Step-by-step plan: Starting a private security firm
If you want to start a security firm in the Netherlands, you must deal with various government rules and regulations. Use this checklist to determine which requirements you must meet.
This checklist is a guideline. You may need to follow other rules as well.
Entrepreneurs who intend to stay in the Netherlands must meet a number of conditions. You will sometimes also require a residence permit. Our interactive tool Moving to the Netherlands as an entrepreneur can help you find out quickly if this is true for you, and tell you what other requirements you have to meet.
If you plan to start a business in the Netherlands, you will also need to have or apply for a business bank account (IBAN). The Dutch Banking Association has created a Quick Scan to help you find out if you are eligible. Read how it works.
Work as a security guard is a protected profession. This means that you must meet specific requirements in order to practise this profession. You must comply with legal training requirements. Such as a diploma from the Foundation for Professional Examinations for Private Security Organisations (Stichting Vakexamens voor de Particuliere Beveiligingsorganisaties, SVPB, in Dutch). View all training requirements for professionals in security at Justis.nl (in Dutch).
You need a licence to establish a private security firm. Managers of a security firm also need separate ministerial consent.
There are additional requirements if your security company falls into one of these categories:
- Transport of cash and valuables. These requirements are not public and must be requested from the Ministry of Justice and Security.
- Alarm centres and video surveillance centres. These companies will only be granted a licence if a recognised organisation has verified that they comply with the rules. This organisation must operate in accordance with the rules of the Centre for Crime Prevention and Safety (CCV) and have the approval of the Deputy Minister for Justice and Security.
- Detective agencies. These must comply with the Privacy Code of Conduct for private investigation agencies.
Every manager of a security company must have approval from the Minister of Justice and Security.
For employees in your security company, you must request permission from the chief of police in your area or the commander of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (Koninklijke Marechaussee).
Once your employees and managers have been given permission, you must apply for a special ID card that they must carry with them.
Read more about applying for permission for managers, employees and the security ID card.
All employees who carry out security activities must wear a uniform that has been approved by the Minister of Security and Justice. Your uniform must have the prescribed 'V' emblem.
New businesses must register with the Dutch Business Register at the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK.
Are you hiring self-employed professionals? You must prevent false self-employment. Check with contractors whether they will be working as employees or as self-employed professionals.