taxi drivers, and people who work in childcare must have a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG). You may also need a VOG because:

  • a future employer requests this
  • you are self-employed and a client requests this
  • you want to do volunteer work and the organization asks you to do so
  • you apply for a visa
  • you want to become a member of a shooting club
  • you are moving abroad

Justis is the government organization that processes all applications for a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG). If you have not committed any criminal offenses, you will receive the VOG. If you have committed criminal offenses, further investigation is required. Justis will assess whether the criminal offenses are relevant to the application. If they are not relevant, you will still receive the VOG.

What should I do?

There are three ways to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct through the municipality

  • You will receive a form from your employer or other organization.
  • You must submit this fully completed form to the municipality where you are registered.

Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct online

You can only apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct online if the application has been prepared online by your employer or other organization.

  • You will receive an email stating that you need a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).
  • You can log in with your DigiD via a link in this email.
  • You check the data.
  • You confirm that the information is correct.

Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct directly from Justis

You must apply for the VOG directly from Justis if you:

  • is not listed in the Personal Records Database (BRP) or
  • if you do not have a permanent place of residence or domicile

Authorize someone else

Someone else may also apply for the VOG on your behalf. We refer to this as authorisation.

  • Indicate in a letter who you are authorizing and sign the letter.
  • The authorized person takes this letter to the municipality.
  • This person must carry your identification (or a copy thereof).
  • The person must also be able to identify themselves.

Applying for a VOG RP for a company, association, or foundation

A company, association, or foundation can apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct for legal entities (VOG RP) at Justis. This cannot be done at the municipality.

What do I need?

When applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct through the municipality:

  • completed and signed application form
  • all documents that you must attach according to the application form
  • valid identification

Authorize someone else

If you ask someone else to apply for the VOG on your behalf at the municipality, that person must bring the following with them:

  • completed application form with all required documents
  • letter of authorization
  • copy of your ID
  • his or her own identity document

How long will it take?

  • VOG: you will receive a response within 4 weeks of receipt of your application.
  • VOG RP: You will receive a response within 8 weeks of receipt of your application.

Additional information

Volunteer organizations that work with children or people with intellectual disabilities may be eligible for a free Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) .

Rejection

If Justis is unable to issue a Certificate of Good Conduct, you will receive written notification of this. You can lodge an objection by letter, explaining why you should be granted the Certificate of Good Conduct. After receiving your objection, Justis will make a final decision. If this decision is a rejection, you can lodge another objection. You can also submit the decision to the administrative court.

Emigration, visa, or foreign work permit

If you are going to live or work abroad and need a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) for this purpose, request an official document from the embassy, consulate, or employer. This document must contain all the information requested on the application form.