Licence for private security organisation or detective agency
Do you want to set up or take over a private security organisation or detective agency in the Netherlands? You need a licence (in Dutch). You also need to request permission from the Ministry of Justice and Security or the local police for your managers and employees to perform this work.
There are various types of security organisations (in Dutch):
- security firms that provide security for one or more other organisations
- security departments that only provide security for their own organisation
- private investigation firms (detective agencies) that carry out investigatory work for private citizens or for companies
- firms that transport money and other valuables
- private alarm centres
- video surveillance centres
Operators of hotel and catering establishments who employ their own doormen, security staff or bouncers also need a licence.
Applying for a licence
You can obtain a licence and ministerial consent from the Ministry of Justice and Security via Justis (in Dutch). You can apply either online or in writing. A licence is valid for at most 5 years. Justis may grant you a licence for a shorter period of time. You have to renew your licence every time it expires.
Conditions for a licence
In order to be eligible for a licence, you must satisfy a number of conditions. Your employees must have the required diplomas, you can apply for recognition of these professional qualifications to Justis. There are also requirements concerning proof of identity, uniform and privacy.
Permission for managers, supervisors, and employees
Managers, supervisors, and employees need permission from the Ministry of Justice and Security or the local chief of police. If you are both a manager and an employee, you need to apply for permission for both roles.
Hospitality
Do you run a business in the hospitality sector? And do you employ bouncers or other security staff? You need a licence (in Dutch). You need to apply for renewal 3 months before your licence runs out.
Private alarm centres
Do you have a private alarm centre or video surveillance centre? You must be certified by Kiwa NCP to be eligible for a licence (in Dutch).
You may only have alarm equipment installed and maintained by qualified installers. These installers must have a declaration of reliability. Installers need to apply for the declaration of reliability to the chief of police of their residence themselves.
Certificate of suitability for dogs
Do you want to use a patrol dog or guard dog? You must have a certificate showing that the dog is suitable. When on duty, the dog handler must carry this certificate at all times. You can apply for the certificate to:
- the Netherlands Association for Patrol and Police Dogs (Nederlandse Bond voor de Diensthond, in Dutch)
Offering armed security on ships
Do you want to offer armed security on ships moving through specific at-risk areas? You apply for a Vessel Protection Detachment (VPD) to the Netherlands Coastguard, who assess your application with the Ministry of Defence. You may receive a VPD or a license to employ a Private Maritime Security Company (PMSC) depending on your application and the availability of a VPD at the time of application.
Ban on establishing and dispensation
Special investigating officers (boa's), public prosecutors, police officers, or soldiers of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee are not allowed to establish a security firm or detective agency. They are also not permitted to work for a security firm or detective agency.
For special investigating officers you can apply for dispensation through Justis (in Dutch).
Online application procedure via Message Box
Private alarm centres and detective agencies can also submit an application for a licence to Justis via Message Box. Message Box is a secure email system that enables you to exchange digital messages with Dutch government organisations.