Licence for private security organisation or detective agency

Do you want to start or take over a private security organisation or detective agency in the Netherlands? You need a licence from the Ministry of Justice and Security. And you need approval for your employees to perform private security work. 

What are private security organisations? 

The Private security organisations and detective agencies act (Wet particuliere beveiligingsorganisaties en recherchebureaus, Wpbr) identifies various types of private 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 

Applying for a licence 

You can obtain a Wpbr licence via Justis (in Dutch). You can apply either online or in writing (in Dutch). A licence is valid for at most 5 years. If there are grounds for doing so, Justis may issue the licence for a shorter period. You have to renew your licence at least 3 months before 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. They can apply for recognition of their EU professional qualifications to Justis
• have a special proof of identity
• have an approved uniform
• work in accordance with the privacy code of conduct for private detective agencies 

Approval for managers, supervisors, and employees 

Managers, supervisors, and employees need approval 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 approval for both roles. 

Private security for hospitality 

Do you run a business in the hospitality sector? And do you employ doormen, 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 (in Dutch). 

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. The dog handler must carry this certificate at all times when on duty. You can apply for the certificate when the dog completes a dedicated training program with: 

• the Royal Dutch Police Dog Association (Koninklijke Nederlandse Politiehond Vereniging, in Dutch), or
• 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 must apply for a Private Maritime Security Company (PMSC) licence to the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). 

Ban on establishing and dispensation 

You are not allowed to be involved with a security firm or detective agency if you also work as a special investigating officer (boa), public prosecutor, police officer, or member of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee.

If you work as a special investigating officer (boa) 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.