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 to do this work. 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. When your application is approved you will receive a Dutch service numer (Nederlandse Dienstnummer, ND number). Managers of a security firm also need separate ministerial consent.
Are you going to work for a security company as a self-employed professional?
You do not need your own licence if the security organisation you are going to work for provides you with a uniform and special identification. For more information, please refer to the Step-by-step plan: Starting as a freelancer in security.
Do you arrange your own security assignments and uniform? In that case, you have a private security company and must apply for a licence.
There are additional requirements if your security company falls into one of these categories:
- Transport of cash and valuables. These requirements are not public but you can view them at the Ministry of Justice and Security.
- Alarm centres and video surveillance centres. These centres will only be given a licence if a recognised organisation has verified that they follow the rules. The organisation must work following 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.
Before managers and staff can work for you, you must ask for permission:
- For every manager of your security company, you must ask permission from the Minister of Justice and Security.
- For employees in your security company, you must ask 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.
If you start a private security business you must register with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK.
KVK gives your details to the Netherlands Tax Administration
KVK will pass on your details to the Tax Administration. You do not have to register your business with the Tax Administration yourself. If the Tax Administration considers you an entrepreneur for VAT purposes, you will receive your VAT identification number and VAT number by post.
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.