Applying for a VOG as a student
How to arrange a VOG quickly and hassle-free
Applying for a VOG might sound like boring paperwork, but for plenty of student side jobs it's simply a mandatory part of the process. Whether you're going to work in childcare, as a tutor or at a bank, there's a good chance an employer will ask you to sort out a VOG first.
In this blog we explain exactly what a VOG is, what you need it for, how to apply for one and what it costs. That way, you'll be ready for your new job in no time.
In short: a VOG proves that your past is no obstacle to a job or internship, and is mandatory for many student side jobs in, for example, childcare, education and healthcare.
€33,85
digital application via your employer
1 tot 4 weeks
average processing time
3 things needed
DigiD, iDEAL, email adress
What exactly is a VOG?
A VOG stands for Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (Certificate of Conduct). It is an official document proving that your criminal record is no obstacle to a particular job or task. The certificate is issued by Justis, the screening authority of the Ministry of Justice and Security. In short, with a VOG you show an employer that you can be trusted for the role you are going to fill. In doing so, Justis does not simply look at your entire past, but at criminal offences that are relevant to that specific role. Someone who works with children is screened on different points than someone who handles money.
What do you need a VOG for?
You don't need a VOG for every side job, but in certain sectors it really is standard. Think of working with children or vulnerable people, such as in childcare, as a childminder or as a supervisor at after-school care. As a tutor, sports coach or pedagogical staff member, organisations often ask for a VOG too. If you work in healthcare, at a bank or in security, a VOG is basically always part of it, because you deal with confidential data, money or vulnerable people.
Are you going to do an internship at a primary school in Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Utrecht? Then the school will almost certainly ask for a VOG before you are allowed in front of the class. Not sure whether you need one? Just ask your employer or internship supervisor, because they know exactly which requirements apply.
How do you apply for a VOG?
Good news: applying for a VOG is easier than you think, and you can usually do it right from your couch. In most cases, your employer sets up the application digitally for you. So you can't apply entirely on your own for a side job or internship, because there always has to be an employer or organisation requesting the VOG. Once that is arranged, you'll receive an email from Justis with an application code.
With that code you log in online with your DigiD, check your details and pay via iDEAL. So for the digital application you need three things: a DigiD, access to iDEAL and a valid email address. There are no requirements regarding your age or education. If the digital route doesn't work, for example because your employer doesn't set up the application online, you can use a paper form at the municipality where you are registered. The digital route is a lot faster and cheaper, though, so it is preferable.
What does a VOG cost and how long does the application take?
Applying for a VOG costs €33.85 in 2026 if the application goes digitally via your employer. If you apply for the VOG at the municipality, you pay €41.35. No VAT is charged on these amounts, and some employers reimburse the costs or even pay for the VOG entirely. So be sure to ask about that.
And how quickly will you have your VOG? In most cases you'll receive the certificate within one to four weeks. It's often faster, but a VOG within one day is not possible, because Justis has no official fast-track procedure. If there is something on your record or extra assessment is needed, it can run up to a maximum of eight weeks. So always apply for your VOG in good time, preferably well before your start date, so that the processing time doesn't jeopardize your first day of work.
Veelgestelde vragen over de VOG
De vragen die studenten het vaakst stellen, kort en duidelijk beantwoord.
Can I apply for a VOG for free?
Sometimes you can apply for a VOG for free. Volunteers who work with children or with people with an intellectual disability can obtain a VOG at no cost through the Regeling Gratis VOG (Free VOG Scheme). The condition is that the organisation is registered for this and meets the requirements. For an ordinary paid side job you pay the normal costs, although some employers reimburse them.
How long is a VOG valid?
A VOG has no official expiry date, because it is a snapshot in time. In practice, your employer or the relevant scheme determines how recent the certificate must be. Many organizations ask for a VOG that is no older than three to six months.
What is checked for a VOG?
Justis checks the Judicial Documentation System (Justitieel Documentatiesysteem) to see whether any criminal offences are on your record. Only offences that are relevant to the role count, and usually a four-year look-back period applies. For sensitive roles, such as working with children, a longer look-back period often applies.
Can I apply for a VOG without a requesting party?
For work or an internship, you can't apply for a VOG without a requesting party. There always has to be an employer, organization or institution requesting the VOG. Only for personal purposes such as emigration, a visa or adoption can you submit an application yourself, without a requesting party, at your municipality.
Can I apply for a VOG urgently within one day?
Justis has no official fast-track procedure, and so "a VOG within one day is not possible." The digital application via your employer is, however, the fastest route. Do you have a tight deadline? Then apply for your VOG digitally and as early as possible.
Can you use a VOG twice?
A VOG is issued for a specific purpose and a specific moment. Another employer may ask for a new, recent VOG that suits that role. So reusing one is sometimes possible, but don't count on it.
Will I still get a VOG if I have ever made a mistake?
You can still get a VOG if you have ever made a mistake. Most students get a VOG without any problems. That's because Justis only looks at criminal offences that are genuinely relevant to the role, within a look-back period of usually four years. So an old traffic fine or a small slip-up doesn't always mean you won't get a VOG.
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