Approval and proof of identity of private security and investigation agencies staff
Do you want to hire people for your private security firm or detective agency? You need permission from your local chief of police for every single employee.
Permission for employees
You apply for permission for all your employees to the office of the chief of police in your area (in Dutch). The police screens your employee(s) for reliability and professional competence. They do so for all employees, even those who do not perform security or detective work. They will also ensure the employee has the right qualifications (in Dutch). It is possible to have an equivalent foreign diploma recognised.
Do your employees work at an aviation site? You must first apply for permission from the commander of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (Koninklijke Marechaussee).
Approval for managers
Managers need to have approval from the Minister of Justice and Security. You must submit a separate application to Justis for each manager (in Dutch). Anyone perforing management tasks or has a say in the running of your organisation must be approved. When granted, this permission is valid for the duration of the licence, with a maximum of 5 years. You need to apply for permission for every new manager or supervisor you hire.
If a manager works as a security or investigation officer as well, they need a separate approval for this.
Apply for a special ID
Once you have permission, you can apply for a special identification document (in Dutch) for your employee, signed by the local chief of police. Your employees are required to carry this special proof of identity at all times at work. Your organisation must keep a secure register of your employees’ identity documents.
The document is valid for 3 years at most. You need to renew your employees' identification 2 months in advance. When you collect their new identification with the local police in person, you need to return the expired document. If your employee quits working in security, you as the employer have to return the document in person to the chief of police. If you fail to do so, you may be fined.
Foreign employees
Foreign security personnel and detectives, who wish to work in the Netherlands, must provide proof of their reliability and qualifications. To do so, they must request 'Recognition of EU professional qualifications' (Erkenning van EG-beroepskwalificaties) at the judiciary service Justis (Ministry of Justice and Security).
Apply for an exemption
Do you want to hire an employee to carry out security or detective work, but did not get permission? In some cases, you can apply for an exemption (in Dutch).
Declaration of reliability of alarm installers
Private alarm centres in the Netherlands may only have alarm equipment installed and maintained by certified installers. These installers must have a declaration of reliability issued by their local police force. They should apply for this declaration themselves (in Dutch).
Online application procedure via Message Box
Private alarm centres and detective agencies can submit an application for approval also via Message Box. Message Box is a secure e-mail system that enables you as an entrepreneur to exchange digital messages with Dutch government agencies.